Government launches new practice learning taskforce

Health minister Jacqui Smith launched a new practice learning
taskforce for social work training on Monday.

The job of the taskforce, which will be run by training body
TOPSS for two years, is to find high quality and diverse practice
placements for students undertaking the social work degree from
September.

It will look for training opportunities in the police, criminal
justice system, housing departments and schools and colleges, as
well as traditional social care settings, as part of the biggest
shake-up of social care for a decade.

The taskforce consists of a small group of experienced social
work professionals, based in nine regional centres, and headed by
former Association of Directors of Social Services president Mike
Leadbetter.