Service users get new voice

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.

Wilkinson said the move was a response to the fact 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.”