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Publication - Impact assessment

Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

Published
7 Aug 2025

5. Stakeholder analysis and consultation

Stakeholders

Below are listed the stakeholder groups involved in the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) project, including external stakeholders, and their interest in the project.

  • Social workers - professional development, workforce planning, service improvement, representation
  • Social work students - education quality, placement opportunities, entry into the profession
  • People with lived experience - improved services, inclusion in decision-making, co-production
  • Local authorities and COSLA - workforce coordination, policy implementation, partnership delivery
  • Social Work Scotland - strategic leadership, improvement support, professional standards
  • Scottish Association of Social Work - professional standards, workforce data, and improvement activities
  • Education providers - curriculum alignment, placement coordination, workforce pipeline
  • Scottish Government and Ministers - statutory oversight, policy delivery, public accountability
  • Third sector/independent sector - collaboration, service improvement, representation of vulnerable groups
  • Wider public - trust in social work services, transparency, improved outcomes

Method used to consult with these groups when making the DPIA

Consultation was carried out with COSLA and Social Work Scotland during the development of the SSWP Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) Privacy Notice. Stakeholders were advised that the Scottish Government, via NSWA, is the sole data controller for all personal data processed under this initiative. Their feedback and input directly informed the content and approach of this DPIA. Given the establishment phase of the NSWA, consultation was proportionate and focused on key partner organisations.  For all other stakeholders, a privacy notice is provided, and feedback is invited through established communication channels.

Data protection issues identified by these groups during consultation

During consultation with COSLA and Social Work Scotland, the following data protection issues were identified and considered:

  • the importance of minimising the use of personal data and maximising anonymisation wherever possible
  • ensuring clarity on the lawful basis for processing and data sharing arrangements
  • the need for robust data security measures, especially when sharing data between organisations
  • transparency with stakeholders and data subjects about how their data will be used, through clear privacy notices

No significant unresolved issues were raised; all feedback was incorporated into the DPIA and supporting documentation.

Method used to communicate the outcomes of the DPIA

The outcomes of the DPIA are communicated to stakeholders as follows:

  • COSLA and Social Work Scotland receive direct updates and have access to the DPIA and related documents as part of ongoing partnership working
  • all other stakeholders are informed via the published NSWA Privacy Notice, which outlines the purposes of processing, data protection measures, and rights of data subjects
  • any significant updates or changes to the DPIA will be communicated through these established channels
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