If you were in any doubt how massive a reform of social work
yesterday's task force report has set in motion, you need only look at
the varying degree of coverage across the mainstream news outlets.
The Independent went with asking, "How are we going to pay for better pay?" The Times led on the proposed probationary year. The Guardian decided on the dry, "Major social work reform announced." The Daily Mail was outraged shouting, "Social workers to be given pay RISES in wake of Baby P scandal" and The Sun proclaimed, "How we can stop another Baby P" with no less than task force member and agony aunt Deirdre Sanderson on hand to explain everything.
If there is one constant running through everything it is the question of commitment. Most often this is equated with cold hard cash, of which there is none. But that doesn't mean there isn't any commitment.
The largely positive coverage, with the exception of the usual suspects, reflects an acceptance within the profession and with the public at large that a change to how the social work operates needs to take place.
Sander's put it in her own succinct style: "Dead babies are not a price we are willing to pay for an inadequate, cut-price service."
The Sun's sister publication The Times was also sympathetic to the state of social work describing frontline staff as "demoralised". The Independent went one step further describing workers as "demoralised and overstretched".
The only dissenting voice in the room is The Daily Mail (a position they are probably more than happy with) who mocked the proposal that "frontline social workers" be paid the same money as "the best teachers and nurses".
The challenge now is for the profession to come good on the implementation. The popular support is there, even if the money isn't, and if people see results and commitment, maybe, just maybe they will be willing to pay for the transformation of the profession through their taxes.
If there is one constant running through everything it is the question of commitment. Most often this is equated with cold hard cash, of which there is none. But that doesn't mean there isn't any commitment.
The largely positive coverage, with the exception of the usual suspects, reflects an acceptance within the profession and with the public at large that a change to how the social work operates needs to take place.
Sander's put it in her own succinct style: "Dead babies are not a price we are willing to pay for an inadequate, cut-price service."
The Sun's sister publication The Times was also sympathetic to the state of social work describing frontline staff as "demoralised". The Independent went one step further describing workers as "demoralised and overstretched".
The only dissenting voice in the room is The Daily Mail (a position they are probably more than happy with) who mocked the proposal that "frontline social workers" be paid the same money as "the best teachers and nurses".
The challenge now is for the profession to come good on the implementation. The popular support is there, even if the money isn't, and if people see results and commitment, maybe, just maybe they will be willing to pay for the transformation of the profession through their taxes.
Leave a comment