Presentation of Chief Social Work Officers Annual Report 2024-2025

Between April 2024 and March 2025 there was sustained demand across all social work areas.  Adult social work services received an increase in referrals by 8%.  Children’s services experienced a 2.8% increase in referrals after a slight reduction in the previous year’s figures. 

The report, in keeping with previous years, reflects the impact of rapid growth in East Lothian. There is sustained demand in a number of key areas including adult social work where referrals have increased by 8%. There has also been a 2.8% increase in referrals to children’s services after a slight reduction in the previous year’s figures.  

The Chief Social Work Officers Annual Report provides an overview of the professional activity for social work in East Lothian through the delivery of statutory functions in relation to the care and protection of people.  The report reflects the breadth and complexity of service delivery across children’s (social work) services, justice, mental health and adult social work services.

As East Lothian’s population increases and its communities expand, so does the care and welfare needs of the people who live within them.  Services with a duty to support and protect people therefore continue to experience increases in demand.  However, the report highlights that this is often accompanied by an increase in complexity as many people have several co-existing issues that make day to day life extremely challenging.  The report further stresses that there continues to a significant number of people struggling to manage following long periods of austerity. 

Ms Byrne advised Council Members: “The term ‘cost of living crisis’, is no longer appropriate, as a crisis suggests a temporary position, one that can be overcome.  However, for lots of people, there is no end in sight or hope of financial security in the future. This continues to shape how people survive and when coupled with factors including addiction, mental health problems, physical ill-health, disability and disadvantage, it is understandable that life can feel overwhelmingly difficult.

“As Chief Social Work Officer it is my role to provide assurance to Members about the standard and safety of social work practice in East Lothian.  I will therefore be open about the significant challenges the profession faces, while reiterating the protection and care of people continues to be a critical priority across the Council and with our partners.  I remain confident that services prioritise evidence-based practice and target strategic development to ensure we are in the best position to continue delivering high quality services.”

The report details the various efforts and achievements of the collective services who continue to operate under sustained pressure.  Special recognition is given to the social work and social care workforce who work tirelessly to protect people from harm and to support them to live safely and as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.

Some of the achievements from 2024-25 include:

• The successful implementation of the Newly Qualified Supported Year, ensuring that all new social workers are given the right support as they enter their new career.
• The improvements in support for kinship carers as well as an increase of kinship placements in line with the strategic plan.
• The introduction of the Single Point of Access for coordinating hospital discharge and early indication if improved processes.
• Improved social work governance and the introduction of an adult social work governance meeting. 
• The delivery of a new core and cluster model for people with learning disabilities in Tranent.
• The Big Pick being delivered by people on a Community Payback Order and designed to tackle clothing poverty.
• Significant improvements in the delivery of mental health and guardianship services.

Ms Byrne commented: “In a profession that can feel relentlessly heavy, I never doubt that our staff are our greatest asset.  Alongside the challenges of service delivery, there are major strengths to celebrate, and I wish to express my genuine gratitude for everyone’s continued hard work and commitment to the individuals and communities they support.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, spokesperson for health and social care added, “We are very grateful to Ms Byrne for her comprehensive report. I also welcome the opportunity to reflect and thank colleagues across social care and social work departments for their achievements in helping some of our most vulnerable residents.  The report highlights current challenges facing social work services, which is very helpful to us as elected members in continuing to focus our efforts and priorities into the areas that need it most.”

Download the Chief Social Work Officer's Annual Report 2024-2025 here.