Pastoral Care Quality Award scheme
Pastoral care supports induction, wellbeing, and cultural integration to help staff settle and remain in their roles.
Strong pastoral care improves staff confidence and retention, enhancing care continuity and quality for service users.
The Pastoral Care Quality Award (PCQA) offers a framework to strengthen pastoral care practices, promoting fairness, inclusion, and wellbeing in social care.
PCQA
PCQA Launch Event
Watch the PCQA launch event held on 7th July 2026, hosted by Alan Povey and Paul Dundas (recording of event in editing stage. ETA 9th July)
Understanding the Pastoral Care Quality Award
What the PCQA Is
The PCQA is a voluntary, sector-led framework to improve pastoral support for New Scots in adult social care.
What PCQA is Not
It is not a regulatory inspection or accreditation, nor a branded initiative owned by a single organisation.
Focus on Continuous Improvement
PCQA emphasizes self-assessment and sharing good practice without adding bureaucratic burdens on providers.
Complementing Existing Frameworks
The award complements but does not replace existing regulatory standards or inspection bodies.
Who the PCQA is for
Relevance for Care Providers and Employers Across Scotland
PCQA supports various care providers across Scotland regardless of size, type, or location, promotinginclusivity and flexibility.
Flexible Engagement Approach
The PCQA framework accommodates organisations at different development stages with adaptable andproportionate requirements.
Support Across Roles
PCQA principles apply to managers, HR leads, supervisors, mentors, and frontline staff supportingworkforce wellbeing and culture.
Commitment to Ethical Employment
Engagement with PCQA signals dedication to fair work, inclusion, ethical practices, and enhancingemployer reputation.
What the award covers
Key Areas of Pastoral Care Reflected in the PCQA Framework
Focuses on welcoming and supporting new staff during their initial weeks andmonths in post.
Ongoing Wellbeing Support
Pastoral care is continuous, adapting to staff’s evolving wellbeing needs over time.
Cultural Awareness and Integration
Encourages inclusion, understanding, and positive relationships within diverse teams.
Practical Support and Communication
Provides access to information, guidance, and trusted support networks through clear communication.
The PCQA journey
Public Launch and Webinar
This public launch of the PCQA, on 7th July 2026, marked the transition from development to implementation and sector-wide engagement.
This national webinar launch brought together senior voices from partner organizations alongside representatives directly involved in developing the award.
Care providers and employers from across Scotland were invited to learn more about the PCQA, and ask questions about what participation involves.
Employer Participation Support
Following this launch, employers will have access to guidance, self-assessment materials, and support resources designed to help them engage with the award at their own pace.
There is no requirement to participate immediately, and organizations are encouraged to approach the PCQA as part of their ongoing workforce development journey.
Ongoing Learning and Peer Support
PCQA promotes learning opportunities, shared practice, and peer support during award rollout to build community. Opportunities for learning, sharing practice, and peer support will be explored as the award is rolled out.
Pre‑Arrival
Welcome letter
Information packs
Early engagement
Arrival & Settling
Travel & accommodation support
Welcome packs & essentials
Community & staff connections Practical support (banking, GP etc.)
Induction & Ongoing Support
Tailored induction
Culture & communication support
Health & wellbeing
Training & competency
How to apply
The application and review process of the PCQA goes through 3 phases.
Self Assessment - Requesting a self-assessment form is an important first step in reviewing your current level of support. This process will help you identify your key strengths, recognise the areas that are working well, and consider whether you are ready to apply for the award. It will also highlight any areas for further development or reflection before progressing to the next stage.
Assessment Form - Following completion of your self-assessment, you may request to proceed to the full assessment process by contacting the team and confirming your intention to move forward. Once we receive your request, we will provide you with the full assessment form, which covers the same areas as the self-assessment and requests supporting evidence to be submitted alongside your responses.
Review Panel - The PCQA panel meets twice a year to review applications and provide formal outcomes. If your application is successful, you will be notified in writing. Where the panel determines that additional evidence or further action is required to meet the expected standard, you will receive a full written explanation, including supportive guidance on the next steps. This correspondence will also outline how to reapply when you are ready.
To start your PCQA journey, request a self assessment form by emailing us on nes.pcqa@nhs.scot or complete this Pastoral Care Quality Award - Self Assessment.
We will reply quickly to your request.
Messages of support
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
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.
Contact us
A dedicated email mailbox has been created for all your PCQA applications, questions and support.
Would you like more information on the scheme, how to apply, support in completing paperwork or any other query, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
To contact the team, please email us directly at nes.pcqa@nhs.scot and we will reply to you quickly.