Social work raises parliamentary profile with cross-party group

Social work has raised its profile in parliament with the launch yesterday of an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the profession.

Social work has raised its profile in parliament with the launch yesterday of an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the profession.

More than 20 MPs and peers, including former social workers, have signed up to the group, which has been established following lobbying from the British Association of Social Workers.

“As a former social worker myself, I welcome this opportunity to for MPs and peers to discuss and debate the current issues of social work in Parliament,” said vice-chair Mike Wood. “From personal experience, I know it can often feel like a thankless profession, and I very much hope that the social work APPG can begin to change that feeling”.

The APPG is chaired by Labour MP Ann Clwyd and its secretary is Plaid Cymru MP and former social worker Hywel Williams.

APPGs hold regular meetings, inquiries and quiz ministers on policy developments in their subject area. Currently there are also APPGs on mental health, child protection, looked-after children and care leavers and social care.

The meeting was addressed by BASW chief executive and former Labour MP Hilton Dawson, who said: “Parliament should have much more confidence in this country’s excellent social workers and that’s the message which I hope MPs will take on board.”

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