National Organization for Practice Teaching Conference Manchester 4th July 2011 Vision or mirage Emerging themes from

1. Introduce self, Great privilege to be able to open this conference and to present the changing social work professional context. I am looking forward to a day when I will be stimulated and excited as much as I hope you will be. Most important qualification RSW. I�m a member of the SW Reform Board and though not representing the Board I�m pleased to be able to tell you about the work of the Reform Board and to give you some perspective on this here. I�m also a Head of a School delivering social work education and a member of the General Social Care Council. The title of this conference invites you to consider whether social work development is a vision or a mirage and I hope to comment on this. My focus on the social work reforms is about seeking to achieve across the country the same vision and principles of making good practice standard practice. And turning any potential aspect of mirage into reality. However we are in Interesting times � many uncertainties but also some certainties : things are going to change! And I wanted to start with perhaps what some people are feeling� Introduce self, Great privilege to be able to open this conference and to present the changing social work professional context. I am looking forward to a day when I will be stimulated and excited as much as I hope you will be. Most important qualification RSW. I�m a member of the SW Reform Board and though not representing the Board I�m pleased to be able to tell you about the work of the Reform Board and to give you some perspective on this here. I�m also a Head of a School delivering social work education and a member of the General Social Care Council. The title of this conference invites you to consider whether social work development is a vision or a mirage and I hope to comment on this. My focus on the social work reforms is about seeking to achieve across the country the same vision and principles of making good practice standard practice. And turning any potential aspect of mirage into reality. However we are in Interesting times � many uncertainties but also some certainties : things are going to change! And I wanted to start with perhaps what some people are feeling�

2. Are you feeling weary? Are you feeling down? Does it seem like some days it is just not worth getting out of bed? Who is on your side? Where are your friends? \Who are they? Who is there to stand up for social work in troubled times?Are you feeling weary? Are you feeling down? Does it seem like some days it is just not worth getting out of bed? Who is on your side? Where are your friends? \Who are they? Who is there to stand up for social work in troubled times?

3. Key Questions for today In the current context, where are developments in the reform of the social work profession going? What will be the impact of the �troubled water� - financial cuts, latest reviews and an uncertain future? Will the reforms proposed solve the problems the social work taskforce were addressing? What changes are actually proposed? How will all this affect you? What influence can you have? You may have some far more pressing concerns of the moment. Will my organization survive the financial pressures and constraints? Will I have a job? While looking at the reforms that are being proposed and planned, we are also aware that the future of the profession is on our minds here, You may have some far more pressing concerns of the moment. Will my organization survive the financial pressures and constraints? Will I have a job? While looking at the reforms that are being proposed and planned, we are also aware that the future of the profession is on our minds here,

4. Outline of presentation Brief review of the Social Work Reforms- background, progress and next steps planned Consideration of emerging proposals, the One Year On Report, and the changing landscape Recent events and reports (Munro), current issues, and direction of the moment Finally - what part can we play in influencing the SW reforms and the future? � risks and opportunities. Time for questions if we can Helen and I have coordinated our presentations to try not to overlap and to provide complementary views.Time for questions if we can Helen and I have coordinated our presentations to try not to overlap and to provide complementary views.

5. England only of course And not forgetting the bank of other professionals who work with social workers � quite a narrow focus you might think but perhaps if we are crystal clear about what SWs can offer, it helps to clarify what others could do And service users and carers And employers of the futureEngland only of course And not forgetting the bank of other professionals who work with social workers � quite a narrow focus you might think but perhaps if we are crystal clear about what SWs can offer, it helps to clarify what others could do And service users and carers And employers of the future

