Job Description
The National Social Work Agency (NSWA), established in early 2026, seeks a highly experienced improvement professional to lead national improvement efforts, promote partnership and collaboration with improvement agencies and partners, and embed improvement as a strategic driver of better outcomes across Scotland’s social work systems.
Responsibilities
* Lead national alignment of improvement activity, coordinating with improvement agencies and sector partners to support shared priorities and evidence‑based social work.
* Provide expert improvement advice across the NSWA, working with policy teams to strengthen social work systems and practice using evidence, insight and improvement methodology.
* Build improvement capacity and capability across the NSWA, championing the use of improvement approaches and coaching the agency to deliver quality as a business strategy.
* Work closely with the Implementation Team Leader to design, test and deliver programmes of improvement that support the social work workforce and respond to national priorities.
* Strengthen links with research and evidence partners, including universities and UK‑wide research networks, ensuring improvement activity is informed by robust, innovative and current evidence.
* Contribute to the NSWA’s leadership team to ensure delivery of the agency’s strategic priorities.
* Engage and collaborate with other relevant areas across government to explore, support and progress joint policy outcomes in social work policy and practice.
* Provide line management duties, including leadership, direction and support for team members.
Qualifications
Holds (or is working towards/willing to undertake) a formal recognised qualification in improvement methodology, for example Scottish Improvement Leader Programme (ScIL).
Experience
* Extensive experience leading the design and delivery of improvement programmes in complex social work and/or social care contexts.
* Strong track record of working across organisational boundaries to build and maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders that generate confidence, respect and collaborative working.
* Deep understanding of Scotland’s improvement landscape and experience contributing to national reform and improvement priorities.
* Ability to lead and operate with confidence at a national level.
Behaviours
* Changing and Improving – Level 4.
* Communicating and Influencing – Level 4.
Working Pattern
Standard hours are 35 hours per week with flexible working options, including Flexi‑leave. In hybrid‑compatible roles, staff should aim to work in‑person 40% of the time in an office or other agreed working location.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before appointment, comprising Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
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