SASW report - April 2014

Social work and its ongoing development was a recurring theme over the last month. The Autism and Social Work Learning Event, which took place on 21 Feb at the University of Strathclyde, provided insight into the Scottish Strategy for Autism, and gave an insight into how different local authorities are developing models of implementation for their area.

Health and social care integration: The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland gave thought-provoking input about the integration of Health and Social Care, and how the personal outcomes approach is an opportunity which we should embrace, but within a context of true integration, which is not the same as co-location. Social workers and their focus on ethics and human rights have an essential part to play bringing together the separate cultures of health and social care and ensuring the focus is on outcomes for people rather than systems.

The SASW branch in Highland was formed in a response to the pilot integration of adult services. A recent branch meeting showed the passion of social workers who recognise the ongoing challenges but are determined to find constructive solutions. Harrowing examples from every day practice were quoted, particularly related to the impact of welfare reform and universal credits on the people who use services. Some of the new structures have meant other existing and well-functioning partnerships have been dismantled. There is, however, a collective intent to keep talking to each other in order to safeguard best social work practice.

The Social Work Services Strategic Forum exercise is gathering momentum and there are plans to revitalise and in some areas resurrect local practitioners’ forums. It is of vital importance that the agenda for Scotland is informed by front line workers, so please don’t lose an opportunity to participate in activity in your area, or let the SASW office know how we can support to you in doing so.

Expo: SASW delivered five workshops at the well-attended Expo event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Particularly popular was a workshop on ‘Gypsy Travellers, the last bastion of respectable racism?’ delivered by SASW member Ken McLennan and Shamus McPhee. We hope to organise a seminar on this issue in the future as many participants indicated further debate was needed. Coverage of Expo can be found on pages 28 and 29 of this magazine. New members were recruited at the event and SASW now has more than 1,300 members. Please help us in attracting more members within your work place – it’s our strength in numbers that defines our influence for the profession in Scotland.

Social work awards: March also saw what we now consider a highlight in SASW’s calendar: the SASW Awards of Student Social Worker, Residential Care Worker, and Social Worker of the Year 2013, this time held at the Grassmarket Community Centre, a social enterprise in Edinburgh. The judging panel were keen to evidence the application of our code of ethics and practice, but in so many instances what counted most were the endorsements from the people who use the services. Some of the stories were reaffirming of what makes the profession and the people within it unique. Our flash mob choir, Sing in the City Edinburgh, went down a storm and Jo McFarlane, who recited three poems, received a standing ovation and had some of us reaching for our tissues.

We hope to organise our AGM on May 21, and do hope many of you will join us. The intention is to have an informed debate on Social Work past referendum, which should ensure a lively exchange. Do keep your eye on our website and e-bulletins for further information.

Finally, did you know you can also follow us now on twitter? Please add @ScotsSW to your twitter feed and keep telling us what we can do for you!