The head of the new government agency designed to promote social work in Scotland has been announced.
Joanna Macdonald has been appointed chief executive of the National Social Work Agency (the NSWA), which is due to go live in spring 2026.
She will combine this role with that of National Chief Social Work Adviser, succeeding current incumbent Iona Colvin, who has held the post since 2017.
However, under Macdonald, who takes up her post in December 2025, the adviser's role will be put on a statutory footing, as will the NSWA, which will be formed from the current Office of the Chief Social Work Adviser, with a similar headcount, of about 40 staff.
Macdonald, who is currently interim chief officer of Clackmannanshire and Stirling Integration Joint Board, the body responsible for planning health and social care services in the area, has worked in the sector for 30 years.
From 2021-24, she served as deputy chief social work adviser to the Scottish Government, a role that included leading on children and families issues and supporting the development of the NSWA.
'An exciting time to lead the profession
The Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) congratulated her on her appointment.“Joanna has a wealth of experience across the sector and we look forward to collaborating with her in her new role," said SASW's national director, Jane Shears.
"This is an exciting time to lead the profession, ensuring the delivery of social work services is underpinned by social justice and human rights."
What the National Social Work Agency will do
The Scottish Government has said the agency’s functions will include:- contributing to national policy that impacts social work practice
- raising the profile of social work and championing the profession;
- taking a national approach to monitoring workforce numbers;
- supporting and driving improvement across the social work sector.
The Scottish Government said the partnership’s aims include developing a “joint vision for a skilled, supported and sustainable workforce” and aligning policy with frontline practice and implementation.
