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Publication - Publication

Business case

Published
16 Jul 2026
Strategic case

The National Chief Social Work Adviser

The National Chief Social Work Adviser (NCSWA) is a statutory, professionally qualified leader who provides expert, impartial advice to Scottish Ministers, reports on the health of the profession and drives national improvement and protection efforts. The national role is vital for ensuring social work is visible, influential and equipped to meet Scotland’s current and future needs.

Dual role

The Chief Executive of NSWA will also hold the statutory role of National Chief Social Work Adviser to Scottish Ministers. 

Legislative basis

The Care Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 amends the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968: Scottish Ministers must designate a member of their staff as the NCSWA. This person must be a registered social worker. 

Statutory duties 

The core statutory duties are:

  • advising Scottish Ministers on policy relating to social work and the protection of individuals at particular risk of harm
  • preparing an annual report for Scottish Ministers on the state of social work services and the social work workforce in Scotland 

Professional leadership and championing the profession

The NCSWA will provide professional national leadership, championing social work and strengthening its visibility and influence across government and the sector. Supported by the NSWA, the NCSWA will ensure:

  • national leadership: a unified, authoritative voice for social work at the highest level, ensuring social work expertise informs policy and legislation
  • oversight and accountability: annual reporting on the state of social work and its workforce will drive transparency and accountability, highlight challenges, achievements and areas for improvement
  • protection and advocacy: statutory duty to advise on safeguarding and public protection will ensure that individuals at risk of harm remain central to government policy
  • improvement: drive strengthened collaboration, improvements in education and professional development, to promote consistent standards across Scotland 
  • workforce solutions: coordinated national responses to recruitment and retention, supporting workforce planning and championing the needs of the profession
     
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