SASW meets with Gillian Mackay MSP

This week, SASW National Director, Alison Bavidge met with Gillian Mackay MSP, Scottish Greens Spokesperson on Health and Social Care to discuss the mounting pressures on the social work workforce.

Ms Mackay previously supported the work of SASW and continues to highlight the campaigns calling for better working conditions and more support around and education and training. During the meeting, we emphasised the need for increased opportunities, more career pathways, and more funding to become a social worker, which would support a profession facing significant recruitment and retention challenges. We also highlighted the importance of the National Social Work Agency in raising the profile of social work as an attractive and sustainable career choice.

Discussions focused on the importance of a reformed social work, which would enable professionals to build relationships with individuals, families, and communities. Ms Mackay acknowledged the pressures the workforce is under, and agreed that without clear focus on solutions, there is a risk of losing valuable social work wisdom, knowledge, and expertise. It was reassuring to hear Ms Mackay’s continued support and representation on behalf of the social work profession in Scotland. She agreed to continue to work with SASW to raise the profile, public understanding, and visibility of the profession. We will keep Ms Mackay and her team informed of our members’ views to make changes that benefit Scotland’s social workers, individuals, and communities.

We are thankful to Ms Mackay and her team for taking the time to meet with us and continuing to proactively engage with us and support our work.