Overview of the Award
The Pastoral Care Quality Award (PCQA) recognises social care providers in Scotland who demonstrate a strong commitment to the wellbeing, support, and integration of their workforce, particularly international and displaced workers.
The award is designed for care home, care at home and supported living providers who are committed to delivering high-quality pastoral support, fostering inclusive workplaces, and promoting best practice across the sector.
Its key purpose is to:
- Promote ethical recruitment and workforce wellbeing
- Recognise and celebrate good practice in pastoral care
- Support continuous improvement across the social care sector
Launch Details
The PCQA will officially launch on 7 July 2026.
A national launch webinar will be held, 7 July 1300-1400, to introduce the award, outline the application process, and highlight the benefits for participating organisations.
Call to Action
🔹 Attend the Launch Webinar
Join the national launch event to learn more about the award, hear from partners, and explore how your organisation can get involved.
🔹 Apply for the Award
Care providers are encouraged to complete a self-assessment and submit an application demonstrating their approach to pastoral care and workforce support.
🔹 Be Part of Sector-Wide Good Practice
Participation offers an opportunity to showcase your organisation’s commitment to workforce wellbeing and contribute to raising standards across social care in Scotland.
Link to register for the event: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6b4b7d8c-d3cf-4a9f-b264-3a8db0cb9373@10efe0bd-a030-4bca-809c-b5e6745e499a
Endorsements for the Pastoral Care Quality Award
Scottish Social Services Council
The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) recognises the potential value of good practice guidance and an employer self-assessment resource in promoting learning, reflection and improvement of pastoral care across the sector, particularly in helping employers reflect on and strengthen their approach to supporting New Scots.
Care Inspectorate
The Care Inspectorate acknowledges the important role international recruits play in the social care sector in Scotland. The PCQA has the potential to support employers of overseas workers to improve pastoral care for their workforce. This, in turn, can encourage good practice and a positive culture when supporting people who experience care.
Scottish Government
Scottish Government welcomes initiatives like the PCQA which encourage reflection and improvement of pastoral care across the sector. It is particularly valuable that this award will help social care employers to reflect on and strengthen their support for overseas workforce, in turn improving the experience of the workforce and those they support
