Do you think that social
work is still both art and science?
Mark Roberts, social
worker
David N Jones: The
simple answer is ‘yes’ but of course the reasoning is more
complex.
In the age of
evidence-based practice, some might argue that social work is the
application of the messages from research – more science than art.
However we know that the research base for social work practice is
still limited and the individual nature of social work practice
will always require interpretation by skilful practitioners - and
in many cases there is little research to guide practice. Of course
we need more research that can help us improve our practice.
However social work practice still requires the exercise of
judgement and well developed inter-personal skills alongside a
knowledge and understanding of messages from research. In this
sense, social work is an art-form of a high order drawing on
developed self-awareness, informed intuition and perceptive
judgement.
What is clear is that
social work and social workers cannot rely on doing the art of
‘what seems right’ without an informed and persuasive rationale.
The challenge for the next period of social work is therefore to
develop models of practice that draw on research where appropriate,
are aware and self-evaluating. In my view we also need to use the
best from our experience of performance management over the past 10
years, while avoiding the demoralising and dehumanising
bureaucratic approaches which have been introduced in many public
sector organisations in recent years. Social work relies on the
commitment and skills of individual practitioners and they deserve
respect and support, such as is found in the best agencies in the
UK. We also need to identify and celebrate the best in the art of
social work when we find it.
This might seem a rather
parochial UK answer but my experience shows me that these issues
are common all around the world, in different forms according to
context. This is not just a UK issue. It is global and I hope IFSW
will be able to help spread a renewed confidence in the art and
science of social work not only within the profession but also in
the public sphere.
I have been told that the
UK DipSW is not recognised outside the UK and that I would have
some difficulty working as a social worker abroad. I have also been
told that if I wanted to work as a social worker in some countries
I would need to have a Masters. How true is this?
Deborah
Pearson, social worker and ASW trainee
DNJ:
Social work is now clearly a global profession with hundreds of
social workers from many countries moving around the world to work
in other countries. The UK both imports and exports social workers
but we are not the only country involved. The question of
recognition of qualifications is therefore very important not only
for individuals but also for employers.
The responsibility for
recognising overseas qualifications in the UK rests with the
registration councils in each of the home countries of the UK. The
arrangements for other countries are very varied, in some cases
resting with registration councils, sometimes with a government
ministry and sometimes with the individual employer. The first
global meeting of regulators of qualifications and social workers
is taking place in July of this year, which is a response to the
developing global movement of social workers which is now affecting
their daily work.
Social work is now a
regulated profession in the UK. The only area with formal
agreements between countries about recognition of qualifications is
the European Union. Social work in the UK is recognised under the
Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive and the
qualifications of UK trained social workers can therefore be
considered for recognition throughout the EU. Member states can
still require an adaptation period in respect of essential national
factors such as the legal framework and language. IFSW has been
working on the mutual recognition directive for many years
alongside other professional bodies at European level. Information
from IFSW over the years enabled BASW and others to keep up the
pressure on the government about the fact that the former DipSW was
set at a lower level than the social work qualification in the
other 15 EU countries. This helped to create the climate which
resulted in the launch of the new degree.
Recognition of
qualifications in other countries is on a case by case basis and
would often look in detail at the content of the specific social
work programme and even the options taken by an individual and in
some cases would also take into account subsequent practice
experience.
There have been problems
with the DipSW translating abroad in some countries, for example in
the USA and Australia, because it was not equivalent to a degree.
For some social work jobs in some countries, a Masters degree is
required.
I am afraid people wishing
to work abroad have to do their own research on the requirements in
the country they wish to visit. If you are a member of BASW, you
can often receive help from the IFSW member organisation in the
country to which you wish to move. Contact details are on the IFSW
website www.ifsw.org
I
cannot find a position with respect to Israel's occupation of
Palestine and ongoing attacks upon the people of that land on the
IFSW site.
Will
IFSW condemn Israel for killing thousands of Palestinian children,
women and men? What is the IFSW position with respect to the state
of Israel's present and historic attacks upon Palestine? Does IFSW
have a position with respect to the Israeli state's present use of
collective punishment?
How
can we as social workers ignore the ongoing repression of the
people of Palestine by this US backed religious hegemony? How can
social workers within the IFSW, operating under codes of ethics
that clearly require us to act to stop oppression, take collective
action to help the people of Palestine liberate themselves from
their oppressor?
David Roy, Senior Social
Worker in Children's Services
DNJ: A national social
work organisation from Palestine, Lebanon and Israel are members of
IFSW. We have made statements about the use of violence in various
places including Israel. In general IFSW supports peaceful means of
conflict resolution and would always be opposed to violence as a
first response to disagreements.
The most recent IFSW
statement on the Middle East conflict was made in 2002 and is set
out below. This remains the federation’s formal position. In the
current situation, we extend the statement to include people
affected by the fighting in Lebanon.
IFSW statement on the Middle East
The International
Federation of Social Workers calls upon its member organisations to
take up the call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and
a return to negotiations for peace.
The IFSW recognises that the situation in the Middle East has a
very long and complex history. However we cannot condone acts of
violence by suicide bombers or by an overwhelming military
response. Once again we are witnessing a denial of human rights on
both sides and actions which will have an immediate and
long-lasting effect on both the Palestinian and Israeli
communities.
We note that the IFSW rejects acts of terrorism. However the IFSW
urges governments to look at the circumstances which have led to
the birth of extremist views and their violent consequences.
We ask our member
organisations to petition their governments to encourage:
-
A return to the table by both the Palestinians and Israelis.
-
An immediate cessation of hostilities.
-
To facilitate appropriate humanitarian aid.
-
A commitment to the implementation of the agreed peace
plan.
Our compassion and support
are extended to our Israeli and Palestinian colleagues as they
grapple with the personal and professional difficulties of the
current situation.
Sydney/Berne, 8 April 2002
Imelda Dodds, IFSW
President
Tom Johannesen, IFSW Secretary