Who should carry out a consultation

Where a consultation is required it must be carried out by a suitably qualified person employed by Social Security Scotland (Social Security Scotland Act, s 13 and ADP Regs, reg 61). Practitioners employed by Social Security Scotland will be suitably qualified because they meet the requirements set out in the ADP regulations (ADP regs, reg. 61).

Practitioners belong to at least one of four categories. A senior practitioner should select the most appropriate practitioner to carry out a consultation. The categories are: 

• Adult Health
• Social Care
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Health

A client may have multiple health conditions and/or disabilities. A senior practitioner should select a practitioner based on the area(s) of discussion they have identified for the consultation. A consultation may cover multiple health conditions and/or disabilities. A senior practitioner should select a practitioner from the category that is relevant to the most significant discussion areas.

Where the client has reported a learning disability or mental health condition, a practitioner from one of the below categories should be assigned to carry out the consultation

• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Health

A client may report a learning disability and a mental health condition. In this case the senior practitioner should decide which category of practitioner is most relevant to the areas of discussion identified for the consultation.