The theme for World Social Work Day 2026 is Co-building hope and harmony: a Harambee call to unite a divided society. In this blog, the Adults Principal Social Worker Network Chair team share their reflections on this theme. Lucy Rush The 2026 World Social Work Day theme, ‘Co‑building hope and …
It can feel like adult social care is seen nationally by the media and others through the lens of ‘discharge’ and ‘flow’. When I was President of ADASS, I remember waking up to the radio one morning to a story where the lack of social care capacity was blamed for acute pressures. I got in touch with the speaker to set the record straight. Since then, the conversation has shifted. There's a greater …
Introduction by Robert Lewis In this guest blog we hear from a group of mental health social work leaders from the vibrant North East and Yorkshire NHS Trusts’ Social Work Community of Practice. Many remain unaware that social workers are an increasing presence in NHS mental health services. With their values and rights-based approaches, social …
I hope the new year started well and everyone had a good break over the holidays. This time last year I started as the Chief Social Worker at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and much has happened …
This is my farewell post before I step down as Chief Social Worker for Adults. It was a privilege and an honour to take on this role over 10 years ago, the first of its kind in England. I am so very grateful for all the support I have received from so many people...
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 …
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.
Sometimes, being proud of your profession is not enough. Whilst we have every right and reason to proclaim our professionalism and leadership from the rooftops, we still need to demonstrate our effectiveness and value each and every day. It’s an …
We are nothing if we are not experts in the human condition. As social workers we are among the few health and care professionals who can claim to see peoples’ problems in the full context of their day to day …
