‘Laser focus’ needed to strengthen National Care Service Bill, warns Scottish Association of Social Work

The Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) is warning that the Scottish Government’s proposed National Care Service Bill falls short of delivering much needed improvements for social work and that a ‘laser focus’ will be required to make progress.

The Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will consider its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at stage one today (Tuesday 6 September).

Responding to the Committee’s call for evidence, SASW highlighted that a “national care service offers a chance to reform social work and to make it a universal service, accessible to people when they need support or advice…. However, the Bill in its current form does not provide the detail required to affirm that it can deliver these necessary elements.”

SASW held nine engagement sessions in July and August to hear the views of social workers about the Bill’s proposals to help formulate the SASW submission.

Commenting, SASW National Director Alison Bavidge said:

“Social work is in a vulnerable position. Setting the Bar Report evidenced the challenges facing the profession, from unmanageable caseloads to serious staff shortages. We cannot continue down this path.

“This Bill is an opportunity to radically change and substantially improve how social work is experienced in Scotland. We can choose to create a cohesive, community-based profession where social workers have autonomy, time and resources to foster relationships and trust with people who need support. We can choose to build profession that people can approach before they reach the point of crisis that also offers clear career pathways and support for social workers.  

“I am optimistic that Scotland can achieve this, but the Bill in its current form lacks important details about the role of social work and the operation of a National Social Work Agency. These details are fundamental to the future of the social work profession and must be addressed immediately to ensure that people are able to fully consider what the Bill means.

“If Ministers are committed to passing the Bill in the current parliamentary term, then a laser focus is needed from everyone involved to make these substantial changes and deliver greater effectiveness and a more caring society. This must include mapping out a clear, robust strategy for the co-design process.  

“SASW will continue to engage proactively and constructively with Scottish Ministers and Parliament wherever possible to get this legislation right.”