Annex 1: Agency-by-agency assessment of impacts
This annex summarises the potential impacts of establishing the National Social Work Agency on key organisations and sectors. It outlines potential positive effects, risks or negative impacts, and areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce existing roles. This assessment is based on early analysis and will be refined through further engagement during implementation.
COSLA and Local Authorities
Positive impacts
Local authorities and COSLA are expected to benefit from clearer national strategic direction, strengthened policy support, and improved national workforce planning. The NSWA will support consistency across Scotland while enabling local delivery.
Potential risks or negative impacts
There is a risk of perceived loss of local flexibility or autonomy, and potential resistance to change where new national approaches differ from established local practice.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
The NSWA will take a lead role in national workforce planning, policy coordination, and aspects of governance that are currently undertaken locally or through collective arrangements.
Social Work Scotland (SWS) and Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW)
Positive impacts
These organisations may benefit from strengthened sector leadership, clearer routes for collaboration, and enhanced influence on national policy and improvement priorities.
Potential risks or negative impacts
There is a risk of role overlap or potential for reduced autonomy, requiring adaptation to a new national landscape.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
The NSWA will assume responsibility for setting national direction on improvement and standards, and for aspects of national representation of the whole profession.
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Care Inspectorate
Positive impacts
More coordinated national standards, improved data and intelligence sharing, and clearer alignment between education, regulation, and improvement activity are anticipated.
Potential risks or negative impacts
Integration challenges may arise, alongside resource pressures or uncertainty around responsibilities during transition.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
The NSWA may take on greater responsibility for education oversight, workforce intelligence, and policy coordination, while regulatory functions remain with existing bodies.
Trade Unions (including UNISON and SPD Scotland)
Positive impacts
The NSWA provides opportunities to strengthen focus on workforce wellbeing, national engagement, and consistent professional support.
Potential risks or negative impacts
There may be concerns about increased workload, funding pressures, or delays in engagement during periods of transition.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
National workforce planning and centralised engagement mechanisms may reduce the need for multiple parallel discussions across organisations.
Universities and NHS Education for Scotland
Positive impacts
Improved coordination of student placements, stronger links between education and workforce planning, and enhanced research and development opportunities are anticipated.
Potential risks or negative impacts
Universities and education providers may need to adapt to new expectations, with some uncertainty during early implementation.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
The NSWA may assume a stronger coordinating role in placement standards, education oversight, and workforce pipeline planning.
NHS, Mental Welfare Commission, Risk Management Authority, and Community Justice Scotland
Positive impacts
Improved integration, better data sharing, and stronger policy alignment across related public services are anticipated.
Potential risks or negative impacts
There is a risk of role overlap or disruption as relationships and responsibilities are clarified.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
The NSWA may lead on cross cutting data standards, strategic planning, and policy coordination relevant to social work functions.
The Promise Scotland, Third Sector Organisations, and Advocacy Providers
Positive impacts
Opportunities for co production, service improvement, and strengthened partnership working with national oversight are expected.
Potential risks or negative impacts
There is a risk of perceived tokenistic engagement, increased resource demands, or uncertainty about influence if engagement is not well managed.
Areas where NSWA activity may change or reduce roles
The NSWA may take on a stronger role in national engagement, coordination of improvement activity, and advocacy for the social work profession.