MA Social Work Bournemouth University

Monday 25th July 2016

What is Social Work?

Presentation by Phil Faulkner

What is Social Work?

What defines Social Work?

What do Social Workers do?

What are the Challenges?

What Defines Social Work?

Why?

Because where people live together in societies and communities there are structural sources of inequality that advantage some individuals and exclude others. These are perpetuated both intentionally and unintentionally through discrimination, exploitation and oppression.

Social Work starts with proactive mindful awareness, being alongside people to challenge and change these conditions.

Core Mandates – Global Definition of Social Work – July 2014http://ifsw.org/get-involved/global-definition-of-social-work/

The international definition of social workFederation of Social Workers (IFSW) and International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), (2014)

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic

discipline that;

1.Promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.

2. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.

3.Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge,

4. Social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

Rory Truell (Sec. General IFSW)The Guardian - July 2014

“...good social work looks to assist the person to change

themselves, and their environment, to construct a

better life for themselves immersed in strong

and positive relationships”

Values and Ethics

Professional Integrity

Upholding Values, Being Trustworthy, Professional Boundaries, Judgements and Accountability

●

Social Justice

Challenging Discrimination, Recognising Diversity, Distributing Resources, Challenging Unjust Policy and Practice, Inclusion

●

Human Rights

Dignity, respect, Self-determination, Participation, holistic view of individuals, Developing Strengths

BASW Code of Ethics for Social Work 2012

What do social workers do?

Working with people who are vulnerable, marginalised and discriminated against

● Poverty● Discrimination● Abuse and Neglect● Mental Health● Disability● Addiction

ASPIRE*

Engagement

Engagement

*Carole Sutton - http://www.socialworkresources.co.uk

A Balance Between What...

Scope of the role and

responsibilitiesof the social

worker

What the

service user would like from the

social worker

Interpersonal Skills and Communication

Reviewing plans

Clear and accurate records

GuidanceAdvocacy

TherapyImparting

SkillsSign-posting

Supervision

Critical Self-Reflection

Within a Legal Framework

● The Equality Act 2010● The Care Act - 2014● The Mental Capacity Act 2005● The Children’s Act 1989/2004● Health and Social Care Act 2008● Children and Families Act 2014● Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015● No Secrets 2015

The challenges and Joys

Case loadsTension between report writing and face to face workBurnoutPay and Conditions

How are Social Workers Viewed in the UK?

Two Perspectives from Reddit.com

‘In the press they are either cruel jobsworths stealing babies and children from loving parents, or feckless idiots leaving babies and children in the grasps of abusive parents’

‘the most stressful, unappreciated, unrespected, difficult job you could choose.’

The Children and Social Work Bill

Potential changes to regulation and training at government level

● Fantastic work being done by social workers

● People whose lives they’ve turned around.

● High case loads, ● High vacancy rates● Increasing demand ● Ever-dwindling

resources

‘The best place in the world to be a social worker?’Article By Rachel Schraer on March 17, 2015

● Christopher Hoyle (academic development officer in higher education): ‘Social workers are more than worth their weight in gold, they’re all extremely good people.’

● David Akinsanya (broadcaster, journalist and campaigner): ‘I managed to make a success of my life, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without her.’

Thank You