National Induction Framework is creating positive change in adult social care

National Induction Framework is creating positive change in adult social care

Scotland's National Induction Framework (NIF) for Social Care is transforming the way new staff learn and develop, according to the latest six-month evaluation report.

Since its launch in May 2025, over 2,200 learners have accessed the NIF and 200 organisations have used it. This shows a significant step toward improving induction standards across the sector.

Co-developed with the sector and in partnership with the SSSC and NES, the NIF is designed to provide a consistent, high-quality learning experience. It offers 30 hours of accessible content covering essential topics such as:

• rights-based practice
• wellbeing
• protection

Hosted on the Turas Learn platform and linked to the SSSC MyLearning app, staff can track progress and share completion records giving them a portable learning passport that reduces duplication if they move between employers.

Gordon Paterson, Director of Social Care, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) said:

"The take-up and evaluation of the National Induction Framework (NIF) for Adult Social Care highlights how much the sector welcomes, values, and takes confidence from this new, essential resource.

"As well as strengthening shared learning and improving the competence of the social care workforce, the NIF, which was developed by NES in partnership with SSSC, is creating a consistent national standard for induction and helping to raise the quality of social care service provision in Scotland."

Feedback from adult social care staff

• 88% of workers would recommend the NIF to colleagues
• 89% of workers said that completing the NIF positively influenced their practice
• over 80% of workers said the NIF increased their knowledge
• workers highlighted the clear, practical content that improves communication, teamwork, and confidence

How the National Induction Framework helps employers

Employers have reported improved induction quality, reduced costs and greater sector consistency. There is strong interest in exploring accreditation for the NIF to align it with SCQF Level 6 qualifications, creating a stepping stone for career progression.

Opportunities for future development include adding interactive content, webinars and workbooks to cater to different learning preferences. This would strengthen the NIF's role in supporting workforce development and retention.

How organisations are implementing the National Induction Framework into their induction programs

Liz Lacy, East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Practice’s Development Manager said:

"The Social Care Learning Hub is introducing a new induction programme based on an adapted version of the National Induction Framework and promotes learning together, learning online and continued conversation in practice.

"The induction programme will be delivered over a six-month period from commencement in role. Base line evaluation will take place at the end of week one then a six-month classroom evaluation and influence on practice will be completed. We anticipate that the new programme will be successful and are excited about the development."

Caron Duffus, Turning Point Scotland’s Senior Human Resource Business Partner said:

"The National Induction Framework has been introduced over a period of time within our induction for new starts to support and add to our existing comprehensive induction and learning program. It blends well with our learning and development approach for current staff and supports ongoing continual professional development leading to career progression or a change within specialism, for example moving to a service that requires different skills."

Justin Rusk, Altogether Care’s Learning and Development Manager said:

"The National Induction Framework is really refreshing! We have adopted the full program. We bring new staff in for a development day, familiarise them with the process and do some group learning sessions using the content, for example, infection prevention and control. Feedback from staff has been great. They really like the content and find it easy to do. The NIF provides far better induction learning than anything our organisation could produce or maintain alone."

Find out more 

Visit the National Induction Framework for Social Care on Turas.

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