Welcome to our ‘Spotlight Sessions’ – events designed to raise awareness of an idea, approach or research that we believe could interest and inspire those involved in Social Work, Social Care, Health and related Third and Voluntary sectors. These sessions are open to all and recommended for anyone across all sectors interested in understanding more.
As Leading to Change, we are delivering a series of awareness sessions relating to core themes within Social Work and Social Care with the intention of ‘shining a light’ into the areas of the sector that others may know very little or nothing about.
We want to give people insights into roles and functions and the impact on ‘Mr and Mrs Smith’ with a view to reinforcing the message about collaborative leadership and the difference it can make.
National Social Work Agency
The National Social Work Agency was formally launched on 17 March 2026, to coincide with World Social Work Day. Collaboration is at the heart of the Agency’s approach, and we look forward to working with colleagues in Public Services Delivery Scotland and other partners, to build a profession that reflects Scotland’s diversity, promotes equality, embeds trauma informed principles across systems and practice to drive continuous improvement.
This session will be led by Joanna Macdonald, National Chief Social Work Adviser and Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency. Joanna will focus on the Agency’s purpose, priorities, next steps, including the difference the Agency will make to the lives of people across Scotland. There will also be an opportunity for a discussion, focusing on how we can work together across our social work, social care and health systems to collectively understand the challenges and identify solutions.
Joanna Macdonald
- Role:
- Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency
Joanna Macdonald is Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency and serves as the National Chief Social Work Adviser to the Scottish Government. She leads national work to strengthen social work leadership, learning and workforce support as part of the Scottish Government’s wider reform programme. Joanna has extensive experience across social work and social care, and public service reform and is committed to working in partnership with social workers, employers and partners to improve outcomes for people, families and communities.
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Joanna has over 35 years’ experience in social care, social work and health. She began her career as a relief social care assistant in a care home before qualifying as a social worker, and has since progressed into a range of senior leadership roles. These include Care Home Manager, Service Manager for day services and housing support, Director of Adult Social Care, Chief Officer of two Integration Joint Boards and Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser within the Scottish Government.
At the heart of Joanna’s work is a strong commitment to people – the individuals, families and communities served by social work, and the workforce who support them. She is known for leading with compassion, integrity and respect, and for championing social work as a profession, a calling, rooted in purpose, values and positive change. Joanna is proud to serve as Scotland’s first Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency and to champion a profession that changes lives.
