Now recruiting: Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency

This dual role combines the responsibilities of:

• National Chief Social Work Adviser – the principal adviser to Scottish Ministers on all aspects relating to social work.
• Chief Executive of NSWA – providing strategic and organisational leadership to a team of around 40 staff.

You’ll influence national policy, promote professional accountability, and ensure high standards of practice across Scotland. You’ll also be a senior leader within Scottish Government, cultivating a kind, inclusive, and values-led culture.

We’re looking for an experienced leader with a proven track record of excellence in social work and services management at a senior level. You must be a qualified social worker, registered with a UK regulator.

You’ll bring a collaborative and strategic approach, with the confidence to challenge existing thinking and the ability to work across government and with partners.

You’ll be committed to building a skilled, supported, and sustainable workforce. You’ll also be someone who can build trusted relationships, and act as a visible champion for the profession.

The NSWA will be a new executive agency of the Scottish Government, and will provide expert professional advice to Scottish Ministers.

The NSWA will lead the development and coordination of national policy affecting social work, and will be the national body responsible for driving quality and improvement across social work. It will have oversight of social work education, national workforce planning and improvement.

Operating in shadow mode ahead of its spring 2026 launch, the NSWA will be a principal partner in the Scottish Social Work Partnership, working alongside COSLA and Social Work Scotland. They will work together with other organisations to improve the quality, experience, impact, and sustainability of the workforce across Scotland.

Recruitment for the NSWA Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser role will begin week commencing 08 September.

“This is a pivotal time for social work in Scotland. The National Social Work Agency is being established to champion and shape the profession, and the Scottish Social Work Partnership will ensure consistent strategic workforce support.

Now, we are looking for an exceptional social work leader to take on the landmark new role of Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency. If you have exceptional professional credibility and experience, with results that demonstrate your ability to drive transformational change, I warmly encourage you to apply for this defining role.

I believe this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the future of social work in Scotland”.

Professor Iona Colvin
Chief Social Work Adviser
Scottish Government

A career in the Senior Civil Service offers the opportunity to deliver meaningful work that delivers real benefits and impact for the people of Scotland. We offer a wide range of benefits including:

• A competitive salary
• Generous career-average pension scheme with employer contributions from 28%
• The opportunity to deliver meaningful work for the people of Scotland
• Access to ongoing professional development
• An inclusive and supportive workplace

We are committed to recruiting a workforce which is reflective of our diverse population, where individual contributions are encouraged and valued.

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants have the opportunity to perform at their best and we offer recruitment and workplace adjustments to anyone who needs them.

For helpful info on how to apply, our recruitment principles, requesting adjustments, and more, check out our Senior Civil Service Candidate Guide.