Report praises high standards of social workers in NI

A report into health and social care in Northern Ireland has praised the high standards of professional development for social workers in Northern Ireland.

Sir Liam Donaldson’s report ‘Right Time Right Place’ was launched by Health Minister Jim Wells this week and examines the governance arrangements for ensuring the quality of health and social care provision in Northern Ireland.

The report noted: “The Review Team’s discussions within Trusts necessarily took account of the important role of social care staff, and particularly social workers. They are a vital part of the workforce and although under equal pressure to their healthcare counterparts, the Review was encouraged to hear about the strong emphasis on professional development in Northern Ireland and the particular expertise in specialist areas such as adult safeguarding.”

Commenting on the report, Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Chief Executive, Colum Conway (pictured), said: “The NISCC sets standards for for the training & practice of social workers in NI. It is encouraging that the report highlighted the strong emphasis on professional development among our social workers.

“The NISCC Professional in Practice Framework for Social Work in NI supports social workers to link their learning and development across a range of study options to ensure that practitioners can continuously develop the skills and knowledge they need to deliver a world class service.”

“As the regulator for the social care workforce in NI, the NISCC welcomes the Minister’s proposal to introduce a stronger system of regulation across acute and non acute health care providers.

“We also welcome the Minister’s intention to introduce a statutory duty of candour which will be supported by professional codes of conduct which already exist which will strengthen openness and transparency.”

The full report can be downloaded from www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/ldreport270115.htm