Staff members who have successfully completed nationally recognised work-based qualifications have been congratulated at a special Celebrating Achievement ceremony hosted by Moray Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Moray Council.
The event, held at the Gallery in Elgin Library today (Tuesday 16 June), recognised the dedication and commitment of employees from social care, social work and housing services who completed Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and Professional Development Awards (PDAs) between January 2025 and April 2026.
A total of 70 learning and development qualifications were achieved during the period, with more than 30 staff attending the ceremony to receive their certificates and celebrate their success alongside colleagues.
The awards were presented by Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council, and Jim Lyon, Interim Chief Social Work Officer and Head of Service for Moray HSCP.
The successful staff represented a wide range of roles across services, including social care assistants, support workers, sheltered housing wardens, residential childcare workers, day centre officers, care at home officers, housing support assistants, social workers and advanced practitioners.
The ceremony, organised by the Moray SVQ Centre and Social Work Training Team, marked the first formal SVQ presentation held by the council in almost a decade, recognising the significant achievement of staff who have balanced demanding roles and family commitments with study to gain nationally accredited qualifications awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Speaking at the event, Cllr Robertson said: “Congratulations to everyone who has achieved these professional qualifications. It’s inspiring to see staff investing in their own development while carrying out roles that make such an important difference to people and communities across Moray.
“Balancing work and study takes real commitment and determination. Everyone recognised today, including those unable to join us in person, should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”
Mr Lyon said: ” “Our workforce is our greatest strength, and investing in their skills and development is essential to delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred services. These qualifications reflect not only the dedication of individual staff members but also our commitment to building a confident and capable workforce for the future.
“Today’s celebration recognises the professionalism, compassion and resilience that our colleagues demonstrate every day.”
John Campbell, Service Manager – Provider Services, who also attended the celebration. said: “Achieving an SVQ or PDA while working in a challenging role is no small feat. It requires commitment, perseverance and a real passion for learning, and everyone recognised today should be proud of what they have accomplished.
“These qualifications give staff within our services the knowledge and confidence to grow in their roles, meet professional registration requirements and progress their careers, while helping us continue to provide the highest standards of care and support.”
The qualifications completed included:
- SVQ Level 2, 3 and 4 in Health and Social Care
- SVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Children and Young People)
- SVQ Level 3 Administer Medication to Individuals Unit
- PDA Health & Social Care: Administration of Medicine
- PDA Health & Social Care Supervision
- Newly Qualified Social Worker Programme
- Mental Health Officer Award
Thanks go to local companies who sponsored the refreshments at the ceremony.
