Annual Conference & Exhibition 2025: Relationships as Catalysts for Change
Thursday 9 October 2025 | TIC, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow

We’re thrilled to announce the programme for Social Work Scotland’s Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025, themed “Relationships as Catalysts for Change.” Join us in Glasgow on Thursday 9 October as we delve into the power of relationship-based practice and its transformative potential in social work leadership.

This year’s conference will focus on how strong, empowering connections can drive meaningful change – not just for leaders within the profession, but for the individuals, families, and communities we serve every day. Together, we’ll reflect on the core values that ground our work and shape the future of social work across Scotland.

Inspiring Speakers

Our 2025 programme brings together a distinguished line-up of speakers, including:

• Dr Pamela Trevithick – Retired academic, author, and visiting professor, Buckinghamshire New University

• Caroline Sinclair – Chief Executive, Stirling Council

• Sally-Anne Kelly – Chief Executive, Aberlour

• Dr Kate White – Psychotherapist and author

• John Trainer – Convenor, Social Work Scotland

• Leigh Jolly – Vice-Convenor, Social Work Scotland

…with more names to be announced soon!

Dynamic Workshops

This year’s workshop programme offers a rich mix of topics, each grounded in practice and designed to provoke thought, discussion, and inspiration:

• Relationships in the Age of AI – Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration

• Restorative Justice for Systemic Change – Centre for Youth & Criminal Justice and Community Justice Scotland

• Emotional and Neuroscience Perspectives on Relationship-Based Practice – Dr Pamela Trevithick

• Burnout: What We Need to Learn – Jane Brown

• Community-Oriented Practice Makes a Difference – Glasgow HSCP

• Language and Communication as Catalysts for Change – The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

• Reflective Spaces for Support and Supervision – Family Change, Perth and Kinross Council

• Why We Do the Things We Do – Children’s Wellbeing Team, Aberdeenshire Council

You can view the full theme and programme on our website.

Book Your Place

Take advantage of our early bird discount available until Wednesday 2 July, in addition to exclusive membership rates.

Bringing your team? For groups of 8 or more, we offer a special group discount. Contact bethan@starkeventsuk.com for details.

Join us this October for a day of meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and connection. Let’s shape the future of social work – together.