What is SWEP
Social Work Education Partnership (SWEP), a national partnership of key stakeholders across Social Work and Social Work Education dedicated to shaping the future of social work education in Scotland. At SWEP, we are committed to enhancing the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of social work education through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The beginning of SWEP traces back to a pivotal moment—the Review of Social Work Education. The Statement on Progress 2015-2016 bore witness to a collective commitment to drive improvement and consistency across social work qualifying programs, setting the stage for a partnership-driven approach.
In 2019, the Social Work Education Partnership (SWEP) was established, and in August 2020 this expanded to be supported by the SWEP Programme Office. It was built around collaboration, fuelling the evolution of social work education in Scotland. The SWEP Programme Office is a central hub, leading the coordination of a future where social work education can thrive.
In 2022, SWEP’s mandate evolved to encompass support for the Advanced Social Work Practice Framework and the Newly Qualified Social Worker supported year. As we look ahead to 2024-2025, our focus intensifies on developing national and regional infrastructures, ensuring high-quality practice learning opportunities, and actively contributing to the evolution of social work education through consultation and collaboration.
Mission
Our mission at SWEP is to futureproof social work education in Scotland by fostering national and regional partnerships and spearheading the implementation of progressive frameworks. Through our dedicated Programme Office, our aim is to ensure those who plan and deliver social work education do so to the highest standard of learning and practice.
Vision
At SWEP, we envision a landscape where every social worker is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to create positive change in the lives of individuals and communities. As we move forward, we remain committed to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Our Core Objective
Consistency in Education
We are dedicated to ensuring consistent foundations in the development and delivery of social work qualifying programs, aligning with the Framework and Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE), to drive ongoing enhancements in the quality of education across Scotland.
Practice Learning Excellence
Through national and regional strategies, we aim to facilitate partnerships that provide comprehensive practice learning opportunities that ensure social work students are equipped to excel in real-world settings. This includes collaborating with local authorities and partners to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences.
Responsive to Change
We remain vigilant about developments in practice and policy, adapting social work qualifying programs to align with evolving requirements. Our goal is to foster a seamless integration of advancements into education.
