The annual report, presented yesterday at a Council meeting, outlines the statutory activities undertaken over the past year, detailing achievements, opportunities, and future challenges for social work and social care services within Highland Council and NHS Highland.
Cllr David Fraser, Chair of the Council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, commended the report and the staff involved. He noted, “The report highlights a positive view of service improvement, partnership working and workforce development, supported by a strong commitment to prevention, early intervention and delivering The Promise.” However, he also pointed to “significant challenges relating to workforce capacity, financial pressures, placement availability, housing shortages and increasing demand across social work and social care services.”
Fiona Duncan, Chief Social Work Officer, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Social Work and Social Care Services continue to experience significant pressures in the current climate; however, we do have good news to relay about service improvement, partnership working and positive outcomes.” She added, “This report highlights the dedication and commitment of our Social Work and Social Care teams who continue to deliver high-quality services despite sustained pressures.”
Key positive outcomes highlighted in the report include investment in the "grow your own" social work scheme, development of the Promise Health Team, improved collaboration through the Council’s People Cluster structure, positive inspection outcomes for fostering and adoption services, strong performance in justice services, improved child protection assessments, and successful outcomes for unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people through the Comraich service.
The report also identified upcoming pressures from new legislative requirements and ongoing challenges such as rising demands on housing, mental health officers, and adult social care, alongside shortages of foster carers, residential placements, and recruitment difficulties.
“"I commend the Chief Social Work Officer’s report for 2025/26 and all the staff who have contributed to the delivery of services."
“"Social Work and Social Care Services continue to experience significant pressures in the current climate; however, we do have good news to relay about service improvement, partnership working and positive outcomes."
