Social Work

PublicationsSupporting Scotland’s Social Work Services Workforce: UNISON is by far the largest union representing most Social Work and Social Care staff in Scotland. We represent Social Workers in all specialisms, residential workers, social care workers, OTs, home care staff and professional, admin and clerical support staff. We have a Social Work Issues Group (SWIG) with reps from branches across Scotland, specifically addressing Social Work issues. See also important information for workers registered with regulatory bodies.

News and updates

Serco evictions condemned: Herald letter from UNISON, SASW and academics

We note with serious concern Serco’s stated intent to evict up to 300 people who have been told they cannot ... Read More

UNISON says monitoring of home care services by Scotland’s councils still not good enough

More than a year on since new guidance was introduced on social care procurement there has been little or no ... Read More

Tackling the crisis in health and social care

As the NHS gets ready to celebrate its 70th birthday on 7th July, conference slammed cuts to NHS funding since ... Read More

Residential care homes are failing the elderly, says UNISON Scotland

That’s the message UNISON Scotland is taking to the Scottish Parliament today (Tuesday) to call on politicians to support its ... Read More

UNISON – rise in attacks on public service staff is ‘tip of iceberg’

Public services union UNISON Scotland has called on the Scottish Government and all public service employers to take action immediately ... Read More

First Minister must intervene in Bield Housing decision to close 12 care homes

Bield Housing and Care, announced yesterday (11 October) that they intend to close 12 care homes in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glasgow, ... Read More

Social Work publications

Draft Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Bill Response

Draft Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill Response
UNISON Scotland has serious concerns at the effects this Draft Bill would have on our members’ ability to protect children ... Read More

Helping People Change Their Lives

Social Work Manifesto
A Social Work Manifesto for UNISON and BASW members in Scotland. UNISON & BASW welcome the positive steps taken in ... Read More

Creating and supporting an informed employer and employee relationship within the self-directed support sector

PA REport Final
SPAEN and UNISONScotland interviewed a small number of people who use direct payments to employ personal assistants and a similar ... Read More

YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK – a guide for Personal Assistants and their Employers

Your Rights at Work
A guide to your basic employment rights when employed as a Personal Assistant and your responsibilities if employing a Personal ... Read More

THE LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2008: SECOND CONSULTATION

THE LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS 2008: SECOND CONSULTATION
UNISONScotland believes that many of the requirements in the consultation are consistent with good practice. There will be resource implications ... Read More

Charter for care staff employed through ‘direct payments’

Direct Payments
UNISON, Scotland's public service union, announced on 1 May 2007 that it has agreed with a number of key Scottish disabled ... Read More

Asylum: Child’s Welfare Paramount?

Asylum: Child's Welfare Paramount?
First published in 2006, this ground-breaking guidance was designed to provide a framework for ethical practice for UNISON and BASW ... Read More

Report of the 21st Century Social Work Review Briefing No. 136

Changing Lives
March 2006: In the Summer of 2004, the Scottish Parliament commissioned the 21st Century Social Work Review, following a debate ... Read More

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