Office of Social Services (OSS)

The OSS is a Professional Grouping located within the Social Policy Group of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS).  The OSS supports Ministers, the DHSSPS, other Government Departments, Agencies and organisations working in the field of social work and social care.

The OSS works with others to ensure that social work and social care services are responsive to the needs of people living and working in Northern Ireland and are of the highest possible standard in keeping with the resources available.

Formerly the Social Services Inspectorate, the OSS completed its final inspection programme at the end of 2006.

Northern Ireland Departments/Assembly require a range of professional social work advice.  This advice is mainly provided by the OSS to the Policy Branches within the DHSSPS and to the Criminal Justice Division of the NIO.  Our advice is available to all departments of Government in Northern Ireland and the majority of our resources are used for our advisory work.  We try to make sure that we give the best advice available, based on research, professional experience and up to date information.  To get the best advice we speak on a regular basis to experts in the HSC Board, HSC Trusts, Voluntary, Community and Independent Organisations, Universities and Colleges and the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

Northern Ireland Departments/Assembly may need professional advice about any laws which are being proposed or when it is amending other legislation such as regulations.  They may need general advice at an early stage about whether the law is needed and it may need more details advice about the effects of changes they wish to make.

Northern Ireland Departments/Assembly need professional advice when new laws are being put into practice.  We also assist the HSC Board, HSC Trusts and other organisations to do this.  We also give professional advice about developing policies and about how policies in other fields of work, such as education, affect social work and social care services.  We also work closely with the Policy Branches in carrying out reviews of existing Departmental policies.

The Chief Social Services Officer (CSSO), is supported in the discharge of his DHSSPS and NIO responsibilities by an Assistant Chief Social Services Officer and a team of Social Services Officers.

Is the Acting Assistant Chief Social Services Officer and she is responsible for the day to day management of the OSS across the full range of child care and adult social services.

The administration branch supports the work of the OSS through day to day management of the degree in social work student incentive scheme, administrating training support programmes and by providing administrative back-up to the OSS.