Foreword by Angela Constance

I am pleased to introduce Valuing Practice: Scotland’s Framework for Social Work Education and Learning, which for the first time sets out clear standards for learning and development across the whole social work career. 

Social work is both extremely demanding and deeply rewarding. Every day, Scotland’s social workers make a meaningful difference to people's lives by upholding shared values of dignity, fairness and social justice in every assessment, every support plan and every review. Whether you are a student on placement, newly qualified or regularly sharing your extensive practice wisdom, collectively you are the ambassadors for social work and the values it represents. I remain committed to supporting you and the vital work you do. 

My own practice learning opportunities as a student significantly shaped my social work practice. I benefitted from the experience, nurture and challenge of my practice educators. I still recognise the help and encouragement of experienced social workers and their wider teams during my placements. Their support was hugely influential in shaping my work in three prisons and in the state hospital and, later, in my decision to undertake specialist qualifying as a Mental Health Officer and a Practice Educator. As well as the fulfilment I experienced from my daily practice, the opportunity to encourage and assist the readiness of the future workforce was incredibly rewarding. 

I recognise the importance of the steps already taken to progress the concept of a whole learning framework for social work. 

I am pleased that we have developed the firm foundations of the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE), created the Newly Qualified Social Worker Supported Year and delivered a new pathway to qualifying through the development of the Standard and Framework for the new Graduate Apprenticeship for Social Work. Having consolidated the requirements for learning in the qualifying and early career phase, and listened to professionals involved in daily practice, I am delighted that we now have a whole career framework to support professional learning. 

Demand for social work services continues to grow. It is therefore essential that, at every stage of their careers, our talented and passionate professionals have regular opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills, ensuring they receive the support commensurate with the complexity and importance of their role, and strengthening their professional standing and visibility. Although there is more to do, I firmly believe this framework represents a significant step towards ensuring our social work professionals are confident, supported and equipped to provide consistently high quality services for the people of Scotland, and that they feel valued for the crucial role they fulfil. 

The progress and publication of Valuing Practice has been achieved through strong partnership working across government, local authorities, employers, educators, regulators, the third sector, and people with lived experience. Working together towards shared goals has ensured this framework reflects both professional standards and the realities of practice. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to its development and who endeavour through their work each day, to ensure that people using social work services have the skilled, experienced and compassionate professionals to help them.  

Valuing Practice provides a shared foundation for the future. I encourage everyone involved in social work education and practice to engage with it, use it, and continue working together to strengthen the profession. By doing so, we will strengthen our skilled and resilient social work workforce, ready to meet future challenges and make a lasting difference to people and communities across Scotland.

Angela Constance MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs