This survey will help us tell MSPs and policymakers what you need in order to deliver The Promise, and what barriers stand in your way. We would be keen to hear real-world examples from practice or leadership. The survey will close on Thursday. www.surveymonkey.com/r/keepingthe...

A fantastic day at the SASW MHO Conference 2026, yesterday. Thank you to our Sponsors, Exhibitors and Speakers. It was amazing to see such a passionate and engaged workforce coming together to discuss the challenges and opportunities for MHO practice. #SASWMHOConf26

The brilliant Neil Gibson from Social Work Scotland speaking about the challenges facing the MHO workforce, what is being done to help tackle it and how SWS is bringing workers together. #SASWMHOConf26

Kicking off the SASW MHO Conference today, Joanna Macdonald, Chief Executive of the NSWA and National Chief Social Work Adviser, tells MHOs their role is vital and unique. A fantastic start to an exciting day. #SASWMHOConf26

Today, we have published a briefing ahead of the final vote next week, on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, with our partners at Social Work Scotland and the Association for Palliative Care Social Workers. Read our briefing here: buff.ly/6gj960I

When the Social Worker Has the Diagnosis: Why Lived Experience Isn’t a Liability BASW Student Ambassador, Shannon McClenaghan reflects on the relationship between lived experience and practice. Read the blog: buff.ly/37i9Rig?

This week, Fulton MacGregor MSP has lodged a motion for debate at the Scottish Parliament, aiming to strengthen adoption support for families. The motion is on the back of the recent work by the CPG on Social Work on adoption support, which we have been pleased to support. buff.ly/VcGBrsX

The final Cross-Party Group on Social Work of the Parliament will take place today. If you'd like to join us for the session, please email [email protected], and we will send you a link.

Join us on March 5 for this year's MHO conference, Flourishing in Practice: Resourcing and Sustaining Scotland's MHOs. With keynote speakers from the Scottish Government, Social Work Scotland and the Scottish Recovery Network. buff.ly/eQ7EvkY

You can hear our own Co-Chair Caroline McDonald and colleague George Hannah on this episode of the 'Let's Talk Social Work' Podcast covering the upcoming elections in Scotland and Wales. Apple 🔗 buff.ly/jz3nQRu Spotify 🔗 sptfy.in/d2ur

Join us for Hearing From Practice, free for members. Whether you're just starting out or simply interested, come along to listen, learn, and ask your questions. Don’t miss it - be part of the conversation! buff.ly/r7MPOEx

'Ignorance and hate will never win in our profession' A social worker has written an open letter in support of workers from overseas in the wake of anti-immigration comments by Jim Ratcliffe. Read more: buff.ly/3PfiR6o

Last year we published a report highlighting the difficulties social workers face accessing flexible working. If you'd like to raise this issue with your MSP or candidate at the upcoming election you can find our how using our Election Hub. Report: buff.ly/yKe0gtM Election Hub: buff.ly/goUSIX9

We have been raising the issue of social workers being harassed and targeted online with our colleagues at the Social Workers Union. Our website a features a short guide on how to protect your privacy online and help to keep yourself safe. See more: buff.ly/l6mjCQ3

Response to Scotland's Vision for Kinship Care Consultation. Social workers want this vision to succeed for the children and families they work alongside. That requires unflinching honesty about what it will take to deliver it properly. Read our response here: buff.ly/AHJ6ZGf

Join us for Hearing From Practice, free for members. buff.ly/r7MPOEx

There is still time to complete the second 'Have Your Say' Workforce Wellbeing Survey from the SSSC. Up until 20 Feb. It is important that your views on working environment and conditions are heard. www.research.net/r/HYS2026

FREE coaching for any situation, at any stage in your career, you can pick from a panel of approved coaches and get up to six sessions per request completely free, thanks to support from the Scottish Government. See more: www.basw-pss.co.uk

Scotland needs social work which is Nationally consistent, Relationship-based, Professionally respected and Supported to thrive: Use our Scottish Parliament Election Hub to tell your MSP you support our campaign. Campaign link: buff.ly/x5P7yEz Election Hub link:https://buff.ly/ZanNKr1

From how services are funded, to how students are supported, the next Scottish Government will have a huge impact on social work. Your ability to practice and the resources in your team are largley dependent on decisions taken by the Scottish Government. See here: basw.co.uk/scottish-par...

The Scottish elections are fast approaching. Whether you're experienced in political activism, have always had questions but never known how to ask, or just want to become more engaged in the process, our election hub is here to help you make the most of your democracy. buff.ly/JwF3NEL

Course Outline: Cultural curiosity is more than recognising differences in race or religion; it involves recognising that we are all shaped by our experiences and are influenced by cultural norms and understanding. basw.co.uk/events/cultu...

