Most of those to officially respond to the College of Social Work's announcement that it will launch in January without the British Association of Social Workers have tiptoed around the actual dispute between the organisations, preferring instead to simply welcome the news that the College will open its doors on 3 January 2012. But, reading between the lines, it seems the sector has largely welcomed the College's decision to go it alone. Here are a selection of comments:

Peter Hay, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, and Matt Dunkley, president of Association of Directors of Children's Services, issued the following joint statement:

"Social workers need strong professional leadership and the College of Social Work is perfectly placed to give it. The College of Social Work will have an essential role in raising and maintaining standards across the profession, and we welcome its decision to forge ahead with plans to open its doors formally to members on 3 January 2012. We fully support the College as it sets out to lead social work into a better future."

In statement to Community Care, Unison said:

"Unison welcomes the news that the College of Social Work will be open with services up and running for members in England by January 2012. Unison is currently working to finalise arrangements for a formal agreement with the College which will offer social workers membership of the College alongside membership of Unison. Joining forces in this way will build on the strengths of Unison, the recognised trade union for social workers, and the College's plans for a range of services to support social workers in their professional practice and career development."

Moira Gibb, chair of the Social Work Reform Board, said:

"An official launch of a college of social work represents a landmark moment in the strengthening of social work as a profession. A college will help achieve the same respect and authority given to those in related professions like nursing, teaching and medicine. All members of the Social Work Task Force supported the need for a college in 2009 and, as changes to the regulation of social work come into force, its importance is even greater. I look forward to the College and the profession growing in strength together."

Photo by Image Source/Rex Features

Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/social-work-blog/2011/09/reaction-to-college-latest-rea.html