SASW responds to reported shortfall in Mental Health Officer workforce

The Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) is calling on the Scottish Government to not wait until the establishment of a National Care Service to address ‘blatant’ social work staff shortages.

The calls have been made following today’s publication of the 2021 Mental Health Officer’s report by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) which revealed that an estimated additional 79 full time Mental Health Officers (MHOs) are needed in Scotland.

MHOs are specially trained social workers who carry out statutory duties in relation to mental health legislation. According to the report, 26 local authorities have reported a shortfall in their MHO workforce. This amounts to 2,840 more MHO hours needed each week to meet demands.

Responding to the findings, SASW National Director Alison Bavidge commented:

“Mental Health Officers across Scotland go to incredible lengths to help those in need of support. However, they are under extreme pressure to meet rising demands, made harder by a lack of capacity and resources.

“This report is stark evidence that we urgently need more MHOs in Scotland. Indeed, the severity of staffing shortages across social work is blatant. We know from the Setting the Bar report that this is resulting in social workers working flat out to help people. This impacts on people who use services and the welfare of staff.

“To get more MHOs, we need more social workers. The need for both has never been greater. Workforce planning must also reflect the time it takes for social workers to train to become MHOs.

“We cannot afford to wait until a National Care Service is established to address staffing challenges. Scottish Ministers must take heed of the warnings in this report and act without delay. SASW will continue to make that case to government.”