Engagement
The NSWA recognises that meaningful engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders is essential to achieving its vision, aim and objectives. This ensures that as many voices are heard as possible, and the NSWA’s work remains relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Scotland’s communities.
Engagement at the heart of the NSWA
Meaningful engagement is central to achieving lasting, positive change for social work. Expertise, insight and lived experience of partners, the social work workforce and students, people who use services and their carers, and the wider public are fundamental to shaping the NSWA’s direction, priorities and impact.
Stakeholder matrix
Social workers
Interests/needs
- professional development
- wellbeing
- workload
- recognition
Engagement methods
- surveys
- focus groups
- advisory panels
- newsletters
Social works students
Interests/needs
- education quality
- placements
- career pathways
Engagement methods
- student forums
- feedback sessions
- surveys
People with lived experience
Interests/needs
- service quality
- accessibility
- voice in decision-making
Engagement methods
- co-production panels
- consultations
- feedback loops
Local authorities and COSLA
Interests/needs
- workforce planning
- policy alignment
- resource allocation
Engagement methods
- partnership boards
- regular meetings
- joint planning
Social work sector leadership
Interests/needs
- sector leadership
- policy influence
- collaboration
Engagement methods
- strategic partnership
- joint initiatives
Education providers
Interests/needs
- curriculum standards
- placements
- workforce pipeline
Engagement methods
- working groups
- joint reviews
- consultations
Scottish Government and Ministers
Interests/needs
- policy delivery
- accountability
- value for money
Engagement methods
- formal reporting
- briefings
- annual reports
Third sector / advocacy / independent sector
Interests/needs
- collaboration
- Innovation
- service improvement
Engagement methods
- partnership projects
- engagement events
Wider public
Interests/needs
- trust
- transparency
- understanding of social work
Engagement methods
- public communications
- media
- open events
Stakeholder engagement activities will be coordinated with the SSWP, ensuring aligned across the sector. Stakeholder engagement methods will be reviewed and adapted to reflect feedback and changing needs and to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
Working in partnership
Collaboration is central to the NSWA’s ethos. The NSWA will work closely with partners including COSLA, Social Work Scotland, education providers, regulatory bodies and third sector organisations to ensure the NSWA’s strategies and actions are informed by a broad range of perspectives. This partnership approach enables alignment of national oversight with local expertise, ensuring work is relevant, practical and responsive to the needs of communities across Scotland.
Listening to the current and future workforce
The experience of social workers, social work assistants, students and leaders is vital in shaping the NSWA’s objectives and activities. Through regular engagement such as surveys, focus groups, advisory panels and direct consultation, the NSWA will seek to understand the challenges faced by both the current workforce and those entering the profession, and will co-design solutions to support professional development, wellbeing and high-quality practice.
Valuing lived experience
People with lived experience of social work support are vital to the NSWA’s improvement journey. They provide insight into what works, where gaps exist and how services can be more accessible, inclusive and effective. The NSWA is committed to embedding lived experience in governance structures, decision-making processes and evaluation, ensuring its work is grounded in real-world impact.
Open and transparent communication
The NSWA recognises the importance of public trust and understanding in building a strong, sustainable social work profession. It is committed to open and transparent communication, providing opportunities for feedback and participation in shaping social work’s future. Through broad engagement, the NSWA will promote the value of social work, challenge stigma and ensure its work reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Scotland’s communities.
Commitment to continuous engagement
Engagement is not a one-off exercise: it is an ongoing commitment. The NSWA will continue to seek feedback, share progress and adapt plans based on feedback. This approach ensures the NSWA remains accountable, relevant and effective in delivering its vision to lead excellence and drive positive change in social work across Scotland. Continuous engagement will be delivered in collaboration with the SSWP, supporting sector-wide learning, adaptation and improvement.