New pilot scheme aims to open the door to careers in Care in Shetland

The project will test a new approach to hiring in three local care settings: Edward Thomason and Taing Support Services, Supported Living, and Children's Social Work. Instead of focusing on qualifications or past experience, this approach looks at what really matters in care - the values, behaviours and attitudes a person brings to the role.

By simplifying the application process and putting more emphasis on personal qualities such as respect, dignity, and working well with others, the Council hopes to attract more people who may have thought a career in care wasn't open to them.

This pilot comes in response to long-standing recruitment challenges in social care, where many roles are difficult to fill due to a shortage of applicants and a lack of qualified or experienced candidates. The new approach aims to open the field to a broader range of people, including those returning to work or looking to change careers.

The application process will be more straightforward and welcoming. While applicants will still need to show basic competencies, the focus will shift away from formal qualifications and previous experience, greater importance will be placed on personal qualities and values, with successful candidates supported to learn on the job and gain relevant training and qualifications as they go.

Ingrid Smith, Executive Manager HR, says: "We know there are many people in our community who have the qualities to thrive in a care role, but may be held back by traditional recruitment processes.

"It's also about supporting our services by finding people who not only want to work in care, but are more likely to stay because their values align with the work they're doing and the team around them."

The Council will assess whether the new approach leads to more applications, faster hiring, better staff retention and a reduction in reliance on agency staff. If successful, it could be rolled out more widely.

To find out more about jobs in the Council, visit myjobscotland.gov.uk

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Published: 8th July 2025