One Deal for Social Work
In the face of burnout and high vacancies, we are calling for a set of nationally agreed terms and conditions for social workers across Scotland.
#MessagesFromSocialWork Exhibition at Scottish Parliament
This event engaged almost 50 MSPs, 7 of whom were Ministers. This exhibition gave MSPs an insight into the reality of being a social worker and a person using services in Scotland today.
Calling for an increase in the Mileage Allowance Rate
We are calling for an increase to the mileage allowance rate for social workers and social care staff. We have engaged with MSPs from all parties on this issue, which has been raised with Scottish Ministers directly in the parliament chamber.
In July 2023, SASW and BASW England wrote to the UK Chancellor urging the UK Government to lift the non-taxable rate to 60p a mile and calling on UK Ministers to work constructively with the Scottish Government to address this pressing issue.
In October 2023, SASW wrote to the Scottish Government calling for all social workers and social care workers to receive mileage rates on a par with colleagues in the NHS, who rightly now receive 61p a mile.
In April 2026, BASW UK wrote to the Chancellor, after pressure caused the Chancellor to say she would keep an eye on the mileage allowance.
Jane Shears, SASW National DirectorMileage allowances were set in 2011, since then we've had several cost-of-living crises and fuel cost increases. It's time for action.
Calling for better social work student bursaries
Backed by the SASW and SWU, social work students campaigning for change in Scotland have won post-graduate funding reform. The reforms, which come in from the 2024-25 academic year, will enable students not eligible to receive bursary support through the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to apply for the postgraduate funding package administered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
Following a review, the Scottish Government has set out in a letter to students that Ministers “will provide all eligible under- and post-graduate social work students with an assessed practice learning placement in-year with a grant of £750.” The Scottish Government has also developed a Graduate Apprenticeship in social work.
The student-led campaign is now calling for bursaries for all third and fourth year undergraduate social work students who work on the front-line alongside their studies, and for a pathway towards equality with other public-sector degree courses. These first steps the Scottish Government has taken are welcome, but there is still much to be done. We are seeking new members to support this campaign, as after achieving so much as students, the campaign leaders have qualified and moved into their careers.
MSPs on the committee unanimously backed our campaign and agreed to take the issue forward with the Scottish Government.
Thanks to all this campaign activity, the Scottish Government have now agreed to review current funding arrangements alongside the SSSC with a view to considering how the bursary system can be made fairer.