The SSSC now has responsibility for the annual census of Local Authority Social Work Services (LASWS) staff. Mike Docherty, SSSC Workforce Intelligence Manager, tells us more about the transfer of responsibility and what it means to you.

Background to the census

The census has provided detailed information on Local Authority social work staff for more than 30 years. Carried out and published annually since as far back as the 1970s, it was originally undertaken by the Scottish Office and more recently by the Scottish Government’s Analytical Services Division. It is one of the two main sources of data on the sector’s workforce – the other being the annual returns to the Care Inspectorate from registered care services.

Why we undertake a census

This new responsibility is closely linked to our existing statutory duties to produce data on the size and profile of the sector’s workforce.

Gathering workforce data is essential for the sector, employers and the workforce. Being aware and taking account of trends in our workforce is crucial for managers in the frontline and service commissioners to Government policy-makers to ensure all social service providers in our sector have the right people in the right place, at the right time.

The 2012 Workforce Data Report (published in September 2013) is the most recent example of that duty, and combines data from the census and Care Inspectorate returns.

The data collected in December 2013 will be published in September 2014 and will bring together data from the census and Care Inspectorate.

Interested in finding out more about the Local Authority census or workforce data? Contact Mike at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..