National Social Work Agency
We're an executive agency of the Scottish Government, created to strengthen and support the social work profession.
We lead excellence and improvement and provide expert, impartial professional advice to Scottish Ministers. We help shape the policies and services that affect people and communities.
Read about the NSWA launchWho we are, what we do, vision, aims and values and how to contact us.
Valuing Practice, qualifying pathways, career stages, professional learning and current developments.
Workforce data, strategy and policy, recruitment and retention of social workers, equality, diversity and inclusion
Evidence based initiatives in social work.
What social workers do, values and ethics and how to access social work services.
General enquiries, media, complaints, FOI and concerns.
News
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Nearly £1 million investment announced as National Social Work Agency launches
The NSWA has officially launched, accompanied by a major £994,000 Scottish Government investment.
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National Social Work Agency launches on World Social Work Day, 17 March 2026
Scotland will this week mark a landmark moment for social work with the launch of the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) on World Social Work Day, 17 March 2026.
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Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work
The Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work offers a new, additional route to qualifying as a social worker.
Publications
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Privacy policy
National Social Work Agency privacy policy.
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Corporate Plan (interim) 2026 to 2027: Leading excellence, driving change in social work
The interim corporate plan sets out our year 1 priorities for 2026 to 2027 and how these priorities align with Scotland’s National Performance Framework.
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Equality Impact Assessment
Examines impacts on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.