This policy brief outlines recommendations for strengthening Ukraine's social sector workforce through the adoption of competency-based professional standards, workforce regulation, and continuous professional development. Drawing on a rapid review of international experience from the United Kingdom, Romania, Germany, France, Sweden, and Poland, the publication examines how competency frameworks support professional identity, service quality, workforce regulation, and alignment between education and practice. The brief identifies key priorities for reform, including updating professional standards, aligning them with the National Qualifications Framework and educational standards, integrating competency frameworks into recruitment and performance management, and strengthening continuous professional development systems. It also recommends establishing a national regulatory body for the social sector workforce, introducing accreditation mechanisms for professional learning programmes, and progressively embedding competency-based regulation into legislation and workforce management. These measures are presented as essential steps for modernising Ukraine's social services, supporting EU integration, and ensuring a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality services to children and families.
