Part of Corporate Plan (interim) 2026 to 2027: Leading excellence, driving change in social work


3. Our purpose and our values

Our vision

The National Social Work Agency will empower Scotland’s social work profession to champion social justice, protect rights and keep people safe across Scotland.

Our mission

We will work in partnership with the social work profession, people with lived experience, and partners to strengthen practice, elevate the profession, shape policy, and drive positive change.

Our values

Our values will guide our actions, decisions and behaviours – everything we do. These are shared values and reflect our commitment to excellence and fairness in social work across Scotland. Everyone who engages with the National Social Work Agency should expect their interaction to be underpinned by the values of:

  • leadership: advancing the social work profession and promoting its profile
  • collaboration: working together with people, professionals, and partners to deliver better outcomes
  • excellence: striving for high standards and continuous improvement in social work practice
  • equity: promoting fairness and social justice for all, actively challenging inequality and supporting inclusion

As employees of the Scottish Government, we also work in a way that means:

  • we act with integrity
  • we are inclusive
  • we are collaborative
  • we are innovative
  • we are kind
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