Recently in Training Category

by Paul Lloyd

Nobody talks about bravery in social work but there are many situations in which social workers have to dig deep to use resources deep within themselves to be able to act professionally and safely. How do we address this in training and reverse the drop-out rate?

From my recollection of being a social work student and, from my experience as a practice assessor, I would argue that the importance of personal courage has never been recognised as a principle feature of professional practice as it is taught at colleges and in the field.  
However, in my role as a trade union officer I am confronted, on a daily basis, with courageous interventions carried out by social workers done so at considerable risk to their own professional and physical well-being.

by an anonymous social worker

Social workers are vilified in the media, and our public image is poor. Defending ourselves blindly, however, is not going to address the array of issues that we face.
Of course recognition is needed that the workforce is overworked, underpaid and stressed. We face daily challenges that affect enormously the lives of others, sometimes of such a magnitude that it can mean life or death. We work more than our set hours, using computer systems that are not fit for purpose. And we do all this and so much more for a starting salary of about £28,000.

by Mike Wardle

How well does the degree prepare social workers for practice? Two years on since it produced its first graduates, the degree is in the spotlight.

A series of regional visits is being organised by the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families as part of a joint review of the degree, so the publication last week of DH's three-year evaluation is timely.

The degree is still relatively new, but the early evidence suggests that there is much for the sector to be confident about.