Social work

Generative AI, critical thinking and social work practice

Insight 77

Generative AI, critical thinking and social work practice
This Insight provides some introductory information on AI and its use in social work contexts, and explores the limited literature in this area while presenting research on the impact of AI on critical thinking and professional curiosity.
Published in
Insights
on 12 Jan 2026

Student placements in third sector organisations

Student placements in third sector organisations

Developed in collaboration with both third sector organisations, and social work students. This resource is designed to optimise the experience of student placements for both the organisations hosting them and the students experiencing them. 

We would like to thank the generous and continued support of all the people and organisations that contributed to this resource.

Published in
Tools
on 30 Apr 2025

The Scottish Social Services Awards 2023

a tv monitor featuirng the SSSA logo

The Scottish Social Services Awards are an opportunity to celebrate some of the great work found across the sector. We here at Iriss were honoured to host the event with funding from the Scottish Government. 

A huge congratulations to all our winners and nominees. If you couldn't join us on the evening, the proceedings were as follows: 

 

Excellence in Children’s Services - Swiis Foster Care Scotland

Presented by Joanna MacDonald (Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser)

Published in
News
on 28 Nov 2023

Practitioner Research with NQSWs in North Ayrshire HSCP

Benefits, challenges, ideas

Group engaged in workshop activity
Iriss and North Ayrshire HSCP colleagues met in Saltcoats in early November for a workshop about practitioner research. We were joined by newly qualified and student social workers plus a Practice Teacher from the Learning and Development team. Iriss is supporting other change work in the HSCP around commissioning and reimagining social work…
Reimagining social work practice
Published on 27 Nov 2023

Leadership in social work

Leadership in social work
Reporting on research to explore the current practice context of social work leadership in Scotland, through the perspectives of social workers from across the profession, with the aim of better understanding how Social Work Scotland and its partners, including Iriss, can support developing and existing leaders in future…
Published in
Reports
on 29 Aug 2023

Chief Social Work Officers Annual Report Summary 2021/22

CSWO Report Summary 2021-22 thumbnail
This report provides a summary of the main areas covered in the Chief Social Work Officer Annual Reports. It offers a general overview of the social work landscape in Scotland drawn from the 30 CSWO reports received, and highlights key themes to improve understanding of performance, improvement and challenges being experienced across the sector.
Published in
Reports
on 2 May 2023

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