6. Context and reasons for reform 2008-10 Child fatalities and service concerns: Death of Baby Peter Connolly (2007) reported Autumn 2008 Practitioners: support in the workplace not always there to enable them  to do a good job Concerns about social work education expressed by: Employers: variability in social work graduates (employability?) and  some courses HEIs: variability in employer engagement with initial social work  education Students: difficulties in ensuring �statutory placements� - resulting in  limited experiences Newly qualified social workers: feeling variably prepared for the jobs  they�re expected to do � expectations high Profession does not have a voice and is misunderstood Whole system of reform is needed - �nuts and bolts review�. Many of you will remember the impact of the death of Baby Peter Connelly reported 2 years ago in the Autumn of 2008 (died in 2007) which was followed by the establishment of the SW Taskforce, When the Taskforce was set up many thought it was a Baby Peter taskforce but it was not � it was asked to review the nuts and bolts of sw (for adults and children�s services and across the whole spectrum of education). SWTF reported in Dec 2009, followed by LordLaming�s report� remember he was asked to do his review post Baby Peter. But why? what was the problem they were seeking to solve? Views of employers, students, practitioners and HEIs contributed to the reasons why people were dissatisfied and here are some of them. Some people argued that while many SW students were excellent and proved themselves capable of undertaking the difficult and complex task of SW, some appeared to be struggling with the conceptual and intellectual demands of the job (the reason we teach our students critical thinking as their first module), and several NQSW were not getting appointed to jobs when they applied because their writing skills were not up to standard (which is why we make our students do simulated letters etc before going out on placement). Equally some SWs were saying that they were expected to sink or swim in first jobs and that the support from employers was less than they needed as a beginning professionals. Many of you will remember the impact of the death of Baby Peter Connelly reported 2 years ago in the Autumn of 2008 (died in 2007) which was followed by the establishment of the SW Taskforce, When the Taskforce was set up many thought it was a Baby Peter taskforce but it was not � it was asked to review the nuts and bolts of sw (for adults and children�s services and across the whole spectrum of education). SWTF reported in Dec 2009, followed by LordLaming�s report� remember he was asked to do his review post Baby Peter. But why? what was the problem they were seeking to solve? Views of employers, students, practitioners and HEIs contributed to the reasons why people were dissatisfied and here are some of them. Some people argued that while many SW students were excellent and proved themselves capable of undertaking the difficult and complex task of SW, some appeared to be struggling with the conceptual and intellectual demands of the job (the reason we teach our students critical thinking as their first module), and several NQSW were not getting appointed to jobs when they applied because their writing skills were not up to standard (which is why we make our students do simulated letters etc before going out on placement). Equally some SWs were saying that they were expected to sink or swim in first jobs and that the support from employers was less than they needed as a beginning professionals.

7. Comments on the profession and social work education at the time �Why are we where we are now?� (Barry Sheerman, Chair, House of Commons Select Committee 2009) Social work agencies don�t want to provide placements: Teachers don�t say this (Sheerman 2009) Why is there no consensus on PQ? ��Sounds like a recipe for not getting a coherent profession� (Fiona Mactaggart, MP, Select Committee 2009) �Social Workers can be supervised by a non-Social Worker? Medics would never agree to that� (Vice Chancellor, University of X, UUK Seminar on Social Work Education 21st May, 2009) Divide between adults and childrensDivide between adults and childrens

8. Summary of progress so far.. Jan 2010: Social Work Reform Board (SWRB) set up - chaired by Moira Gibb, with 20 representatives of stakeholder  organisations after SWTF Report (Dec 2009) March 2010: (Labour) Government Implementation plan - a clear �route map� (phased, with milestones): �A ten year commitment with concerted action over the next 5 years in particular� - short term action �right now�; �200 million for 2010/11 and �48 million capital funding promised� June 2010: �23 million soc work improvement fund released, but other funds �to be reviewed�� Autumn 2010: working actively to explore ideas, feasibility and develop evidenced options papers for consultation with sector Dec 2010 �One Year On Report� - Consultation ended 31.3.11. You�ll note the date at the end, and Helen is going to focus on the proposals in the One Year On report and how you can contribute to this. You�ll note the date at the end, and Helen is going to focus on the proposals in the One Year On report and how you can contribute to this.

11. The National Reform Programme recommended by the Social Work Task Force 2009

12. A Phased Approach to Reform They proposed a phased approach to reform a 10 year plan with some early development work right nowThey proposed a phased approach to reform a 10 year plan with some early development work right now

13. A Clear Career Structure with Clear Expectations at Key Points With a clear career structureWith a clear career structure

14. 2 clear themes � system reform for a systematic approach to a social work career Dreyfus model of career development, suggests a linear route � may be spiral or wave pattern.2 clear themes � system reform for a systematic approach to a social work career Dreyfus model of career development, suggests a linear route � may be spiral or wave pattern.

