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NQSW Supported Year logo on blue background with two females pictured.

17 Nov 2025

Consultations and surveys

Have your say on the Newly Qualified Social Worker Supported Year

We’ve asked Iriss to carry out a survey about the Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) Supported Year, which was introduced across Scotland in October 2024. This first year in practice is designed to give new social workers the support they need to grow in confidence and skills, helping to build a strong future for social work in Scotland.

The Supported Year is part of the Scottish Government’s plan to create a clear pathway for social workers from qualifying education right through to advanced practice. It’s all about making sure new social workers feel supported and valued and that employers have what they need to make this happen.

Why your voice matters

We want to understand how the Supported Year is working in real life. What’s going well? What could be better? Your feedback will help shape improvements for the future.

The survey looks at two key areas.

  • Employers – How are the support requirements being put into practice in your organisation?
  • NQSWs and supervisors – How does the Supported Year feel for you? Are the key stage reviews and development approach helpful?

Who should take part?

We want to hear from:

  • newly qualified social workers
  • employers
  • supervisors
  • anyone involved in supporting the NQSW Supported Year.

How to take part

The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can fill it in online, or if you’d prefer, you can speak to the Iriss researchers by phone or Teams. Please contact Katie Feyerabend at katie.feyerabend@iriss.org.uk to arrange this.

Want to share more? You can also sign up for a focus group at the end of the survey.

Your privacy

Your answers are confidential. We won’t ask for personal details unless you want to take part in a follow-up discussion. All findings will be reported in a way that doesn’t identify individuals.

The closing date for responses is Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Take the survey.

Contact information

Sandra Wilson
Communications Officer
Scottish Social Services Council
media@sssc.uk.com