NI Critical Dialogue Social Work In Northern Ireland Paul Martin Chief Social Services Officer Office of Social Services Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Social Work is defined by the society in which it operates Relationship with civil society Social Work Education Political Context

Societal Demographics Technology Trends/lifestyles (eg obesity) Population movement ‘Post Conflict’ society Resources Economy CSR Outcomes & Effectiveness Who -The Public -User-focus What -Public safety -Productivity -Evidence Social Work Organisational -Review of Public Administration -Integrated structures -Governance arrangements Government -Devolved assembly -Review of Public Administration -Legislative and policy context

Key Policy Themes Safety and quality Reform of Children’s Services Integrated working Empowerment Social model of care Emerging rights and responsibilities agenda

1.Government’s commitment – investment in a range of initiatives. 2.History of social work – responsive and adaptive to changing society. 3.Users value the service provided by social workers.

It’s time to: -Reclaim traditional roles and tasks; -Re-energise the profession’s relationship with local communities; -Articulate what social workers do and the difference they make.

Social Work Mandate from people who use the services and the communities they live in; Social work’s specialism is its generalism; Common purpose, process and values.

The Academic Community -Balance the tension of working as part of the system while at the same time challenging the system; -An education curriculum that is responsive and adaptive to changing world of practice; -Relevant and timely research to inform and influence policy and practice.

1.Define the objectives for social work. 2.Partnership. 3.Professional Leadership. The Future