Local Learning Partnerships

Local learning partnerships (LLPs) are a model of formal locally-led collaborations between social work employers and social work education providers. They’re designed to strengthen and support social work education and ongoing workforce development by addressing individual, organisational and systemic needs. 

The LLP model consists of five core components that have been developed following consultation with social work educators, practitioners, students, and strategic partners. 

You can find more information about LLPs in a short information pack from the National Social Work Agency (NSWA).

Four partnerships have been funded by the NSWA to undertake ‘test and learn’ development work over 2026/27 by applying the LLP model to their local context and needs. The partnerships are: Grampian, Highland and Islands, Perth and Kinross, and West of Scotland.

Iriss is part of the national LLP team alongside NSWA, SWS and SSSC. We are supporting LLP work in 2026/27 by:

• Providing self evaluation and learning support to the funded ‘test and learn’ LLPs
• Supporting learning exchange and knowledge sharing through national LLP engagement sessions 
• Undertaking an independent evaluation of the LLP model.