SASW express ‘growing concerns’ over care reforms

The Scottish Association of Social Workers has written to health secretary Nicola Sturgeon to express “growing concerns” about proposed health and social care reforms.

In a letter sent this week, Scotland manager Ruth Stark says SASW supports moves to make the health and social care system easier for people to navigate but adds there are fears that proposals to integrate health and social care could “unravel” the social work structure.

“We understand that from a political perspective that finding solutions for issues in the delivery of social work services is complex,” she says. “We are a lateral service in systems that tend to be distinct services like criminal justice, health and education.”

But she urges the minister to ensure that the integration plans, announced by the Scottish government earlier this year, allow social workers to continue to work holistically. “We have some of the most advanced social work services in Europe which we should build on not dismantle,” she argues.

Ms Stark also asks that the chief social work adviser post is retained and that practitioners are properly supported with strong professional leadership and a clear practice governance framework to support staff in providing good quality ethical practice.