New ADSW president promises to create ‘a broad church’

As social work in Scotland faces the challenges of integration
with health, the Association of Directors of Social Work is to
create ‘a broad church’ of organisations to speak out
on behalf of service users.

Carole Wilkinson, director of social work for Falkirk Council,
announced the development in her inaugural speech as ADSW
president. She also emphasised the importance of social work values
in the government’s social inclusion policies, but demanded:
“Where in the general election were the debates on poverty, child
care, disability?”

Wilkinson warned that the fragmentation of social services as
they are integrated into education and health could result in a
loss of social work’s distinct voice. “We have to speak out
– not in self interest but on behalf of our staff, service
users and carers.”

ADSW has already been in negotiations with the voluntary sector
and will move to include the private sector and carers
organisations. Membership will be broadened to create the strongest
possible lobby for social work and service users over the next
year.