Who we are
The National Social Work Agency (NSWA) is an executive agency of the Scottish Government.
The NSWA is Scotland’s national leader for social work excellence. It’s progressive, collaborative and people-focused. It provides a unified voice that champions continuous improvement for the profession.
By combining expertise and knowledge with practical support, we aim to empower social workers and partners to deliver high-quality care for all.
We lead excellence and drive positive change in social work across Scotland. We also give expert, impartial social work advice to Scottish Ministers and government policy teams.
Our responsibilities
The NSWA will:
- advocate for all social workers (statutory, third and independent sectors), including students
- provide professional, impartial social work advice to Scottish Ministers
- report annually, via the National Chief Social Work Adviser, to Scottish Ministers on Scotland’s social work services and workforce
- support the National Chief Social Work Adviser to provide national professional leadership
- hold policy responsibility and oversight of social work education and professional learning
- work with partners through the Scottish Social Work Partnership (SSWP), to have oversight of national workforce planning and numbers
- enable collaboration and delivery of the Strategic Plan for Social Work in Scotland (2026 to 2029), as part of the SSWP
- oversee improvement priorities and promote collaboration with improvement agencies in the sector
Our senior leadership team
- Chief Executive and National Chief Social Work Adviser
- Deputy Chief Executive and Deputy National Chief Social Work Adviser
- Senior Professional Social Work Adviser (for adults)
- Senior Professional Social Work Adviser (for children)
- Senior Professional Social Work Adviser (for mental health services)
- Senior Professional Social Work Adviser (for justice services)
- Head of Social Work Professional Learning and Workforce
- Head of Social Work Improvement and Implementation
- Head of Strategic Policy and Corporate Governance
Our senior leadership team is made up mostly of registered social workers.
National Chief Social Work Adviser
Joanna Macdonald is the National Chief Social Work Adviser to Scottish Ministers.
In this role, Joanna will also serve as Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency.
Joanna will lead the staff in the NSWA and a team of professional social work advisers.
This dual role is an important step in strengthening social work leadership and collaboration across Scotland.
Statutory duties
The National Chief Social Work Adviser has statutory duties, including:
- 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 workforce in Scotland
Angela Latta, as Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser, supports the National Chief Social Work Adviser.
Angela provides expert impartial advice across all aspects of social work within the Scottish Government.
Further information
Read more about executive agencies of the Scottish Government.