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Delegates were concerned at the initial focus on qualified social workers of the Scottish executive’s 21st Century Working Group on social work.

Several contributors from the floor pointed out that much social work takes place in multi-agency teams or in joint structures and is carried out by staff without a social work qualification. Focusing on the role of the social worker in isolation would not give a true picture of the job.

Kate Vincent, director of social work services policy at the Scottish executive, outlined the review’s aims announced in July. In reply to the comments from delegates, she said that “the remit of the review is already wide and looking at a variety of social worker roles and allied professions”.

Vincent said that the review wanted to update the role of social workers and provide them with resources and a legal framework for the next 30 years. During the next two months the review team will go to councils to consult with staff and managers and there would be a formal consultation in February with a website.