BASW urges independent involvement as government makes push on social work practices
Following the government’s revelation that it intends to roll out independent social work practices to support older and disabled people, BASW is urging independent members with an interest in pilot studies to come forward and work with their professional association.
BASW offered strong support for the social work practice announcement by the health secretary Andrew Lansley last week, as the move heralds the implementation of a key part of BASW’s Social Work Bill, launched last month.
Mr Lansley revealed the intention to pilot adult-centred social work practices at the National Children and Adult Services (NCAS) Conference in Manchester. The plan echoes pilots already launched for social work practices in children’s work and reflects a specific call by BASW for the wider roll out of the model.
In the Social Work Bill handed in to 10 Downing Street on 14 October BASW recommended legislation that would enshrine social work practices in law, paving the way for more social workers to establish independent teams to take on statutory work with children and adults.
Commenting shortly after Mr Lansley’s announcement BASW chief executive Hilton Dawson said: “BASW very much welcomes the government’s decision to endorse a key provision of our Social Work Bill. It is good news for social work that ministers are joining us in looking to broaden the scope of social work practices which we believe, if properly implemented, could enable social workers to spend more time working alongside vulnerable people and improving service user outcomes.
“BASW will offer the fullest co-operation in supporting the roll out of pilots for adult social work teams and will be pressing the government to accept our offer to play a central role in making this transformative agenda a huge success. Independent members keen to be involved should get in touch and help us to make these pilots a success.”
Addressing the NCAS conference the health secretary told the audience of directors of social services in England: “Putting decision-making and power in the hands of social workers will mean better, more personal care for individuals. Social workers – the people who really know their clients – will have flexibility to create services around their clients. These pilots will explore how the government can encourage social workers to develop fully independent groups contracted to local authorities.”
To express an interest in getting involved in BASW’s work in this area, please email [email protected]
