SASW Engages with Social Workers on the National Care Service Bill

This week, SASW ran two online engagement sessions for social workers and students across Scotland on the proposed National Care Service Bill.

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to some insightful discussions. The feedback provided will support SASW’s work in influencing how this Bill takes shape.

The legislation is poised to have major implications for the future of social work across the country. It includes the establishment of a National Social Work Agency to oversee all social work functions and workforce planning. You can read the Bill, accompanying documents and our briefing on our NCS hub here.

However, the Bill is only a framework, leaving space for further detail to be set out as it moves through parliament. This means that social work has an opportunity to feedback and shape what the National Care Service looks like.

The first part of this process is to provide evidence to the lead parliamentary committee examining the Bill. This will be the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. You can respond as an individual to their consultation here.

SASW will also be submitting a response on behalf of the profession. Our engagement sessions offer the chance for you to share your views and concerns to shape that response. You can also ask questions, hear views from colleagues or learn more about the Bill and its journey to becoming law. The next sessions will run on the following dates:

Thursday 17 August, 1.00-2.00

Thursday 17 August, 6.00-7.00

Thursday 31 August, 1.00-2.00

Thursday 31 August, 6.00-7.00

Please contact jonny.adamson@basw.oc.uk to sign up.

In addition, SASW will also invite members to share written feedback on specific aspects of the Bill over the coming weeks. These mini surveys will arrive in your inbox every Monday or Tuesday, starting next week.

Finally, the Scottish Government is also running a series of online engagement sessions that anyone can attend. You can find more details here.

Of course, you can always share your thoughts with our Policy Officer anytime. Please contact jonny.adamson@basw.co.uk