15. Building a Safe and Confident Future: One Year On � Anniversary Report and first 5 reforms An overarching professional standards framework (Professional Capabilities Framework, PCF) Standards for Employers and Supervision Framework Principles to underpin a CPD framework Proposed requirements for social work education Proposals for effective partnership  (SWRB, 2010)Proposals to be published in the summer: Assessed and supported year in employment & Supply and demand model

16. Professional capabilities framework

18. Standards for employers and supervision framework

19. What are the eight standards?

20. New coherent and effective CPD framework Simple, accessible, portable Based on PCF to provide consistent/standardised learning objectives A hybrid approach with an academic core and non academic learning from range of activities (accredited and non-accredited) National recording system through performance appraisal Opens up new thinking about responsibility and entitlement Four principles unpin the proposals � for further discussion

21. What are the four principles?

22. Improving the quality and consistency of the social work degree Suite of proposals to improve the learning experiences of students and result in graduates better prepared to meet the demands and complexity of social work Improving Calibre of entrants � guidance spring/summer 2011 New arrangements for Practice Learning � guidance spring/summer 2011 Continuing work on content and delivery of the Curriculum New Curriculum Framework based on the PCF and guidance ready for consultation by Sept 2011, published April 2012 /adopted Sept 2013

23. Proposals for calibre of entrants Written test for all Individual interview Group exercises Agreed UCAS/A� level points English language assessment Basic skills; English, Maths and IT Continuing involvement of employers and people who use services

24. Proposals for new practice learning arrangements 2 placements: 1st 70 days and 2nd 100 days � across the country 30 days to be used flexibly for skills development Practice learning curriculum including statutory interventions for final placement All students to be assessed by qualified and experienced social workers with Practice Educator standards

25. Effective partnership working

26. What next?

27. So that�s where we were going but as always events happen and we have certainly seen a tranche of new developments that might make you question where things are going. Note Munro introduced by the new govt, but the Reform Board is working closely with her committee. Her timescales are tight, 2nd report due, final in April! People feel passionately about a College of social work. It is really important to have one single voice for the profession. It is unfortunate that BASW has chosen to confuse people with their decision to call themselves a college. There is only one College. HE changes and pressures: 83 universities offer sw training now, 232 qualifying programmes -is this too many? Will they all survive? Social Work bursaries to be reviewed soon. Health and Social Care Bill being discussed in Parliament last night. Health and Care Professions Council already shaping up new standards for taking over regulation April 2012So that�s where we were going but as always events happen and we have certainly seen a tranche of new developments that might make you question where things are going. Note Munro introduced by the new govt, but the Reform Board is working closely with her committee. Her timescales are tight, 2nd report due, final in April! People feel passionately about a College of social work. It is really important to have one single voice for the profession. It is unfortunate that BASW has chosen to confuse people with their decision to call themselves a college. There is only one College. HE changes and pressures: 83 universities offer sw training now, 232 qualifying programmes -is this too many? Will they all survive? Social Work bursaries to be reviewed soon. Health and Social Care Bill being discussed in Parliament last night. Health and Care Professions Council already shaping up new standards for taking over regulation April 2012

28. These changes will affect the landscape this might be how it is currently represented. Triangle of HEIs employers and GSCC with DH funding and overseeing, even GSCC was funded by DHThese changes will affect the landscape this might be how it is currently represented. Triangle of HEIs employers and GSCC with DH funding and overseeing, even GSCC was funded by DH

29. New independent regulator (HPC, HCPC) only taking on part of GSCC�s role � new pattern of career structure, new role of the College (taking on Education Support Grant to HEIs,New independent regulator (HPC, HCPC) only taking on part of GSCC�s role � new pattern of career structure, new role of the College (taking on Education Support Grant to HEIs,

30. So what does the future look like to you and how will you respond? A vision of hope, integration and planning?Re-professionalization of social work, a strong voice for social work, higher levels of satisfaction for social workers, better services for service users and carers� or A mirage � with no certainties and all illusion?Social worker posts disappear, Social work fees go up, Bursaries removed after consultation due to lack of response, SW student applications down�.Bands of �volunteers� are recruited (Loughton, 2010) to support families and protect childrenSocial workers lose interest in the Reforms � they are seen as irrelevant in the current context

33. A profession in crisis or facing an important opportunity? Ed Balls in his letter to social workers in 2009, talked about a watershed moment for social workers. I was looking at kanji that represent the notions of crisis in Chinese script And found this first one suggesting that crisis can be represented by the two elements of danger and machines (symbolizing the crushing impact of relentless bureaucracy generating the sense of crisis we appear to be feeling. The second kanji representing opportunity suggests it is represented by the image of joining in with the tidal hour, drawing on the theme of water again!Ed Balls in his letter to social workers in 2009, talked about a watershed moment for social workers. I was looking at kanji that represent the notions of crisis in Chinese script And found this first one suggesting that crisis can be represented by the two elements of danger and machines (symbolizing the crushing impact of relentless bureaucracy generating the sense of crisis we appear to be feeling. The second kanji representing opportunity suggests it is represented by the image of joining in with the tidal hour, drawing on the theme of water again!

