5. Analysis of evidence

Evidence, as detailed in section 3, demonstrates the precarious state of social work. The urgent requirement to address the workforce reaffirms the need for a unified national approach to workforce planning and oversight to ensure sustainability of the system and efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided which has the potential to improve outcomes and protect rights.

The evidence we have examined emphasises the vital and multi-faceted role social work – and social workers – have in supporting children, young people and their families across Scotland.

In particular, evidence from the Committee sessions noted that high vacancy rates mean that social workers have high workloads, and may not be able to provide the type of support they would like or within the timescales they would like to provide it. Establishing the NSWA brings national social work service oversight and workforce planning, which will improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.

The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice recognises, in their response, that the NSWA will elevate the profile of social work and provide a central point for the sector – the profession will feel seen and valued – ‘professional’ again. The National Chief Social Work Adviser, with the NSWA to support them, will champion the vital work that social workers across Scotland do, raising awareness of the many ways social work supports society at all stages of life, so children and young people can be reassured that help and support is there for them as they grow up and lead their own lives.