1. Introduction

This Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) outlines the rationale, expected outcomes for business, and implementation considerations for establishing the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) as an executive agency of the Scottish Government. The NSWA aims to address systemic challenges in social work and the social work profession and improve workforce sustainability and service delivery.

This partial BRIA is being developed during the shadow phase of NSWA development. Engagement to date has been limited and has primarily occurred through existing forums and ongoing interactions inherent in the social work policy landscape and the development of the National Social Work Agency. As work progresses, further targeted engagement will be undertaken to strengthen the evidence base and inform development of the final BRIA, which will be developed by March 2027.