Moira Gibb Chair, Social Work Task Force Building a safe, confident future

Social Work Task Force Interim Report 2 The Task Force’s interim report was published in July It set out the main obstacles in the way of social work becoming a fully confident, effective profession, including: Poor public image and understanding Education and training Career structure Practical resources including ICT Overemphasis on process Supervision, reflection and analysis squeezed out No single focus of responsibility for promoting the profession

Social Work Task Force Final Report 3 The Task Force’s final report was published on 1 st December 2009 and sets out the ambitions for reform. These include: Better training Improved working conditions Stronger leadership and independence Reliable supply Greater public value and understanding The influence of people who use services should be built into reform from the start

Recommendations 4 Initial Education and Training Stronger criteria governing the calibre of entrants to social work education and training Overhaul of the content and delivery of social work degree courses New arrangements for high quality practice placements for all social work students Assessed and supported year in employment as final stage in becoming a social worker More transparent and effective regulation of education and training

5 Time, Resources and Support Clear national standards for employers of social workers National requirement for supervision Dedicated programme of training and support for line managers

6 Professional development and career progression National Framework for Continuing Professional Development Single nationally recognised career structure

7 Leadership Independent national college of social work

8 Public Value and Understanding Programme of action on public understanding of social work

9 A Cohesive and Purposeful System The development of a licence to practise for social workers A new system for forecasting supply and demand A single national reform programme for social work

Roles and responsibilities 10 Government Employers Educators Social workers

Government Response 11 The initial Government response accepts all of the recommendations. It also makes a number of specific commitments, including: Working as quickly as possible to work through legislative and resourcing implications Establishing a new Social Work Reform Board to oversee development and implementation Publishing an implementation plan in early 2010 Providing logistical support to the college while it establishes itself

And finally 12 “We know also that capacity across the social work service is very stretched. It will be difficult for those coping with very demanding jobs today to spare time to contribute to building a new future. As a result, leadership by employers, supported by government, is needed in the here and now to take the action which will begin to ease the pressure.”