Summary of aims and expected outcomes
The NSWA will affect the entire social work workforce, including students, social work assistants and those in non-fieldwork roles.
Data published on 05 January 2026 indicated that there were 10,778 social workers registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).1 Of this figure, 6,748 frontline social workers were employed by local authorities.2 The remainder work out-with local authorities, including the third sector, government, higher education and further education institutions, the Care Inspectorate, the SSSC and other public bodies. There is approximately 1,099 social work assistants employed in Scotland, providing vital support for social workers to undertake their roles and duties3.
Recent figures show there were 1,819 students enrolled on the nine universities (including The Open University) offering undergraduate and postgraduate social work courses.4 Data obtained from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows there were 620 student entrants in undergraduate and postgraduate social work courses in Scotland, including the Open University.5
Creating the NSWA will also indirectly have an impact on those supported by the social work profession. It is anticipated that this will be a positive change by providing national oversight and championing the profession.