The application process was competitive and oversubscribed. A panel of representatives from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser, Scottish Government (OCSWA), Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS) considered 23 applications and selected the following as early implementation areas.
Early implementation areas
- Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership
- North Lanarkshire Council
- Perth and Kinross Council
- South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership
- Dundee City Council
- East Dunbartonshire Council
- Edinburgh City Council
- Fife Council
- SWIIS Foster Care Scotland
- Shetland Islands Council, Orkney Islands Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Argyle and Bute Council, Highland Council and Moray Council
We will work alongside the early implementation areas to embed the NQSW Supported Year and share learning and resources with the sector as we develop the new NQSW website.
We will also engage with the other organisations who applied to find ways to provide support and opportunities for them to plan for implementation.
Visit the new Newly Qualified Social Worker Supported Year in Scotland website
The new NQSW website will:
- provide information for all NQSWs, their employers, managers and supervisors
- support consistency for NQSW’s first year of practice
- provide information about the current requirements for NQSWs
- show the work we are doing for the future.
We are encouraging everyone to use the information and resources on the website The website will continue to evolve as our national project develops and we will use it to keep everyone up to date.
Visit the Newly Qualified Social Worker Supported Year in Scotland website here.
Next steps
During the early implementation phase we will:
- continue to work together to finalise a Scotland-wide approach to a NQSW Supported Year
- share learning and resources generated through the early implementation phase
- continue to develop the website for NQSWs and those who support them
- work with universities and employers to embed a common approach to transitions
- provide recommendations to Scottish Government on the NQSW Supported Year and associated costs for implementation and delivery.