New leadership body for Scottish social work

A new organisation representing leaders in Scotland’s social work services has been established following a year-long review of the former Association of Directors of Social Work.

‘Social Work Scotland’ was formally launched at the Association’s annual conference yesterday along with its 10 year vision.

The new body will play a key role in supporting social care and social work staff at a time when significant change is taking place due to public sector reform.

The emerging integration of health and social care, the increasing examples of integrated service arrangements for children across Scotland and the forthcoming changes to how community justice services are delivered will all herald significant change for one of the largest workforces in Scotland’s public sector.

Social Work Scotland’s membership will be open to senior managers in the public, voluntary, private and health sectors whose organisations are directly involved in the provision of social work services.

More junior managers, who aspire to be the future leaders in social work services, will also be able to join and contribute to the new body’s work.

Sandy Riddell, President of Social Work Scotland said that the new body will give much needed leadership and direction at a time of transformational change in public services. He stated:“It will play a crucial role in influencing the policies of government; providing expert comment and leading thinking on social work service matters; and supporting partnership working and wider service integration.

“Although the current public sector landscape is challenging, we see enormous opportunities for the sector in terms of refocusing how vital services are led, organised and delivered in order to better support individuals and local communities.

“There has never been a more important time for leaders across the social work profession to have a cohesive voice to ensure that the unique contribution, role and potential of social work are fully promoted and developed. Social Work Scotland will play a critical role in making this happen.”