The training video course “How to Become a Social Service Provider” was presented on 02 October 2024, offering detailed guidance and outlining the necessary steps on this path, which can significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of social services in local communities.

During the presentation, Uliana Tokarieva, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, highlighted that the development of social services, the professional growth of social service providers, strengthening the capacity of organizations offering these services, and expanding the pool of providers are key priorities for the Ministry. She also noted that the course can serve as a practical guide for organizations looking to offer social services.

Erlend Falch, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, emphasized the importance of the Council of Europe support for this project: “The key standard of the Council of Europe in the field of social rights is the European Social Charter (Revised), ratified by Ukraine in 2006. Article 14§1 of the Charter guarantees the right to access social services by establishing a network of services that help individuals achieve or maintain well-being and overcome any challenges related to social adaptation. For lasting impact, professional, high-quality social services must be available in every community, providing continuous support to those in need.”

How it works

All communities aim to provide quality social services to their residents, but not all have the resources to offer the full range of needed support. This creates opportunities for non-governmental organizations: their ability to respond quickly to needs and crises, along with their close connection to the community, makes them key players in delivering quality support to vulnerable populations who need it most.

Registration in the Register of Social Service Providers not only grants access to funding but also builds trust with the community, partners, and service recipients. It also facilitates collaboration with other registered providers and increases visibility to potential clients.

The course was developed by the NGO “Social Synergy” in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, with support from the Council of Europe project “Enhanced social protection in Ukraine”, as part of a grant.

The Council of Europe project “Enhanced social protection in Ukraine” is being implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” for 2023-2026, with the aim of improving social protection for vulnerable groups, particularly those affected by the war.