34. The Munro Review was to consider� �..how social workers and all those involved in child protection can be better helped to handle uncertainty � how they can be assisted in making appropriate evidence-based assessments and interventions that will be more likely to protect vulnerable children� (1.42) �..why previous reforms to the performance and accountability framework have not secured a culture..that sufficiently promotes learning and development..� (2.46) �� the need for a practice and policy framework which acknowledges the complexity of the social work task, the emotional and intellectual demands on individuals and the central importance of critical reflection� (3.7) October 2010 First Report, January 2011 Interim Report, April 2011 �Final Report with solutions�! (Gove, 2010) Meanwhile Eileen Munro has reported in her first report that she is considering these elements to find ways to deal with the uncertainty, the crisis of confidence children�s social workers have been feeling, improving on evidence based assessments, a learning and development culture, recognizing the emotional and intellectual demands of SW and the importance of critical reflection. Meanwhile Eileen Munro has reported in her first report that she is considering these elements to find ways to deal with the uncertainty, the crisis of confidence children�s social workers have been feeling, improving on evidence based assessments, a learning and development culture, recognizing the emotional and intellectual demands of SW and the importance of critical reflection.

35. Emerging from Interim Report (2011).. Principles (p 19): A strong child protection system is�Multi professional, multi-agency, requiring all who work with children, young people and families to consider the effectiveness of their work;Child-centred;Sufficiently flexible, with space for professional judgement, to meet variety of need, complexity, uncertainty and risk;Learning and adaptive, driven by knowledge of theory and research Shared learning & accountability (ch 5) will include:Multi agency training and learning;Methods of learning from practice through case reviews - a multi-agency learning process;A systems approach to learning from Serious Case Reviews;Revising Working Together to Safeguard Children (2010)

36. Munro Final Report recommended.. SWRB�s PCF to �incorporate capabilities for child and family Social Work and explicitly inform social work qualification training, postgraduate professional development and performance appraisal� (6) Employers and HEIs to work together to prepare students for child protection challenges - high quality practice placements, approved practice settings, teaching organizations, student units (12) Encourage professional judgement, less prescription for national approaches, IT, or assessment forms (1) and more support for �evidence based ways of working� (13) Government to appoint Chief Social Worker for social work practice advice (15)

37. But could this mean?.. Munro report promotes children�s social work All students have to have a final child care placement Adults and mental health social work decline Children�s social workers feel strengthened to assert themselves, but are fewer in number and hold more critical roles/complex cases College is supported by some social workers..BASW/College difficulties alienates politicians, social workers, service users and carers, and the public Fragmentation of the profession looms� Some of the risks and unspoken fears around the potential divide of adults and children�s sw. Fragmentation as I described earlier as a potential crisis?Some of the risks and unspoken fears around the potential divide of adults and children�s sw. Fragmentation as I described earlier as a potential crisis?

38. Or will this happen? Social Workers respond to the One Year On Reform Proposals, Munro Review & the bursary consultations, social work seen as a strategically important profession for these straitened times, bursaries are maintained for Social Workers Registered social workers celebrate the establishment of a professional College, join with enthusiasm, and share good practice with each other: BASW and the College do merge.. Munro inspires all Social Workers & restores confidence in professional judgement - numbers of professional social worker posts may go down, but quality of work and pride increases - a chief Social Worker champions all social work? Reform programme is adopted by the Social Work community who make it work. An alternative scenarioAn alternative scenario

39. Because there is a future that we can create Social Work has always been a dynamic organic profession, adapting to new circumstances and contexts. As social workers, we can: remember why we came into social work: principles of social justice (Ferguson, 2007) and �the relationship at the heart/centre of social work practice� (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery & Cooper, 2008) respond to the consultations/testing of Reform proposals support and join the voice for the profession (College). Noone forgets a good social worker, practice educator or manager � be one,and be proud of the profession you belong to. Service users don�t forget a good social worker, Students remember good practice educators, social workers remember good managers And finally.. I just wanted to thank you for listening. I hope you have an excellent stimulating day and I�m leaving you with my final thought for the day.. Service users don�t forget a good social worker, Students remember good practice educators, social workers remember good managers And finally.. I just wanted to thank you for listening. I hope you have an excellent stimulating day and I�m leaving you with my final thought for the day..

40. Together.. We can be the bridge over troubled water �I'll take your part When darkness comes And pain is all around Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down� (Garfunkel, 1970) Because together we can be the bridge over troubled waters. With thanks to Simon and Garfunkel.Because together we can be the bridge over troubled waters. With thanks to Simon and Garfunkel.

41. References 1

42. References 2