BASW concerned over sharp rise in complaints about social workers

Complaints about social workers are rising sharply, the head of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) advice and representation service has warned.

Addressing delegates at the BASW annual conference, Marcia Lawrence-Russell, said many social workers “tremble” at the prospect of being subject to a complaint.

Last year, there were more than 19 removals from the General Social Care Council (GSCC) register of social workers and numerous suspensions.

In that time more than 900 social workers sought support from BASW’s advice and representation service. But in the first five months of this year, the number of social workers seeking similar advice has already topped 750.

Lawrence-Russell explained: “More members than ever are contacting the advice and representation service. Last year we averaged 67 referrals every month, this year it is more like 80”.

She told CYP Now that complaints disproportionately affect children and families social workers because of factors including bad press, the scapegoating of social workers, stress and poor supervision.

“About 50 per cent of complaints accross the UK are about childcare social workers,” she said.

Lily Robertson, advice and representation officer at BASW, told delegates to expect changes at the GSCC, since all quangos are “sitting ducks” for cuts under the new government.

She added that the GSCC is considering changing its name to the General Council for Social Workers, because it no longer plans to expand into regulating the whole social care workforce.