Reflecting on relationships: Highlights from the 2025 Social Work Scotland annual conference

Social Work Scotland’s annual conference 2025 brought together social work leaders, practitioners, and partners from across the country for a day of reflection, inspiration, and connection at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow on 9 October.

Grounded in social work’s proud tradition of social justice and relationship-based practice, the conference focused on relationships as catalysts for change and how empowering connections can drive meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities, as well as for the workforce itself.

Setting the scene

The day began with lively networking as delegates reconnected with colleagues and explored the exhibition stands. Conference chair David Lee opened proceedings with a warm welcome, setting an energising tone for the day.

Victor Bambigoye from Beam, the event’s headline sponsor, then shared an update on Magic Notes – an innovative AI tool designed to support social workers by reducing administrative time and strengthening relationships. With over 150,000 recordings and 30,000 users each month across the UK, the technology is already making a measurable difference in practice.

Social Work Scotland Convenor John Trainer followed with an address that reminded delegates of the profession’s resilience and leadership potential, particularly during times of uncertainty and change. He posed the question again, ‘if not social work, then who?’, reiterating just how important their job is at every stage of their career.

Exploring relationships as catalysts for change

The morning’s first keynote came from Dr Pamela Trevithick, retired academic, author, and Visiting Professor at Buckinghamshire New University. Her session, “The Relationship as a Catalyst for Change – Creative Possibilities and Challenging Limitations,” invited delegates to think deeply about the ethical dimensions of professional, and personal, relationships with a strong focus on the emotional and neuroscience perspective which was further investigated in Dr Trevithick’s workshops later on.

Next, Susanne Millar, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council, offered a humble and personable insight into relationship skills through a leaders journey, reflecting on her own professional experiences from her first social work role as a ‘Care Officer’ right up to Chief Executive of Scotland’s largest local authority. Millar emphasised the ‘importance of trying to understand, before being understood’; an incredibly honest and engaging account with encouraging words for delegates.

Before the mid-morning break, delegates also heard from Iona Colvin OBE, Chief Social Work Adviser to the Scottish Government, who shared reflections on social work ahead of her retirement. Colvin’s remarks, delivered with warmth and passion, recognised the profession’s achievements and highlighted opportunities for engagement through the new Scottish Social Work Partnership. Her message was a poignant reminder of the collective strength and shared purpose that characterise social work in Scotland.

Partnerships for meaningful change

After a networking break, the conference turned to collaboration and system-wide impact. The panel discussion – “Partnerships for Meaningful Change” – brought together SallyAnn Kelly (Chief Executive, Aberlour), Professor Neil Quinn (University of Strathclyde), Beth-Anne McDowall (Promise Lead, NHS Lanarkshire), and Leigh Jolly (Chief Officer, Aberdeenshire HSCP).

The panel explored the complexities of partnership working across health, education, and social care, and considered how shared values and mutual respect underpin effective collaboration. Delegates were challenged to consider not just what partnerships achieve, but how they are built and sustained – through openness, humility, and relational leadership. The panel enforced the importance of the ‘unpalatable’ – voices, experiences, and circumstances – and how shared partnership visions are often lost when they lose touch with the raw realities of people in society.

Deepening practice through workshops

Before and after lunch break, the workshops offered a rich variety of sessions designed to provide practical insights and tools for relationship-based leadership:

“Relationships in the Age of AI” (Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration), exploring how technology can enhance, rather than replace, human connection in professional practice.

“Using Restorative Justice to Promote Positive Systemic Change” (CYCJ and Community Justice Scotland), examining how restorative approaches can strengthen relationships, job satisfaction, and service user experiences.

Dr Pamela Trevithick’s follow-up workshop, which further delved into the neuroscience and emotional underpinnings of relationship-based practice.

“Language and Communication as Catalysts for Change” (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists), a reminder that how we speak and listen profoundly shapes the outcomes of our work.

“Reflective Spaces” (Family Change, Perth & Kinross Council), offering models for supportive consultation and creative supervision.

“Community-Orientated Practice Makes a Difference” (Glasgow HSCP) and “Why We Do the Things We Do” (Aberdeenshire Council) both showcased innovative local approaches to empowering families and strengthening communities.

Across the workshops, a shared theme emerged: the power of relationships – to sustain professionals, to inspire change, and to connect practice with purpose.

Attachment and connection

The afternoon’s final presentation came from Kate White, psychotherapist and author, who delivered a powerful, personal, and deeply human session on “The Power of Attachment Theory.” White shared her story with her husband John, exploring how understanding attachment can enhance relationships, with particular focus on supporting individuals living with  dementia. Her raw reflections resonated with delegates, encouraging social work leaders to recognise the enduring emotional dimensions of care and connection.

Closing reflections

Before closing, delegates heard a recorded message from Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, who acknowledged the vital role of relationships as catalysts for change and announced the first cohort of students in the new Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme as part of Scottish Government’s commitment to a sustainable and supported social work workforce.

Leigh Jolly, Vice Convenor of Social Work Scotland, then offered heartfelt closing remarks – thanking speakers, delegates, and organisers for contributing to such a reflective and energising day, as well as announcing she will sadly be leaving her Vice Convenor role as she has now stepped into Chief Officer at Aberdeenshire HSCP but will remain connected through Social Work Scotland board. Chair David Lee concluded the event by celebrating the commitment and passion of Scotland’s social work leaders, encouraging everyone to carry the day’s insights forward into their practice.

A day of renewal and connection

As the conference drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of renewed pride and purpose. Delegates left feeling reinvigorated – reminded of the unique skillset that social work leaders bring to an increasingly complex landscape, and of the central truth that relationships remain the foundation for individual and collective change.

Thank you 

To headline sponsors, Beam, supporting sponsors Harmeny, Kibble and Tri.x, and our exhibition partners: Moore House Group, Future Pathways, IMPACT, Fulcrum, Aspris, Montane Care, Kibble Fostering and Adoption Services, Access, Scottish Association for Social Work, and the Scottish Social Work Partnership (COSLA, Scottish Government, and Social Work Scotland).

Most of all, thanks to the near 300 delegates who joined us – taking time out of critically busy schedules – to reflect, share, and learn. Until next time!