Scottish Association of Social Work

Free professional coaching for any social worker or social work student in Scotland.

Get support to tackle workplace issues, your next career move, or anything else with a fully trained social worker coach from our UK-wide panel.

See more: https://buff.ly/UtG4STv
Supported by the Scottish Government.

Read our response to the recent Scottish Government consultation on support provisions for adult victims of human trafficking.

Consideration should be given to the availability of trauma-informed recovery services and mental health supports. Victims of trafficking often experience complex trauma responses, which require long-term psychological support and therapy alongside community and social supports to help with the practical impact of complex trauma on daily living. Such services can be difficult to access due to capacity issues, leaving people unsupported and unable to access recovery services.

The guidance states that people who have experienced trafficking are entitled to a recovery plan which addresses their particular needs, an intention we strongly support.

Lack of resources in the form of staff who are trained in specialist supports, with time to offer that support, the availability of safe housing, community links and adequate financial support undermines the intention of the guidance.

To be effective, guidance needs to be deliverable. It is our view that current pressures on social work staff due to high workloads and difficulties in recruiting and retaining experienced staff render the guidance unimplementable.

Read more: https://buff.ly/6V8hkml

This amazing charity helps keep pets with their families when faced with a crisis. Support them if you can.

We have a guide to help social workers access services to get pets temporarily fostered so their owner can get help, whether that is in a hospital, fleeing abuse or something else.

Read it here:https://basw.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-02/PFSS%20%20SASW%20Practice%20Guide%20%281%29.pdf

From dogs and cats to small animals and birds, every pet in our care receives kindness, stability, and love from our incredible volunteers.

Together, we can ensure no pet is left behind when their owner needs help most. 💙

To find out more about volunteering, please contact us at [email protected].

Another article highlighting the emergency in children's care across Scotland. We are pleased to see NSPCC's recognition of the issues as well.
Read here:https://buff.ly/05ZokbS

You can also read our full statement here: https://buff.ly/g3Vtvo0

Charity lends support to social workers as they warn of a breaking point - TFN Care system is saturated say care professionals

📆 Tuesday, 25 August, 12:00-13:00, Teams

BASW policy remains opposed to the NAAB, and work to scrap it continues.

In Scotland, we have an opportunity to shape something better. This session will explore the options for changing how we carry out age assessments and how we support age-disputed young people seeking asylum.

Together, we can create a system that is both practical and grounded in human rights. We are already working with partners on this issue and need members’ experience and expertise to shape our next steps.

You don't need to be someone who regularly carries out age assessments for this session to be relevant.

Member-only event, book now: https://buff.ly/7bZlFId

Read more in the Community Care article here: https://buff.ly/oGUCnGa