WIREDGOV

The social work profession is more confident and more focused on improving outcomes for the most vulnerable, Chair of the Social Work Reform Board Moira Gibb said in her final report published recently.

The Social Work Reform Board published its latest and most likely last significant update on the progress of the reforms it has overseen. The Social Work Task Force recommended comprehensive reform of the social work system to enable social workers to practise confidently and safely.  The Social Work Reform Board has been working to make the task force's recommendations a reality. The Board included representatives from right across the social work sector including those in higher education, carers and social Workers themselves.

Dame Moira Gibb, CBE, Chair of the Social Work Reform Board, said:

We have set out a vision for the future in which the social work profession has the support and confidence it needs to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable in our society.  Today marks a staging post in the journey of social work reform and a foundation for delivering a better future for social work.

I believe our reports will support and guide employers, those involved in educating and training social workers and the profession itself to achieve this.  We hope this report will be used as a working tool assisting the sector and employers as they undertake this challenging task.

This is likely to be our last significant report as we hand on the baton of reform to others in the social work sector.

The Government supports the work of the Social Work Reform Board and is now urging the sector to take forward reforms.

A Government spokesperson said:

The Social Work reforms are helping to keep social work focused on the most important thing - helping those most vulnerable in our society.

We hope to have a Chief Social Worker in place within the next few months who will reinforce the continuing imperative to drive up standards of care in the field of social work.

The report 'Building a safe and confident future: Maintaining Momentum – A progress report from the Social Work Reform Board' can be found on the Department's website.

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