by Daniel Lombard

In my four years as a journalist I've become accustomed to the full arsenal of PR weapons used by communications professionals to 'sell' their messages to the media.

It usually starts with the charm offensive, followed by the threat of withdrawing advertising contracts, and if all else fails, full-blown harassment.

I've heard complaints from PR professionals about how rude, unreliable and patronising journalists can be in response to their calls (forget whatever you've heard, I've always remained calm and courteous).

But last week the boot was on the other foot.

by Bronagh Miskelly

The Independent's columnist Joan Smith has picked up on the themes of the Stand Up for Social Work campaign.

My only criticism is that yet again any discussion about social workers is concentrated on child protection, not all the otherwork and achievements.

 by Daniel Lombard

Edinburgh Council has resolved its dispute with The Daily Mail over its coverage of a row over an adoption case.

The council issued a formal complaint to the national press watchdog, the Press Complaints Commission, on the grounds that a series of reports published in January and February were inaccurate and misleading.

Our Stand Up Now for Social Work campaign has had a major breakthrough this week: top 'real-life' magazine Take a Break is supporting our work with its own campaign, titled "Thank God for Social Workers".

This is a bid deal - Take a Break is read by more than a million people a week. But to really help to turn around the public's opinion of social work we all need to act now to take advantage of this unique opportunity. There are six small things you can do to make a difference...