Having well-qualified and better trained regulatory staff will help drive up the quality of care across Scotland, according to Public Health Minister Shona Robison.

The minister's comments came as she presented 40 Care Commission staff with specialist qualifications designed to improve the delivery of care throughout Scotland.

Addressing the graduation ceremony for the Regulation of Care Award (RoCA) certificates at Dundee's Apex Hotel, Ms Robison said: "I want to offer my congratulations to all the students who are receiving this award, which is testament to their commitment and hard work.

"It is vital that we have well-qualified staff in place to help us drive up the quality of care services through effective and professional regulation.

"These awards give confidence to service providers and the public that those who regulate care services have the skills and qualifications to carry out their roles to the highest standard."

The RoCA award is the first professional qualification in regulation available to Care Commission staff, augmenting and enhancing their existing skills and experience and for their registration with the Scottish Social Services Council. As well as theory, it is also closely-linked to their practical, frontline duties - increasing staff credibility and their expertise in how to judge the quality of care services across the country.

The RoCA award has been developed in partnership with Cambridge-based Anglia Ruskin University, the Care Commission and the Scottish Social Services Council. The latest graduates are the fifth cohort to complete the course.