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.
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.
The new executive agency of the Scottish Government has been created to provide national leadership for social work, strengthen the profession and drive improvement in services that support people and communities across Scotland.
A progressive, collaborative and people focused national leader for social work excellence.
The NSWA is led by Joanna Macdonald, the National Chief Social Work Adviser and Chief Executive of the Agency. Joanna will host an online launch session for social workers on 17 March, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Scotland’s approach to supporting and promoting its social work profession.
A unified national voice for social work
The Agency’s creation follows extensive evidence gathering and the 2025 Care Reform (Scotland) Act, which established the statutory role of the National Chief Social Work Adviser. The Adviser must be a registered social worker and is responsible for providing independent, evidence based professional advice to Scottish Ministers on policy, practice and the protection of people at particular risk of harm.
The NSWA brings a unified, authoritative national voice to champion the profession across government.
As Scotland’s national leader for social work excellence, the NSWA will collaborate closely with COSLA and Social Work Scotland through the Scottish Social Work Partnership, providing unified leadership and aligning national priorities for a skilled, sustainable workforce.
Vision, mission and values
The Agency’s vision is to empower Scotland’s social work profession to champion social justice, protect rights, and keep people safe. Its mission is to work in partnership with social workers, people with lived experience, and sector partners to strengthen practice, shape policy and drive positive change.
The NSWA is guided by four core values:
- leadership
- collaboration
- excellence
- equity
These values reflect a commitment to Scotland’s National Outcomes, including ensuring people grow up loved, safe and respected, supporting inclusive communities, and promoting human rights and fairness.
What the NSWA will do
The Agency will provide national leadership, coordination and support for the profession. Its remit includes:
- providing impartial professional advice to Scottish Ministers
- shaping national policy affecting social work
- overseeing social work education and professional learning
- leading improvement priorities and supporting national implementation
- reporting annually on the state of social work services and the workforce
- working with partners on national workforce planning
Clearer guidance, stronger national coordination and better support for practice.
What this means for social workers
The NSWA will deliver:
- a stronger, more supported profession
- more consistent practice expectations
- better policy grounded in social work realities
- improved implementation of national strategies
- a future ready workforce through a National Training Plan
- greater transparency through annual reporting
The NSWA will shine a light on the challenges and achievements of the profession.
Partnership at the heart of change
The Agency will work with sector leaders, social workers, students and people with lived experience. It will publish a one year interim corporate plan (2026–27) and provide regular updates through its new website and national developments newsletter.