Social Work Scotland is a membership organisation which represents social workers and other professionals who lead and support social work across all sectors.
In October 2025, after reports of reductions to SDS personal budgets (options 1 direct payments), Social Work Scotland facilitated two separate surveys for disabled people and carers and social workers.
Survey analysis was completed by Three Sisters Consultancy (disabled people and carers) and Dr Gillian MacIntyre and Dr Ailsa E Stewart (social workers).
In addition, Social Work Scotland are proud to publish a bridging paper collating both perspectives to discuss the state and future of social work and social care in Scotland, and pleased to be able to bring lived experience and workforce voices together.
This report is published alongside two complementary research studies: one capturing the lived experience of people who draw on social work and social care support, and another exploring the experiences of social workers operating within the current system.
Its purpose is to connect these perspectives – to show how funding decisions, governance arrangements, and policy choices shape both what people experience and what practitioners are asked to do.
By bringing lived experience, workforce reality, and financial analysis into the same frame, this paper aims to support informed, constructive discussion about how Scotland can build a more sustainable, rights-based, and trusted system of care and support. It is intended as a contribution to collective problem-solving, not an attribution of blame to individuals or organisations working within significant structural constraints.
For further details on Social Work Scotland visit the organisation’s website
Report 1: The State and Future of Social Work and Social Care in Scotland Part 1 (written by Laura Kerr, Head of Policy and Workforce, Social Work Scotland)
Report 2: Impacts of SDS budget reductions on social workers – Survey analysis (written by Dr Gillian MacIntyre and Dr Ailsa E Stewart)
Report 3: Impacts of SDS budget reductions on disabled people and unpaid carers – Survey analysis (written by Rhiann McLean Three Sisters Consultancy)
COSLA has responded to Social Work Scotland’s research on The State and Future of Social Work and Social Care Funding in Scotland.
COSLA’s Health & Social Care Spokesperson Councillor Paul Kelly said: “This report serves as a collective call to action for meaningful and sustainable change in social work and social care in Scotland, to deliver the system we aspire to have; one centred around human rights and dignity, where both the people delivering and accessing support feel valued. I offer Local Government’s commitment to work with partners on realising change.
“Scotland’s social work and social care sector faces complex funding, policy and system challenges, and this report makes clear the impacts these can have on people, carers and frontline workers. It is deeply troubling that frontline workers talk about the moral and ethical dilemmas they face as a result of having to balance financial considerations with the care that can be delivered to citizens.
“In collectively considering the reports and working through system challenges, we cannot allow further cuts to be inflicted upon vital social care services at this pivotal time. As it currently stands, the Scottish Budget would represent a further cut to social care funding in Scotland, and risks compounding the very real system pressures which will directly impact people and communities.
“Social work and social care are essential to the fabric of Scottish society. We know that by investing in these services, and by working together to change them for the better, we can make a real difference to people’s lives, to local economies and to our communities.”
