College of Social Work referendum

The British Association of Social Workers is holding a referendum of its members, to garner support for the establishment of a professional College of Social Work, independant of plans being drawn up by the Social Work Reform Board, reflecting BASW disillusionment with what it sees as an England-centric model, too closely tied to government and lacking the independence necessary to transform standards, empower and promote social work as a profession to the media and public. The ballot will be concluded by the end of April.

Social Work Task Force Recommendations

The recommendations of the Social Work Task Force (England & Wales) are examined at length in this weeks Community Care (3rd December, Jordanhill Serials 362).

Social Work Task Force Final Report

Children's secretary Ed Balls and Health secretary Andy Burnham (England and Wales) will announce today new standards in social work, including pay reform, improvements to social work degrees, changes in selection procedures and the introduction of a licence to practice, only awarded after sucessful completion of a probationary year in practice. The proposed new National College of Social Work will be a professional body to strengthen the representation of social workers. (Guardian 1st December 2009). The final report's recommendations will not, however, include a national cap on workloads.

Ed Balls Interviewed in the Guardian

Ed Balls interview in The Guardian, 28.11.09, wants to see a cultural shift in status and a better future for social work as a profession. He talks of the balancing act between the need to act, in the days following the emergence of failures at Haringay council to protect Baby P, and the need to maintain the morale of a battered profession. The Social Work Task Force at the Department of Children Schools and Families (England and Wales) are due today to report on recommendations for the future of the profession, including the proposed establishment of a Royal College of Social Work.