Executive summary
Purpose of this section
The National Social Work Agency (NSWA) Full Business Case sets out the rationale, options appraisal, delivery arrangements, and assurance for establishing a new executive agency to lead excellence and improvement across social work in Scotland. This summary provides an overview of the case for change, the recommended model, expected benefits, affordability, and implementation approach.
Strategic case
Scotland’s social work sector faces increasing demand, growing case complexity, and sustained workforce pressures, compounded by fragmented leadership and inconsistent standards. The absence of a dedicated national body has led to gaps in workforce planning, professional development, and improvement activity.
The NSWA will address these challenges by providing unified strategic leadership, supporting the profession, and driving improvement in outcomes for people who need social work support. As an executive agency, the NSWA will provide clear national oversight, coordination and accountability for the social work profession and aligned improvement activity. The NSWA will contribute to the Scottish Government’s National Outcomes: creating a more successful country where everyone can flourish through increased wellbeing, social justice and inclusive growth.
Economic case
A comprehensive options appraisal considered seven delivery models as part of the Outline Business Case. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was used, in line with HM Treasury guidance, to assess benefits.
The recommended option – establishing the NSWA as an executive agency – offers the strongest performance across all criteria, including professional advice, power and authority, deliverability, accountability, and partnership working. As the options considered relate primarily to organisational form and governance, they were not sufficiently different to allow meaningful monetisation of benefits. MCDA was therefore used to compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of each option.
The Economic Case confirms that the executive agency model performs most strongly against the agreed qualitative criteria and has the lowest additional cost of the non‑business‑as‑usual options considered.
Commercial case
The NSWA will operate a single-organisation procurement model for shared services, ensuring value for money, efficiency, and consistency.
All procurement activity will comply with relevant legislation and Scottish Government policy including, following the Scottish Procurement Policy Manual. Market testing has been undertaken to assess supplier capacity and capability, and procurement risks will be managed through robust contract management and regular review.
Financial case
The NSWA is affordable within the existing Scottish Government revenue budget envelope, with funding confirmed by DG Education and Justice. No additional capital funding is required. Revised and more accurate cost estimates have been made since the Outline Business Case, significantly reducing the estimated additionality associated with establishing the NSWA.
- Running costs: Additionality averages around £250k per year after the initial establishment period.
- Staffing: Transition of existing staff from the Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser (OCSWA) to the NSWA reduces reliance on costly secondees, supports a permanent workforce model, and delivers long‑term savings and stability.
Management case
Development of the NSWA is governed by arrangements to ensure effective oversight, accountability and delivery. A shadow programme board was established, with transition to formal governance led by the National Chief Social Work Adviser and an NSWA Advisory Management Board.
Establishment of the NSWA will be phased, including launch and establishment of core systems. Risks will be managed through a formal risk register, contingency planning and regular assurance reviews. A benefits management strategy will be implemented, with regular tracking, reporting and corrective action to ensure delivery of intended outcomes. Continuous engagement with the workforce, partners, and people with lived experience will underpin delivery.
Section summary
This business case demonstrates that the NSWA can be established and operated within existing resources, delivering significant benefits for the social work profession and the people of Scotland. The recommended approach is robust, evidence-based and aligned with national priorities and best practice.