A national college of social work is being mooted as a "fresh start" for the profession, but questions remain about where this will leave the British Association of Social Workers.
At BASW's "taking back our profession" rally in London yesterday, the unifying support for a college was apparent.
Chairman Tim Chittleburgh kicked off proceedings by declaring BASW wishes to play a "founding role" in the college, building on the association's existing code of ethics.
This was picked up by chief exec Hilton Dawson, who emphasised BASW's "authoritative understanding" of the nature of social work, which he said "entitles" BASW to be a "key partner" in the development of a college. He also talked about the need for the college to be led by and accountable to social workers.
However, the politicians in attendance sidestepped BASW's proposals.
Children's minister Baroness Delyth Morgan recognised the work BASW has done, and said it's an "important part" of what the Social Work Task Force will recommend in its final report.
She added that a national college would represent a "fresh start in terms of the profession's ability to speak for itself and to demonstrate high standards of practice".
Yet neither she, nor Tim Loughton (shadow children's minister), nor Lynne Featherstone (Liberal Democrat) committed to the idea of a formal link between BASW and the college.
I didn't 'dodge' your proposals - but had been invited solely to speak about my experiences over the Baby Peter tragedy. Had the organisers indicated that they wished me to address the BASW proposals - I would have spoken with Annette Brooke who is the Liberal Democrat Spokespeson for Children and Families and been very happy to do so.
A Social Work College? / Nursing - a Graduate profession? - high academic standards are not any sort of guarantee to best practice. Lynne Featherstone was correct in her reference to over-managerialism - the Care leaver on the video highlighted what is required and that is social workers who put their 'service users' ahead of their managers.
We still see social work as a local Government driven and managed profession - that is not ever where its origins were and until BASW and others can themselves clearly identify what IS social work I see little hope for any meaningful progress.