Question reference: S6W-04537
- Asked by: Gillian Mackay, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 19 November 2021
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 1 December 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to research published by the British Association of Social Workers in January 2021 regarding the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental wellbeing and quality of working life of social workers.
Answer
The Scottish Government is aware, as explained in the Report, the mental wellbeing and quality of working life of social workers have been adversely affected by the COVID pandemic. In order to ensure that Scotland has a skilled and confident social services workforce, we are heavily investing in its development, working in association with key sector partners.
The wellbeing and resilience of Scotland's social workers have been at the centre of our actions, as we support the recovery of the workforce from the negative effects of the pandemic.
We have developed a national package of wellbeing support to address the wide range of needs of the workforce to complement and enhance the support offered by Boards and HSCPs at a local level.
We have taken the following specific actions to encourage a supportive culture within the social work profession:
- £80,000 has been provided to Scottish Association of Social Workers to develop the Professional Support Service.
- The service will provide peer support, allowing social workers to talk through issues and develop their career by getting advice and support from their own coach.
- The development of a coaching culture within social work will help to support the development of a stronger professional identity.
- Wellbeing and workforce resilience issues will be given a particular focus as we support the workforce’s recovery from the pandemic.
- A signposting service will allow social workers and social work students to identify appropriate learning, development and career pathway resources developed by the SSSC, NHS Education for Scotland and Iriss. This service will provide and promote career development opportunities through the provision of training opportunities.