Laming to lead Tory social work inquiry

Lord Laming, who led the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbié, is the patron of a new commission on social work launched by the Conservatives at the conference.

Shadow children’s minister Tim Loughton (pictured) told Community Care the commission would look at how to put the status of social workers on a par with that of other public service workers.

The commission will take oral evidence from professionals and organisations over the next year.

Loughton said: “We need to address the rather inferior status the government gives to social workers compared with doctors, teachers and nurses.

“This will be about making social workers part of the solution, not the problem.”

Loughton also said he wanted better pay for social workers but was not currently in a position to make any financial pledges.

Laming told Community Care: “There is a tremendous amount of change in social work, and this commission will give people the opportunity to stand back and examine some of the issues.”