Knowledge and skills
I am delighted to host this blog from Gerry Nosowska, founder and Director of Effective Practice, which supported the Social Work with Older People research project. For too long, this vital area of practice has been largely unseen. Hopefully, as we build a stronger evidence base, more social workers will be deployed to work with older people and their carers.
On a recent visit to Harrow council, I was delighted to meet their cohort of apprentices and to hear about their amazing journeys towards qualifying as social workers or occupational therapists. I am delighted to introduce Angie Beaumont as our guest blogger to tell us about her experience.
I am delighted to support the launch of a free online training course for social work in disaster situations. Maris Stratulis, National Director, BASW England, and Joe Hanley, lecturer and researcher in social work with the Open University, have kindly drafted this week’s blog promoting this excellent course, so please read it and consider signing up!
The first contact with someone in need of care and support is at the beginning of an assessment conversation and there are many routes for this to happen. With increasing need and complexity, this new 'principles of proportionate assessment' guide offers support in setting out a range of assessment methods and how best to utilise them.
I am delighted to introduce Dr Claire Bates as the guest blogger today. Claire and her team have created a fantastic piece of work to support best practice, making sure sexuality and relationship needs are appropriately addressed and rights upheld. It's an excellent resource!
Social workers are playing an increasingly vital role in the use of technology within adult social care. They offer a unique perspective, one that holds technology to account to the standards, ethics and practices they themselves adhere to. Find out more in this week's guest blog...
I am delighted to introduce Hannah’s blog this week as we look ahead to the national Children and Adults Principal Social Worker Conference in Birmingham in July. The PSWs are vital to improving social care services for children, adults and families, helping to create supportive environments in which best practice can thrive.
It is one of the privileges of being Chief Social Worker for Adults that my professional colleagues and I can offer our advice, insight and guidance to inform major social care initiatives in England. The People at the Heart of Care white paper, published in 2021, set out the Government’s vision for adult social care. Now, with the publication of Next Steps to Put People at the Heart of Care, we’re helping to refine and strengthen that vision.
One of the best aspects of my role as Chief Social Worker for Adults is the opportunity to meet so many wonderful social workers applying their knowledge, skills and values in many different settings. Supporting people within the criminal justice system is one very good example...
I was delighted when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence began work on guidelines for social work with adults experiencing complex needs. I am pleased to host blogs from two members of the guideline committee, Ellie and Chloe, who reflect on their involvement and the guidelines' importance.