During our visit to the University of Strathclyde, students shared ongoing challenges they face during placements, particularly the lack of flexibility. If you missed it, have a look at our report Flexible Working in Scottish Social Work: buff.ly/oxQes2l

Time to Talk Day 2026, Making places stigma free for everyone. See more, get help and find out how to support change: buff.ly/v2O2Sm7

Free and supported by The Scottish Government. Sign up now for free coaching and support. Available for any social worker or social work student in Scotland. See more: buff.ly/qx8mkaM

Join the Social Work Policy Panel meeting TODAY. Listening for impact – a care experience planning conversation 1200-1300, Free for all social workers and social work students. Book: buff.ly/3Y6ddrF

To make the Promise a reality, brave decision-making will be essential. Teams across Scotland are committed to keeping the Promise, but despite their dedication and effort, the scale of the challenge requires a significant step-change in resource allocation. buff.ly/VdHta6e

Consultations we responded to this week. SSSC Revised Fitness to Practice Rules. Read More: buff.ly/lBKAtPp The Future of Council Tax. Read More: buff.ly/Bqt5Qey

New Year, Supported You. What’s your biggest professional challenge right now? 🔘 Managing workload 🔘 Confidence indecision-making 🔘 Navigating workplace issues 🔘 Career development 👉 Learn more about the SWPSS www.basw-pss.co.uk/sign-up/

Today, we mark Holocaust Memorial Day. We commemorate the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution.

We need to take a whole system approach to change, if we are to better meet the needs of supported people and the workforce. Read the reports and our full comment here: basw.co.uk/policy-and-p...

Why employers recommend SWPSS: 🔹 Early support reduces escalation 🔹 Staff feel heard, valued and supported 🔹 Professionspecific coaching builds resilience 🔹 Independent space = honest reflection 👉 Learn more about the SWPSS buff.ly/iNWr1Tk

“I felt heard for the first time in months. My coach helped me navigate a difficult workplace situation and regain my confidence.” This is the impact of independent, profession-specific coaching. This is the SWPSS. 👉 Learn more about the SWPSS www.basw-pss.co.uk/sign-up/

This response draws on our members' professional expertise and reflects SASW's commitment to transparency, accountability, and rights-based approaches to social care.

As an organisational member of Healthy Air Scotland, we are backing the manifesto for clean air and #CleanAirNight 2026. We understand that around 2700 early deaths a year are caused by air pollution in Scotland, and believe that clean air should be a human right. buff.ly/FJfBdWv

Join the next Cross-Party Group on Social Work in the Scottish Parliament online. We will hear about the role of lived experience in social work education and how that work can be better supported going forward. Use the form here to sign up for the CPG buff.ly/SkrLESK .

Audit Scotland's latest briefing on community health and social care performance makes for sobering reading and confirms what social workers have consistently told us since the introduction of integrated joint boards: the current model of integration is failing to deliver. buff.ly/V7xgTgi

Audit Scotland's latest briefing on community health and social care performance makes for sobering reading and confirms what social workers have consistently told us since the introduction of integrated joint boards. Read our full comment and the report here: basw.co.uk/articles/soc...

Independent. Confidential. Designed for social workers. SWPSS isn’t an EAP or a generic wellbeing offer - it’s profession-specific coaching created by social workers, for social workers. 👉 Learn more about the SWPSS www.basw-pss.co.uk/register-coa...

Anti-racism learning resource that SASW developed for the SSSC in collaboration with the Social Work Anti-Racism Advisory Group? The resource allows social workers to learn and reflect on how to embed anti-racism into social work practice. See the learning resource below: buff.ly/ceXXUJa

The latest SSSC workforce data published by SSSC reveals a concerning pattern of instability in the social work workforce. Read our full response: basw.co.uk/articles/sas...

Don't forget to use your free coaching and support service. Supported by the Scottish Government and open to all social workers and social work students. basw.co.uk/support/soci...

This Insight paper from Iriss provides a timely and essential examination of artificial intelligence in social work practice, with implications for SASW members and Scottish social work more broadly. The research offers both practical guidance and critical analysis. Read more: buff.ly/ZiPP8kR

New year. New challenges. New support. Start 2026 with independent, confidential coaching designed specifically for social workers. SWPSS is here to help you reset, reflect and strengthen your practice - whatever this year brings. #SocialWorkSupport #BASW #SWPSS #Coaching buff.ly/9TQ3d68

The SSSC have launched their 2026 workforce wellbeing survey. A crucial sector-wide survey and a chance to have your say about your role and the support you receive. Take the survey www.research.net/r/HYS2026

December's Social Work Policy Panel considered the effects of AI on social work. Missed it? catch up with the newsletter here: new.basw.co.uk/articles/soc... The Panel will be back on 3 February 1200-1300 to discuss The Promise, book your free spot here: basw.co.uk/events/socia...

The SASW Mental Health Officers Conference is back this March. Flourishing in Practice: Resourcing and Sustaining Scotland's MHOs. Sponsored by the Scottish Government, it will include keynote speaker Joanna Macdonald, Head of the National Social Work Agency. buff.ly/ghX4V6R

Want to take a new direction or next step in your social work career this year? Why not try free coaching from our professional support service? www.basw-pss.co.uk/register-coa...

Our new member guide helps you consider how to protect your personal data online. Social workers are at risk of being targeted and having their personal data used without their permission. Some simple steps can be key to protecting yourself. Read our guide. buff.ly/KT1TFr7