by Bronagh Miskelly
"Building a safe, confident future" is more than the title of the final report from the Social Work Task Force, it is its theme. It should also be a statement of intent for the government, which has accepted the recommendations in full, and other political leaders.
Although the taskforce process has been very open and the findings widely trailed, the detailed recommendations do require radical reforms and a change of thinking by individual social workers, educators and employers.
Pay and career development
Central to the reforms are the issues of career development and reward. The concept of a licence to practise should put the onus of regulation on experience, further education and evidenced practice. This is likely to require changes to the General Social Care Council's processes - something that organisation is already looking at.
Experience is also at the heart of a career structure that values frontline practice in senior roles bringing greater leadership to practice. But to achieve that change one of the most difficult aspects of the reform agenda is required - a new approach to pay structures.
The government and the new Social Work Reform Board must recognise that, if knowledge and experience is to be truly valued and social work's professional status is to be bolstered, any changes to career progression must be reflected in a new approach to pay. Without this underpinning, the whole reform edifice could crumble.
Employers
One of the most significant recommendations is to introduce binding standards for employers around issues such as caseloads, supervision and time for professional development. This is a welcome development following concerns that employers have failed to live up to the GSCC's voluntary code of practice.
Given this history it is essential there are realistic sanctions applied to employers that fail in their duties in this area. Without this process being linked to an inspection process we are unlikely to see any real change in frontline experience.
Cross-party commitment
The government has promised an implementation plan, expected to last for 10 years, for the recommendations early in 2010. But in a general election year we need the support of all parties to ensure the process is carried through.
This is potentially a step to a new respect for good social work practice and it is essential the momentum continues to ensure better outcomes for social workers and clients.
Central to the reforms are the issues of career development and reward. The concept of a licence to practise should put the onus of regulation on experience, further education and evidenced practice. This is likely to require changes to the General Social Care Council's processes - something that organisation is already looking at.
Experience is also at the heart of a career structure that values frontline practice in senior roles bringing greater leadership to practice. But to achieve that change one of the most difficult aspects of the reform agenda is required - a new approach to pay structures.
The government and the new Social Work Reform Board must recognise that, if knowledge and experience is to be truly valued and social work's professional status is to be bolstered, any changes to career progression must be reflected in a new approach to pay. Without this underpinning, the whole reform edifice could crumble.
Employers
One of the most significant recommendations is to introduce binding standards for employers around issues such as caseloads, supervision and time for professional development. This is a welcome development following concerns that employers have failed to live up to the GSCC's voluntary code of practice.
Given this history it is essential there are realistic sanctions applied to employers that fail in their duties in this area. Without this process being linked to an inspection process we are unlikely to see any real change in frontline experience.
Cross-party commitment
The government has promised an implementation plan, expected to last for 10 years, for the recommendations early in 2010. But in a general election year we need the support of all parties to ensure the process is carried through.
This is potentially a step to a new respect for good social work practice and it is essential the momentum continues to ensure better outcomes for social workers and clients.
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