The Mental Health Officers Report 2024 shows an increase in the number of active MHO posts to 765, which is 36 more than in 2023. These posts were filled by 729 individuals (headcount) which is up from 697 in 2023.
The report shows the overall hours estimated to be spent on MHO duties also increased to its highest level since we started recording it in 2016. The overall hours estimated to be spent on MHO duties each week in 2024 was 13,880. This is a 5.6% increase on the previous high of 13,149 reported in 2023.
Shortfall
Despite these increases the report shows 23 local authorities reported a shortfall in MHO provision totalling 2,417 hours per week. This amounts to a shortfall of approximately 67 whole time equivalent MHOs.
Of the 23 local authorities reporting a shortfall in MHO hours, the biggest shortfall of 280 hours per week is in Glasgow City and the lowest reported shortfall is 31 hours per week in Na h-Eileanan Siar.
Nine local authorities reported no shortfall in MHO hours (Argyll and Bute, East Lothian, Falkirk, Midlothian, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Shetland Islands, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian).
SSSC Chief Executive Maree Allison said: ‘I’m pleased to see the number of active MHO posts and the number of people filling them both increased for the second year in a row.
‘However, we need to balance this against the continuing reported shortfall in MHO duties, which in 2024 amounted to 2,417 hours across 23 local authorities.
‘Statistics produced by our Workforce Intelligence Team, analysing data collected directly from local authorities, help workforce planning and succession planning by the Scottish Government, local authorities and others by giving an accurate picture of the MHO workforce.’
Key points from this year’s MHO report
- There were 765 active MHO posts in 2024, which is 36 more than the 729 in 2023. This is the highest number since records began in 2005.
- The number of individuals (headcount) working as an MHO rose from 697 in 2023 to 729 in 2024.
- The overall hours estimated to be spent on MHO duties each week in 2024 was 13,880 the highest since 2016 when we started reporting this figure, the previous highest was in 2023 when it was 13,149.
- Since December 2020 there has been a rise of 19.5 percent of the hours worked by MHOs.
- Between 2023 and 2024 there was a rise of 731 hours (5.6%) in the overall hours estimated to be spent on MHO duties each week.
- Active exclusive MHO posts rose by 27 (9%), cover posts by 6 (10.3%) and non-exclusive posts by 3 (0.8%).
- Reported shortfall decreased by 497 hours per week (17.1%) from 2,914 to 2,417 hours per week.
- Between December 2023 and December 2024, 76 staff left 78 MHO posts.
Our role supporting MHOs
We support the education and training of social workers to become mental health officers through setting professional standards and competencies. We also monitor and quality assure the Mental Health Officer Award programmes which are approved by us and delivered by universities.