Rational for a national social work agency

The NSWA will provide national professional leadership, coordination and support to address these challenges and deliver sustainable improvement.

Responding to rising demand and complexity

Scotland’s communities are facing increasingly complex challenges from poverty and mental health to justice and disability. Social workers are central to addressing these issues, yet the profession is stretched beyond capacity. Without coordinated national support, the ability to deliver early intervention and uphold statutory duties is at risk.

Fixing fragmented leadership and governance

Leadership and accountability for social work are currently dispersed across multiple organisations, resulting in inconsistent standards and limited coordination. The absence of a national infrastructure means no single body is responsible for resolving workforce pressures or driving improvement. The NSWA will provide strategic oversight and unified leadership. This will result in more consistent national standards, clearer lines of accountability and improved ability to respond to emerging challenges across the sector.

Tackling the workforce crisis 

High vacancy rates, burnout and poor retention are undermining the sustainability of social work. Differences in pay, conditions and career development across Scotland are making recruitment harder and weakening service delivery. Collective effort is needed to find sustainable solutions.

Strengthening education and entry into the profession

The NSWA will work with universities, employers and regulators to improve access to social work education, support high-quality placements and develop new pathways into the profession. This will help attract a diverse and well-prepared workforce, better equipped to meet Scotland’s evolving needs. 

Improving data and intelligence

Scotland lacks consistent, high-quality data to support workforce planning, service design and policy evaluation. The NSWA will lead the development of national data standards, enabling better decision-making and continuous improvement.

Coordinating policy and implementation

The NSWA will support implementing national policy where it relates to social work. Professional advice will guide policy development and ensure legislative changes affecting social work are resourced appropriately. 

Elevating the profession and public confidence

Social workers often feel undervalued despite their critical role. The NSWA will promote the profession nationally, support leadership development and help build public understanding of social work’s contribution across the health and care system.

Driving standards, innovation and improvement

The NSWA will drive professional social work standards, coordinate improvement activity and help support digital innovation across the sector. The NSWA will ensure social work is equipped to deliver safe, effective and person-centred support in a rapidly changing environment.