by Bronagh Miskelly, Group Editor, Community CareOne outcome of the consultation on the role of a college of social work is the obvious need for clarity over what it will and won't do and how that fits with other bodies in the sector. Early results from the consultation reveal that about half of social workers believe the college should provide trade union-style representation.
There have been calls for the college to take some regulatory powers from the General Social Care Council.
One of the past issues with social care bodies has been a lack of clarity over their roles and functions. Those involved in creating the college must avoid the same mistake by looking at good systems outside social care. In the medical world, for example, the royal colleges focus on best practice, promoting medicine and setting educational expectations; meanwhile the General Medical Council deals with cases of malpractice and misconduct and the British Medical Association takes on the union role of pay negotiations. Equally the College of Occupational Therapists does not have formal representative role but has a relationship with Unision.
Social work must be prepared to learn from these professions and understand one body cannot offer a universal service.
One of the past issues with social care bodies has been a lack of clarity over their roles and functions. Those involved in creating the college must avoid the same mistake by looking at good systems outside social care. In the medical world, for example, the royal colleges focus on best practice, promoting medicine and setting educational expectations; meanwhile the General Medical Council deals with cases of malpractice and misconduct and the British Medical Association takes on the union role of pay negotiations. Equally the College of Occupational Therapists does not have formal representative role but has a relationship with Unision.
Social work must be prepared to learn from these professions and understand one body cannot offer a universal service.
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