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
Can you advise me on how to implement a service improvement plan for my care home?
Hi Senga, can you advise me on how to implement a service improvement plan for my care home?
The Care Inspectorate said we should have one to demonstrate we have a plan to review and improve our service.
Hello Lisa, If you are a customer of QCS you can use the template Service Improvement Plan in policy SMI09 Mock Inspection Leadership. If not you can refer to this document the...
Can you advise me on a continence issue?
Dear Senga,
Can you advise me on a continence issue? We do toileting rounds and change residents continence aids, however during a recent inspection we were told this was not correct and should be taking residents to the toilet and not solely rely on the aids.
Hello Rebecca, Toileting rounds was a term used many years ago. We no longer use this term for supporting people with meeting their needs and now advocate individual assessment and care...
I am looking for a lawyer expert in social care, can you advise me on what I should do?
Dear Senga,
Thank you for inviting questions. I am looking for a lawyer expert in social care law. I can’t even find a professional social care association.
This would include the law on the powers and responsibilities of care and local authorities.
Can you point me towards some lawyers that would be able to give support?
Dear Ken, I’m afraid I'm unable to directly recommend lawyers to you. However, there is an organisation called Scottish Care which represents the independent sector health and social care providers across...
Can you advise if I can attend courses during my working hours?
Hi Senga, can you advise if I can attend courses during my working hours? I wanted to go to a workshop but have been told by my employer I will have to go on my day off, if this correct?
Hello Charlene, Look at your terms and conditions (employee contract) this will inform you about time off to attend training events. There are courses which are mandatory for your role and...
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...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
