Alan baird, chief social work adviser

Welcome and introduction to the event

1. Overview Alan Baird, Chief Social Work Adviser

2. Alan Baird – Chief Social Work Adviser “ @ cswa_alanbaird

3. Social Services In Scotland Build a more cohesive and professional sector Vision for sustainable social services Identify areas for further action Written by the sector for the sector For staff at all levels across the sector A Shared V ision and Strategy 2015-2020

4. National Strategic Forum

5. VISION Our vision is of a socially just Scotland with excellent social services delivered by a skilled and valued workforce which works with others to empower, support and protect people.

6. Vision and Strategy 4 Strands Workforce How do we value, inspire and strengthen our workforce ? Performance How do we know our social services are performing well ? Research How do we better use evidence to inform and improve practice ? Promoting public understanding How do we improve public understanding and confidence in the sector?

7. The View from Here - Hearing from the Workforce This workforce matters Valuing the workforce Gives frontline practitioners a voice Better informed about challenges Collates perspectives from across sectors, organisations and roles. Sector understands itself better A baseline to compare over time Comparison with other sectors Informs the implementation of the Strategy for Social Services

8. Engaging with Frontline Staff 2014 – 6 Practitioner Events 2015 – 5 Practitioner Events (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness, Dundee) 500 participants. 2 Ministers. 1 Cabinet Secretary Summary Report of key messages Support Worker Reference Groups – Scottish Care / CCPS Occupational Therapist Events February 2016

9. What motivates the workforce? Making a difference to someone’s life Helping individuals reach their potential Feeling valued, being recognised The variety and diversity of work Finding creative and innovative solutions Being p art of a motivated team Working with other agencies Managing my own workload. Autonomy Working in an ethical environment. Working towards social justice “Working with children & families - hilariously unpredictable”

10. Messages from the Frontline Time for learning and reflecting in practice Better career pathways and induction More consistency on supervision Protected caseloads for NQSWs Too much admin at expense of client time Legislation adding to complexity rather than reducing Effective leadership at all levels – “ b ack to the floor” for leaders? Public expectations increasing while resources reduce Pay variations affecting retention