Newly Qualified Social Worker’s (NQSW) Supported Year in Falkirk
This page should provide an overview of the Supported Year process in Falkirk. If there’s any further information you wish to discuss please contact the NQSW Supported Year Coordinator, dean.mcgrandles@falkirk.gov.uk.
As of 3rd June 2024, the SSSC’s Continuous Professional Learning requirements changed. For some of our NQSWs this meant that they no longer completed the Record of Achievement under the PRTL framework and now moved over to the Supported Year framework. For all NQSWs who have registered from October 2024 they will be on the Supported Year framework.
NQSWs should take time to complete Mandatory Learning Activities to evidence their learning to the SSSC. They will be provided the following supports from Falkirk Council to achieve this:
The Supported Year Framework and the Mandatory Learning Activities help to support our NQSWs with their development around the Core Learning Elements of social work practice. See the table below for a breakdown of these learning elements:
Below is a roadmap of the process for NQSWs joining Falkirk Council and each of the steps involved in this. This roadmap also shows the documents needed at each stage of the process:
It’s important that NQSWs record their learning as they go in a way that supports their learning and demonstrates their development.
Links to Original Documents
Please access the Implementation section of the SSSCs NQSW Website for the original templates for each NQSWs portfolio.
Mandatory Learning Activities: Core learning elements for social workers newly qualified social worker (NQSW) descriptors and mandatory learning activity – Scottish Social Services Council
Supported Year Overview: NQSW Supported Year overview and guidance 2024 – Scottish Social Services Council
Employer Support: Definitions of employer support an employers commitment to newly qualified social workers – Scottish Social Services Council
Falkirk Guidance Documents
NQSW Supported Year in Falkirk (2025)
Pre-Employment Checklist and Induction Plan Template
Falkirk’s Supported Year (Complete Document)
Falkirk’s Supported Year (Core Learning Elements)
Falkirk’s Supported Year (CPL Framework)
Falkirk’s Supported Year (Overview)
Supported Year Sampling Guidance
