Moray Integration Joint Board (MIJB) has considered the Chief Social Work Officerโs 2024/25 Annual Report highlighting the work undertaken by social work and social care staff across Moray during the past year.
Presenting his first annual report in Moray as Interim Chief Social Work Officer, Jim Lyon highlighted that despite significant pressures including rising demand, complexity of need, workforce shortages and financial constraints, services have continued to deliver improvements across a range of key areas.
“This year has demonstrated the dedication of our social work and social care workforce,โ said Mr Lyon, who is also Interim Head of Service for Health & Social Care Moray.
โDespite considerable challenges, teams have continued to improve outcomes for vulnerable people across Moray Looking ahead, we remain committed to building on these foundations while adapting to the changing needs of our communities.โ
The report provided an overview of both achievements and pressures across services. At the end of March 2025, Morayโs social work teams were actively supporting 3,700 people. Services span children and families, youth and adult justice, and adult social care, including access and locality teams, throughcare and aftercare, childrenโs disability services, hospital discharge, learning disability and mental health services.
Within Children and Families Services, positive developments included the expansion of Quarriers Moray Childrenโs Rights Service, with referrals for young people rising by 290%.
Moray has also successfully secured funding to develop a Bairnsโ Hoose facility, helping to improve the experience of children involved in the justice system. The Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) โ a new model of practice for interviewing children who are victims or witnesses of crime, abuse, neglect or exploitation โ continues to prioritise children’s wellbeing. During the reporting period, 101 joint investigative interviews were carried out, with 89% resulting in children making disclosures.
Adult Services also achieved significant progress, particularly in Adult Support and Protection, where a recent Care Inspectorate review recognising substantial improvements in protecting vulnerable adults.
Within Community Justice Services, provision expanded to meet growing demand. The report noted a 12% increase in community payback orders, alongside a doubling of drug Treatment and testing orders compared with the previous year. New support pathways for women and men in the justice system have also been developed in partnership with third-sector organisations.
Workforce development remains a priority. During the year, Moray Council launched a Social Worker in Training scheme in partnership with Aberdeenโs Robert Gordon University, successfully recruiting six candidates into previously hard-to-fill vacancies.
While acknowledging ongoing and significant external pressures, the report highlights the importance of strong governance and partnership working between Moray Council, NHS Grampian and community planning partners in supporting the continued delivery of effective and safe services.
The Chief Social Work Officerโs Annual Report, which will also be presented to a meeting of Moray Council on 3 December, is available in the papers for the Moray Integration Joint Board meeting of 27 November 2025 published on the Moray Council website here.
