Social Work Scotland response to Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill call for views
August 2025
Introduction
Social Work Scotland is the professional body for social work leaders, working closely with our partners to shape policy and practice, and improve the quality and experience of social services. We welcome the opportunity to provide a response to the consultation on the Adult Support and Protection Learning & Development Framework.
Background
On 2 April 2025, Colin Smyth MSP introduced the Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament, aiming to establish an independent Commissioner dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals aged 60 and over.
It is proposed that the Commissioner would serve as a national advocate for older people, reviewing laws, policies, and practices to ensure their effectiveness, commissioning and publishing research, and highlighting the valuable contributions of older citizens. Empowered to investigate devolved matters affecting older people, the Commissioner would work to ensure their voices are heard and their needs considered across all areas of public policy and service provision. Smyth emphasised that the role would help address the marginalisation of older people and ensure their long-term challenges are meaningfully addressed.
This response outlines Social Work Scotland’s support for the Bill’s intent, while highlighting key considerations around the Commissioner’s remit, strategic focus, and relationship with existing bodies. Drawing on member insights, the document emphasises the importance of advocacy, meaningful engagement with older people, and a strengths-based approach to ageing. It also raises concerns about potential role duplication, the clarity of investigatory powers, and the adequacy of proposed financial allocations, particularly for research.
Overall, Social Work Scotland supports the establishment of the Commissioner, provided the role is clearly defined and strategically positioned to deliver lasting impact for older people across Scotland.
Our response is aligned to the six questions asked within the call for views, followed by a summary of the views relating to the financial memorandum.
