National Care Service Bill | January 2025

Notably, the Bill no longer includes two key provisions supported by SASW and our members:  the establishment in statute of the Chief Social Work Advisor (CSWA) and a National Social Work Agency (NSWA or Executive Agency). Having both in law would have guaranteed a stronger social work voice in Government that would remain irrespective of which party was in power. We remain committed to strengthening the voice and influence of social work in Government through a strengthened Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser and the establishment of an Executive Agency, whether they are enshrined in law or not. 

A National Care Service was one of the recommendations of the Independent Review of Adult Social Care (IRASC, also known as the Feeley Review). However, the key role that social work plays in assessment, budget allocation and the review of care plans was not addressed by the review. It failed to recognise the key role of social work in the assessment of social care need and the commissioning of social care services. This was reflected in our comments on early versions of the NCS Bill which we brought to the attention of the Health, Social Care and Sport committee. 

In addition to raising the profile of social work, two of SASW’s key objectives for the National Care Service Bill were to improve consistency of access to support across local areas and to ensure that, if people move across the country, they get the same support. We argued that to deliver greater consistency, assessment and decision-making processes must be led by social workers as accountable and respected professionals rather than driven by local financial, managerial needs, or culture. The social work profession in Scotland should be seen and experienced as a single public service profession with responsibilities extending beyond those to its employers. We maintain that establishing the Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser as an Executive Agency, with the intention to partner with local authorities and Social Work Scotland, is the most effective route and best opportunity to achieve greater consistency and continuous improvement in social work across Scotland.  

As our One Deal for Social Work campaign highlights, implementation of fair work and ethical commissioning must continue at pace. With adequate funding, this is the only way we can create a robust and thriving social care sector, that can support people according to their needs. Where geographic variation occurs due to workforce and commissioning difficulties, national government must consider other options for funding. The current commissioning model places all financial and business continuity risks on care providers, making it nearly impossible for many to operate in rural locations. This must change if long neglected rural services are to meet the needs of their populations. 

We will continue to work to ensure the best possible version of this Bill progresses and scrutinise any subsequent proposals. With your continued support, we will ensure that the social work voice is heard.