At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national improvement efforts in social work, collaborating with partners for better outcomes.
- Company: National Social Work Agency, dedicated to enhancing social work systems across Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on national reform and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work by driving impactful improvement initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading improvement programmes and strong partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
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.
Improvement Lead - National Social Work Agency employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
The National Social Work Agency (NSWA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within Scotland's social work systems. With a strong commitment to employee development, NSWA offers flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth through recognised improvement methodologies, ensuring that staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on national social work practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Improvement Lead - National Social Work Agency
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the social work sector, attend relevant events, and connect with improvement agencies. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading improvement programmes. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations like the NSWA and express your interest in contributing to their improvement efforts. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and passion. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our mission to improve social work across Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Improvement Lead - National Social Work Agency
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Improvement Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about specific projects or programmes you've led in social work or social care. We want to see how you've made a difference and how you can bring that expertise to NSWA.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Improvement Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of improvement methodologies, especially those relevant to social work. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles and how they can be used to drive change at a national level.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The role requires strong partnership skills, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlight how you built trust and respect across organisational boundaries to achieve shared goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you would align improvement activities with national priorities. Think about specific strategies you've implemented before and how they could translate to the NSWA's objectives.
✨Engage with Evidence and Research
Familiarise yourself with current research and evidence in the social work field. Be prepared to talk about how you would strengthen links with research partners and use evidence to inform improvement activities.
