SASW seeks to influence National Care Service legislation

This week, SASW continued its engagement with MSPs on the Scottish Government’s National Care Service Bill.

MSPs debated the Bill for the first time last Wednesday (2 November) when the Conservatives proposed an opposition day debate on the ‘viability’ of the proposals. The Scottish Government defeated the Conservative motion for the Bill to be scrapped.

The legislation is currently being scrutinised by parliamentary committees at stage one. It is expected to be voted on by all MSPs in March 2023. Assuming it passes the initial vote, MSPs will then be allowed to table amendments.

SASW is speaking to all parties on possible amendments. This involves establishing what areas of the Bill we agree needs changed based on our suggested recommendations and their policies. We've briefed parties on our position and recommendations.    

This week, SASW National Director, Alison Bavidge met with the Scottish Green Party Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Gillian Mackay MSP and Scottish Conservative Shadow Health Spokesperson, Sandesh Gulhane MSP.

We made clear that the Bill must achieve ambitious reform of the role of social work to become a community-based profession where social workers have autonomy, time and resources to build relationships and trust with people who need support.

We also highlighted that a National Social Work Agency with explicit responsibility for improving working conditions and recruitment and retention must be included in the Bill. There must also be a commitment to properly resourcing a National Care Service and a local focus retained within the proposed care boards.

Next week, Alison will be giving in-person evidence to MSPs on the Health, Social Care and Sport committee on the legislation. You’ll be able to watch this live on Scottish Parliament TV from 9.30am on Tuesday 15 November.