the grapevine Overheard in the corridors and conferences of social care
British Association of Social Work
This year BASW returned to the worthy venue of Birmingham City Council House. While we appreciate the Victorian splendour, it is a shame that there wasn't another bash in last year's venue DV8, Brum's premier gay nightclub.
The change did improve the catering with a good selection of mini-quiches, turkey and cranberry sandwiches and so on. But it did little for the debate. The "union issue" was debated - again - although this saga may be coming to an end as there have been "significant talks".
It was also a time for change at the top: BASW bade farewell to its chief executive Ian Johnston. Ian was very humble in accepting the praise from his successor, Hilton Dawson, and wished him every success. Hilton will be a great addition to BASW, bringing the skills he learned as an MP - or maybe he should leave those behind.
Adult care directors spring seminar
Adass chose Croydon for its spring seminar - a bit better than a hotel off a motorway in Leicestershire but not much.
Highlight of the conference was the band on the last night. Delegates were eager to hear the combo and dance the night away - maybe Tony Hunter would croon his way through the early hours like he did last time?
Alas no. A fire alarm went off as the band was playing. Some say it was unfortunate, others went to bed disappointed, a few smiled knowingly.
Community Care LIVE
Two days of serious sessions were enlivened by tips from Max Clifford on dealing with the press; and an admission from the government's chief adviser on child safety that social workers need to be paid more.
One Community Care staffer spent 45 minutes helping a delegate search for her lost jacket only to find out that she'd left it in the Alzheimer's workshop.
Another one of Community Care's scribes had to pay for her lunch and that of a guest. She asked for two receipts in order to claim back the lunches on expenses. The person on the till asked: "You still get expenses?", no doubt a reference to the hard times we live in and the global belt-tightening, before answering her own question: "You must be an MP then".
The scribe escaped with nothing worse than a sneer.
Ministers
Talking of MPs, we couldn't leave care services minister Phil Hope alone in his hour of need.
Here at Community Care Towers we had faith in Phil and believed he was the man to successfully reform the sector. Charities liked him as well, which was only right because Phil believed charity began at home. He spent more than £40,000 of taxpayers' money on fitting out his second residence, a "modest two bedroom flat" in London. There were new carpets, TVs, seven doors, furniture and all manner of "white goods" and lush things. He even claimed for gardening tools.
Phil said he's going to repay the cash because he can't bear "the cynicism and the anger" expressed by people in his constituency. It's always the cynical little people such as constituents that bring down hard-working politicians such as Phil.
His intention has won him praise from The Daily Mail, which is something the rest of social care never receives. But he has claimed it's difficult to find "that kind of money", and who are we to disagree?
We wish him well in the coming ministerial reshuffle after the June elections. Let's hope he survives and shows social care the same charity as he showed himself.
this apeared in Community Care, Backchat 28 May 2009