SASW welcomes new National Director

Alistair Brown succeeds Trisha Hall, who has decided to retire

On Monday the 27th of May, SASW will welcome Alistair Brown as our new national director. He succeeds Trisha Hall, who led SASW for six years before announcing her retirement recently.

Alistair said: "I hope to work with the effective team we have at SASW to build on the excellent work Trisha has done, strengthen our collaboration with partners and government agencies, but also challenge where necessary to protect and enhance the social work role." 

Alistair has been practicing in Scotland as a social worker, MHO and independent for 10 years. Prior to this he practiced in Youth Mental Health in New Zealand. Formerly a professional officer at SASW, he remains on shift duty as an emergency social worker and is a member of the Mental Health Tribunals for Scotland.

Alistair is keen to increase member engagement in Scotland and understand what would enable more registered social workers to actively participate in their Association. He succeeds a dedicated professional whose career in social work spans 27 years.

Trisha began in the statutory sector within childcare and child protection before working in the voluntary sector, managing services for children and young people and becoming Regional Director for Aberlour Child Care Trust in 2006. She was appointed Head of Evaluation and Eesearch, before leaving Aberlour in 2013 to join SASW. 

Trisha said: "It has been almost six years since I took up post at SASW, and it has been some ride. No jobs in social work compare to this one. It has brought so many special days. Thank you for giving me the privilege of representing you."