Social workers, are you facing barriers?

Why Scotland May Offer a Fair Route.

Many social workers are currently navigating a period of uncertainty and frustration; particularly those seeking agency work in children’s social care in some parts of the United Kingdom (UK).

Recent regulatory changes, while intended to bring consistency and control to agency usage, are having unintended consequences. In practice, they are excluding experienced, capable professionals whose career paths do not fit a narrow definition of eligibility.

At Sorcha Recruitment, we believe it’s vital to acknowledge these challenges openly, and to help social workers understand their options.

The Issue: When Regulation Creates Unintended Inequality

A key concern raised in recent industry discussions is the requirement that agency social workers in children’s services must have at least three years’ post-qualification experience employed by some local authorities.

Feedback from across the sector indicates that this rule is disproportionately affecting:

• women returning after maternity or caring-related career breaks

• social workers with non-linear or portfolio careers

• professionals with substantial international experience

• returners who have remained skilled and competent but stepped away temporarily

Even where experience is extensive, breaks in service, overseas work, or experience gained outside some local authorities may not count; subsequently resulting in highly qualified social workers being overlooked.

These concerns have been formally raised with policymakers and trade unions, with ongoing advocacy aimed at achieving fairer, more inclusive rules.

Why Scotland Is Part of the Conversation

While these restrictions apply to say in children’s social care in some parts of the country, in Scotland there are optional, local, contractual controls that are observed where:

• there are no national agency pay caps

• there is no statutory requirement for a fixed number of years employed by a local authority

• there are no mandatory cooling-off periods between permanent and agency work

Instead, eligibility to practise is governed by professional regulation through the Scottish Social Services Council(SSSC), which focuses on:

• qualifications

• competence

• fitness to practise

• professional standards

This approach often provides greater flexibility for:

• returners

• internationally qualified social workers

• those with varied or non-linear career histories

Local authorities operate within commissioning frameworks influenced by COSLA and the Scottish Government, but agency work remains lawful and widely used where there is need.

How Sorcha Recruitment Supports Social Workers Affected by These Changes

At Sorcha Recruitment, we support candidates by offering:

1. Career Mapping & Eligibility Clarity

We help you clearly document:

• qualifying experience

• breaks in service

• international roles

• transferable skills

This ensures your experience is presented accurately and confidently.

2. Honest Advice on Pathways

Where agency routes are temporarily restricted, we advise on:

• permanent or fixed-term alternatives

• routes to rebuilding eligibility

• Scottish opportunities where appropriate

Our goal is momentum, not dead ends.

3. Advocacy & Awareness

We stay engaged with:

• industry bodies

• regulatory updates

• workforce policy discussions

And we share that insight transparently, so you’re never navigating change alone.

4. Support for Returners and International Professionals

We understand the additional pressures faced by:

• parents returning to practice

• social workers relocating countries

• professionals rebuilding confidence after time away

We can signpost mentoring, peer support, and wellbeing-focused guidance where needed.

A Final Word

Regulation should never unintentionally exclude the very professionals the sector depends on.

If you’re a social worker who feels blocked, sidelined, or uncertain because your career doesn’t fit a narrow definition; please know that you still have options.

Scotland may represent one of them.
Support, clarity, and advocacy should be another.

At Sorcha Recruitment, we are committed to fair access, ethical practice, and helping social workers find routes that recognise their full value.

Please feel free to get in touch at [email protected], thank you.