Falkirk’s Chief Social Work Officer, Sara Lacey, has welcomed the launch of Scotland’s new National Social Work Agency, describing it as an opportunity to “raise the profile of social work, and support a confident, skilled workforce for the future”

The agency officially launches today (17 March) to coincide with World Social Work Day, whose theme, “Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society”, highlights the role of social work in uniting communities and promoting justice, dignity, and inclusion.

In a video message to mark both events, Sara said: “This year’s theme, Co-building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society, captures something at the heart of social work.

“Harambee, meaning ‘pulling together’ or ‘all for one’, feels especially relevant just now. Here in Falkirk, we’ve faced real pressures and uncertainty in recent months, yet what consistently shines through is how people come together – across teams, services, and communities – to support one another.

“Harambee reminds us that our response is rooted in unity, compassion, and shared purpose. It’s a call to keep pulling together, especially when times are tough.”

Lacey welcomed the launch of the new national agency, explaining: “Today also marks the launch of Scotland’s new National Social Work Agency – an important milestone for the profession.

“The national agency gives us a chance to strengthen our collective voice, raise the profile of social work, and support a confident, skilled workforce for the future.  It will help shape national policy, drive improvement, and support us through the challenges ahead.”

National Chief Social Work Adviser and NSWA Chief Executive Joanna Macdonald said: “It is a privilege to mark the launch of the National Social Work Agency on World Social Work Day – a day that recognises the unique contribution social workers make as they walk beside people in their daily lives.

“This investment in education and learning is a significant step forward in strengthening the profession. By widening routes into qualification, expanding practice education and supporting continuous professional learning, we are building a confident, capable workforce equipped for the challenges ahead.

“The National Social Work Agency will work in partnership with national and local government and the profession to provide strong national leadership, champion dignity and human rights, and ensure social workers have the support they need to improve outcomes for people and communities across Scotland. I am proud to lead this new agency as we begin this shared endeavour.”

To support the NSWA’s ambitions, almost £1 million of Scottish Government funding has been committed to social work education. The £994,000 will be delivered by the Scottish Social Services Council across three strands: enabling 64 new social workers to qualify via distance learning; supporting up to 100 postgraduate practice educators; and helping up to 50 students complete Mental Health Officer training. Together, these strands directly address workforce shortages in some of the most demanding areas of practice.

The launch also saw the publication of ‘Valuing Practice: Scotland’s Framework for Social Work Education and Learning’, providing a shared vision for social work education across the career.

The NSWA will operate as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, led by National Chief Social Work Adviser Joanna Macdonald.

Further information about the new national agency is available at www.socialwork.gov.scot