Chief Social Work Officers face increasing challenges, report finds

Social Work Scotland has published their Chief Social Work Officers Annual Survey report 2023 - 2024.

Social Work Scotland, the professional body for social work leaders in Scotland, has published their Chief Social Work Officers (CSWOs) Annual Survey Report 2023-24.

The report reflects experiences from senior social workers in all 32 local authorities. It underlines the need for local and central government leaders to take actions in response to the well-documented challenges faced by social workers at all levels. Although CSWO speak of the satisfaction and privilege that holding such a role entails, ever-growing workloads call into question the sustainability of the CSWO role in its current format.

Recruitment challenges highlighted concerns around “not having enough qualified staff… and an insufficient capacity to provide them with the support they might need”. “The lack of human beings to do what we need them to do” is reiterated with reference to worries of “the significant and chronic financial pressure around resource”. 71% of CSWOs reported ‘budgets’ as contributing most to organisation pressure or individual stressors faced at work.

The report calls attention to gaps in support and development, explaining “…continuing professional development is often an area that is neglected… because they simply do not have the capacity opportunity to explore [development needs] comprehensively or formally”

Considering improving role sustainability, CSWOs reported raising the need for formalised support however “resource limitations were identified as a barrier to this”.

Most CSWOs described the expectations of the role as being unrealistic, particularly whilst holding another operational role alongside that of CSWO. 97% of CSWOs reported working more than their contracted hours ‘often’ or ‘always’ with almost 70% working an average of 10 extra hours. The workload alongside “complex operating, legislative and governance structures” led several CSWO to question how well they could deliver core aspects of the role in the time available.

CSWOs remain deeply committed to the profession and in upholding social work values to deliver quality services, but concerns about mental wellbeing, stress, and anxiety were profiled by most respondents. The report concludes that “it is critical that the wellbeing of those holding the CSWO [role] is supported and protected” and additional support is required to manage the everchanging demands and high-pressure priorities.

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