Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Angela Constance on 17 February 2025
To ask the Scottish Government how support for the social work profession will progress, following the decision not to proceed with part 1 of the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill.
We have agreed to establish a National Social Work Agency to support the social work profession. This will be an executive agency of the Scottish Government, and will be established by spring 2026.
The Feeley Review recommended a specific agency, and the social work sector and the workforce have told us change is urgently needed.
The National Social Work Agency will work in partnership with COSLA and Social Work Scotland, and wider sector partners. This is our opportunity to make a difference in our health and care system, to advance the social work profession and enhance support for people across our communities. We are committed to a skilled, supported and sustainable social work workforce in Scotland.