NOS are essential guidelines in the UK. They are UK-wide, evidence-based benchmarks for competent performance. There are NOS for virtually every job role in every sector in the UK including health and social care (HSC) and children’s care learning and development (CCLD).
Why are they important?
The NOS are important on a number of levels but, most importantly, because they are a set of standards, of knowledge and skills, that workers are expected to meet in order to practice competently, safely and effectively in their field of work.
The Health and Social Care (HSC) and Children’s Care Learning and Development (CCLD) NOS were developed by Skills for Care and Development. These organisations work in partnership with key stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and practitioners. This collaboration ensures the standards are relevant and comprehensive. The Health and Social Care and Children’s Care Learning and Development NOS aim to:
- Define the skills and knowledge needed for health and social care roles.
- Ensure consistency across the UK in service delivery and quality.
- Support workforce development and planning.
- Provide a foundation for qualifications and training programmes.
Any NOS reviews are undertaken jointly by all UK alliance partners.
Launch of reviewed HSC and CCLD National Occupational Standards
The reviewed and updated suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Health and Social Care and Childcare Learning and Development (HSCCLD) were launched in May 2026.
The Social Care Council is part of the UK Partners Group in social care who worked in partnership to review and update the NOS to ensure these standards are up-to-date and fit for purpose.
The revised standards reflect the evolving needs of the social care workforce, service users and the wider sector. They ensure that the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required across roles remain current, consistent and aligned with best practice.
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