The Social Work Education Partnership (SWEP) is pleased to share the findings from the recent engagement sessions, detailed in the report “Findings from Engagement Sessions – Insights to Strengthen Social Work Education and Future Workforce Development January 2025“. Conducted between March and May 2024, these sessions brought together a diverse group of participants, including social work educators, practitioners, students, and strategic partners, to gather a wide range of perspectives on the current state of social work education and workforce development.
The engagement sessions highlighted the urgent need for a robust infrastructure to address the challenges faced by Scotland’s social work workforce. Key themes that emerged include the importance of partnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and employers, strategic workforce planning, and fostering a shared professional learning culture. Discussions emphasised the need for consistent experiences and opportunities for social work students across institutions, starting workforce planning from entry into qualification routes, and flexibility in delivering qualification routes.
This report serves as a critical tool for shaping national and regional infrastructure. The views and ideas expressed by attendees will inform, support, and guide future work to enable a shared approach and ownership to professional learning, understanding, and accountability across key partners. The aim is to futureproof social work education and create national consistency within social work education that can be adapted to local needs.
Overarching principles agreed upon during the engagement sessions include:
- Partnership working between higher education institutions (HEIs) and employers should be at the centre of social work education from the outset of the degree course and throughout.
- Promoting a shared professional learning culture through knowledge exchange and research in all parts of qualifying education and social work practice.
- Social work students across Scotland should have consistency of experience and equity of opportunity, regardless of their geographical location, qualification route, or academic institution.
- Workforce planning should begin at the point of entry to social work qualification routes, ensuring enough social workers are trained to deliver high-quality services.
- All social work students undertaking qualification routes via Scottish HEIs should be guaranteed that at least one of their assessed practice learning opportunities takes place within a local authority setting.
Social work as a profession is currently at a crossroads, with changing societal needs and expectations shaping its future direction. It is essential to consider both the immediate skills and competencies required by employers and the foundational values and long-term goals of social work. Addressing key questions about advocating for social justice, adapting to new challenges, and integrating innovative practices is crucial. Establishing robust national and regional infrastructure in social work education is needed to ensure that training programmes align with employer demands and support the growth and evolution of the profession. This will prepare social workers to meet diverse community needs and drive positive social change. Ultimately, the findings herein advocate for student social workers to receive consistency of experience and equity of opportunity, supporting a positive transition into professional practice to ensure services provided in communities are of the highest standard.
One of the standout suggestions from the sessions was the creation of a centralised database for data management. This database would streamline data collection and analysis, improving decision-making processes and ensuring that all stakeholders have access to accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, there was a strong call for investment in local authority learning and development to increase practice learning opportunities within statutory settings. This investment is seen as crucial for providing social work students with the practical experience they need to succeed in their future careers.
Another significant suggestion was the establishment of a centralised resource hub for practice educators. This hub would enhance access to necessary tools and information, promoting equity and professional growth among educators. By providing a centralised platform for resources, practice educators can more effectively support social work students, ensuring they receive high-quality training and mentorship.
The report underscores the importance of developing a robust infrastructure to ensure consistent training and preparedness among graduates. By bridging regional gaps and promoting equity and access to support, the social work education system can better meet the needs of both current and future social workers. The findings advocate for collaborative working, active engagement, and co-ownership by all partners to develop a framework for futureproofing social work education.
The SWEP Programme Office extends its gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to these engagement sessions. Your insights, experiences, and dedication have been invaluable in shaping this document. The report also recognises the positive work already happening in social work education and the dedication of those involved in driving these efforts forward.
Next Steps
The findings from the SWEP engagement sessions provide valuable insights into the key areas for strengthening social work education and workforce development in Scotland. These sessions highlighted the importance of strategic workforce planning, funding for practice learning, early adoption of students by local authorities, placement matching, and the pivotal role of the SSSC. By addressing these key areas, the social work sector can tackle current challenges and build a sustainable future.
The collaborative approach to social work education, involving HEIs, the workforce, and regulatory bodies, is essential for developing a competent and skilled social work workforce. The SWEP Strategic Group is committed to leveraging these insights to formulate a comprehensive strategy and action plan addressing the key findings. This proactive approach aims to maintain and improve the quality of social work education, ensuring consistency in training and preparedness among graduates, and ultimately enhancing the quality of services provided to people who use social services.
The SWEP Strategic Group will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop and implement these strategies. Updates on the progress and any new developments will be shared on the SWEP website to keep everyone informed and engaged in this ongoing effort.