Social and health care personnel

There were about 385 500 employees in the social welfare and health care sector at the end of 2014. About a quarter of them were employed in private health and social services and non-governmental organizations.

The MSAH administers the work of social and health care staff nationally and is responsible for developing the sector's human resources. This administration relies on various means: legislation, recommendations, as well as monitoring the stock, mobility and shortages of the personnel.  

The MSAH seeks to ensure that social and health care has sufficient human resources and strong professional expertise.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for education and training of social and health care personnel.

Developing human resources

Personnel form the key strategic asset and factor in the successful operation of the social and health care sector. Human resource development affects the quality and output of services, as well as staff well-being at work.

Advisory boards support personnel development

The Advisory Board of Health Care Professionals assesses the training development requirements of health care professionals and initiates training reforms.

The Nursing Division of the Advisory Board of Health Care Professionals defines the new competences of nursing personnel and measures to meet their competence requirements.

The Advisory Board of Social Sector Professionals works to improve the effectiveness of management structures and working practices in social care and social services. It also tries to effect on availability of social care professionals and promotes their expertise and well-being.

Forecasting expertise and human resource needs in social and health care

The MSAH takes part in inter-ministerial work on anticipating of demand for labour as well as quantitative and qualitative education needs.

National Supervisory Authority

National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) grants the right to practice as a health care or social welfare professional as well as supervises them and medical facilities both in the private and public sectors.

Further information

Juha Luomala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Social Affairs 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare / APO, Clients and Personnel Unit / ASI 0295163492