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 cpgsocialwork@basw.co.uk, and we will send you a link.
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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.
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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.
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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.
