Nicky Morgan announces new professional watchdog for social workers

By The Press Association14th January 2016News EnglandCare Standards, Education / Training, News England, Social Work, Training

A new professional watchdog for social workers will improve training and drive up standards, Nicky Morgan has declared.

The new regulator will put the profession on a par with surgeons and lawyers, the Government claimed.

Education Secretary Mrs Morgan said the measure was part of a package of “big and bold” reforms to transform social services in England.

The new body will be responsible for raising the quality of social work, education, training and practice.

It will also set standards for training and be responsible for a new assessment and accreditation system for children and family social workers.

It will eventually become the new regulatory body for social work, taking over from the Health and Care Professions Council.

Speaking in Kensington, west London, Mrs Morgan said: “Excellent social workers transform lives. These hard-working, dedicated professionals have the ability not just to improve the circumstances of vulnerable children but to change them entirely.

“That is why supporting social workers, and giving them the tools they need, is a priority for this Government and a personal priority for me as Secretary of State.

“Our reforms are big and bold because we need the best people on the frontline, armed with the knowledge and skills to change lives.

“These reforms are about getting it right for social workers, so that social workers can get it right for our most vulnerable children and families.”

The Government also announced that three more areas – Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Islington – would be given extra freedom to develop new systems of child care.

The announcements follow a major shake-up of social work announced in December by Prime Minister David Cameron, which included £100 million of funding to attract high-quality graduates into social work through the Frontline and Step Up programmes.

Chief social worker for children and families Isabelle Trowler said: “Today’s announcements form the springboard for social work to become recognised as one of the most highly regarded and expert professions in the public service landscape.

“Such high ambition will be achieved through a dedicated and focused partnership with government so together we provide practice excellence everywhere for the children, families and communities we serve.

“I look forward to working with the profession and the strongest practice leaders in England, alongside children, young people and families, Ofsted, employers and universities, to drive this ambition forward.

“This challenge is not for the faint hearted but nor is social work. We have been given a new opportunity to prove our worth to the public. I am completely confident that we will not disappoint.”