Ask Senga 
Senga will try to answer as many of your Scottish Social Care questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Senga Currie is Head of Care Development (Scotland) at QCS, she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a registered mental nurse and registered general nurse for 38 years, working in various areas within the NHS, community nursing, the field of addictions and the private sector. With 21 years of experience working with care homes, starting as a nursing sister and moving into roles of home manager, regional manager, care services manager and regulation manager.
Senga will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Please note that Senga cannot offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the Care Inspectorate Scotland.
Latest Questions
Should my organisation be paying my fees to retain registration with the SSSC?
Hi Senga,
I am wondering if the organisation I work with should be paying my fees to retain registration with the Scottish Social Services Council, which is payable annually. My friend works for an organisation who do this, should they be paying it?
Hello Fiona, No organisation is liable to pay your registration or re registration fee. Some organisations do decide to pay fees such as NMC or SSSC registration, however this is seen...
How much notice needs to be given when taking holidays during the school break?
Hi Senga,
Can you advise me please I wanted to take my holidays during the school break, and I have been told I can’t as someone else has the time off? I thought as long as I gave enough notice, my holidays are mine to take. How long in law must I give to request holidays?
Hello Jean, There is no hard and fast rule in law for this, but you should check your policy on taking leave. Unfortunately, times like school holidays are very popular and usually...
What dependency tool is suitable to use for Adults with Learning Disabilities?
Hi Senga, I am struggling to find a dependency tool suitable for adults with learning disabilities. We provide support within the supported living model and residential model.
Hello Margaret, I am unsure if you have tried the Augmented IORNS Tool which you can access here. There was an interesting article in the Nursing Times titled, ‘The A-Z Guide of...
What qualifications do I need to be a support worker in Scotland?
Hello Senga, can you advise me on the qualification the SSSC are asking for now? I am a support worker and I have an SVQ 3 and a friend told me this qualification no longer counts, is that correct?
Hello Bert, Firstly, your qualification (SVQ 3) still counts therefore don’t be concerned. The qualifications are described with the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels in mind and your qualification would enter...
I am looking to develop myself further in my career, is there anything you can recommend I do to progress?
Dear Senga,
I am looking to develop myself further in my career and have no management knowledge or experience. Is there anything you can recommend I do to progress? I can’t go to night school as I have small children and can’t afford to spend a lot of money. I attend all the training my workplace offer but I want to develop further.
Hi Heather, There are lots of courses you can do online in a time that suits yourself. It is great to know you want to develop your career. Do you know about...
At our last inspection we were advised to further develop our nutrition care plans and I don’t know where to start?
Hi Senga,
At our last inspection we were advised to further develop our nutrition care plans and I don’t know where to start. Our care plans were not detailed enough to fully support the people in our care. Can you give me some hints and tips?
Hello Priscilla, I can understand the need to have a comprehensive nutrition care plan as so much of our quality of life involves good nutrition. The Care Inspectorate developed an excellent tool...
How can the SBAR method be used to assist with communication?
Hi Senga, I have recently started in a senior position and a colleague told me I should use the SBAR method when communicating with teams and external professionals. I didn’t want to ask her to explain, do you know what this is?
Hi Basset, Yes, I am aware of Situation Background Assessment Recommendation (SBAR). It is a technique that can be used to facilitate communication. This communication model has gained popularity in healthcare settings. It...
I work in Care at Home and I have been told that I must be registered with SSSC by end of the year, is this correct?
Dear Senga,
I work in Care at Home and I have been told that I must be registered with SSSC by end of the year, is this correct? I thought I had until next year to register.
Hello Dotty, That is correct, you need to apply for registration with SSSC by 13 December 2019 to guarantee your application is processed before the mandatory date for registration. SSSC guarantee...
I work in care at home and noticed there was a camera recording my visit in a new client’s home, is this allowed?
Hello Senga,
I work in care at home and last week I noticed there was a camera recording my visit in a new client’s home. It made me feel very uncomfortable, can people record me?
Hello, You should immediately escalate to your line manager, who should either contact the local authority funding the support or alternatively if the person is self-funding speak to the family or...
I am keen to help people with incontinence problems, do you have any advice?
Dear Senga,
We, at our care home have toileting rounds where we help residents to the toilet and change people’s incontinence pads. I am keen to help people with incontinence problems do you have any advice?
Hello Paula, That is good to know that you are trying to support people with their independence and help with continence. There is lots we can do to help people such as...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
