Sector reacts to Nicola Sturgeon's resignation
Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 16 February 2023
The world of social work reacted to the shock resignation of Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Rory Truell, secretary general and chief executive of the International Federation of Social Workers, said he was “very sad” at the news, acknowledging the pressures of being a female leader.
Likening her exit to that of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Truell wrote: “Both Nicola Sturgeon and Jacinda Ardern… courageously fought for better lives for all the people in their countries. They both set new agendas which have acted as role models…
“These leaders have carried immense workloads for the good of all people, yet the persistent attacks, hour after hour - day after day, because they are women politicians with mind and heart, have no doubt contributed to their decisions to stand down.
“It is a reminder to us all to provide all support for leaders that care. A reminder that even when we disagree with this or that detail, we must support the women and men in politics that strive for everyone’s rights.”
SASW responds
A spokesperson for the Scottish Association of Social Work said: “SASW, alongside the rest of Scotland, was shocked to learn of the sudden resignation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday.
“Not least does Ms Sturgeon retain the title of longest-serving First Minister in Scottish history, she is also Scotland’s first female First Minister – both notable achievements worthy of praise.
“Ms Sturgeon has left her role at a pivotal time for Scottish social work. SASW will continue to work with relevant stakeholders across the sector, as well as the Scottish government and Parliament, to ensure a strong voice for our members and people using social work services, as we navigate this period of change for both the country and the profession.”
Praise from children's organisations
Organisations representing children praised Sturgeon for her support.
Fiona Duncan, chair of The Promise Scotland which campaigns for the rights of children in care and the care experienced, said: "I, and many others will always appreciate the way in which the First Minister listened carefully to the thousands of stories told by members of the care community to develop her understanding that Scotland's 'care system' must become one that loves and nurtures each and every child...
"This, and subsequent support to #KeepThePromise, secured cross-party support and transcended politics.
"It will have meant a great deal to many who were listening... to hear the First Minister say the care community is "in her heart" and her dedication will be "lifelong."
Ryan McCuaig, chair of Who Cares? Scotland, said: ““We note with sadness the resignation of the First Minister and would like to place on record our thanks on behalf of our 3,933 care experienced members and the wider care experienced community for her tireless commitment to our cause.”
Children 1st, Scotland’s national children’s charity, tweeted: ““As First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon’s strong leadership paved the way for an ambitious policy programme for Scotland’s children and families. With her personal commitment, Scotland’s understanding of the impact of trauma and the need to prevent harm to children has really improved.
"We want to thank her for everything she has done to put children first as First Minister and wish her the very best for the future.”
National Care Service
Unison Scotland's reaction was more measured, coming in the wake of their warnings that one of her flagship policies – proposals for a National Care Service (NCS) - should be dropped.
A recent report by Unison said social workers in Scotland were considering quitting over the reforms.
Only around one in ten social workers thought the NCS would improve standards of care - 71 per cent thought it would have a negative impact, Unison found.
COSLA, which represents local authorities in Scotland, is against the plan, believing social services should remain under the control of locally elected politicians.
The policy has also attracted criticism over costings. Social Work Scotland queried whether it will “address the systematic underfunding of social work and social care."
SASW has expressed concerns that social work will be split and divided into silos. The Scottish government has commissioned review into whether children’s services should be part of the NCS.
Responding to Sturgeon’s resignation, Unison Scotland regional secretary Tracey Dalling said: “Nicola Sturgeon is a huge figure in Scottish politics – a constant presence over eight years including leading us through a pandemic. She has made a massive contribution to our country. I wish her all the best in whatever she chooses to do next.
“Her resignation is an opportunity to rethink public services in Scotland. Our next First Minister needs to deal with the NHS staffing crisis and reduce the worst waiting times since devolution, withdraw the National Care Service Bill which will not improve social care, invest in a grown-up relationship with local government and return it to being a key deliverer of public services, close the education gap and invest in public services across Scotland.”