With the spotlight still firmly on social work, this edition looks at the recent report of the Social Work Task Force, which recommends wide ranging reforms to strengthen the quality and status of social work. The proposed reforms would have a major impact on the GSCC’s approach to the regulation of the profession, and we will continue to keep you informed of the work we will be doing to implement these as plans develop.
We also report on progress made with the transformation of our conduct function, following the failings that came to light earlier in the year. The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence has now completed a review of our conduct work and we detail some of their recommendations.
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GSCC annual conference − social work: a profession to be proud of December 2009
More than 250 social workers, social work students and employers came together for this year’s successful GSCC annual conference. The title, ‘Social work: a profession to be proud of’, was reflected in the day’s speeches, especially in contributions from social workers.
Annual conference − a delegate's perspective December 2009
It was great to hear Sara Wells talk about the reality of working as a newly qualified social worker in her new team.
Practice placements – what you told us December 2009
Your responses to the poll in our September newsletter identified that the most important concern is the quality of supervision and assessment provided on placement.
Progress on conduct December 2009
As some of you may know, the GSCC is currently undertaking a major programme of work to strengthen our approach to conduct, following serious problems with the management of thiswork coming to light earlier in the year.
Strengthening PRTL December 2009
Social workers must renew their registration every three years. When they do, they must show evidence that they have, during that three years, done at least 15 days or 90 hours of training and learning activity. The purpose of this requirement is for social workers to keep their skills and knowledge up to date so that they can give a high quality service to people who need their support. We call this post-registration training and learning (PRTL) but in many fields it is called continuing professional development (CPD).
PRTL case study December 2009
Marion Layberry is a registered social worker and Managing Director of Safehouses, a small, not–for-profit fostering provider (www.safehouses.org). In a varied career she has been a special needs teacher, a supported housing worker and a foster carer.
Social Work Task Force report launched December 2009
Moira Gibb, flanked by two secretaries of state and a rock star, launched the Social Work Task Force report Building a Safe, Confident Future at a meeting in London on 1 December.
Get the picture with Social Care TV December 2009
Social Care TV is a new broadband service for everyone involved in the social care sector.
MyGSCC – the GSCC’s electronic registrant service December 2009
Social workers and social work students need to maintain their registration with the GSCC in several ways; qualified social workers need to renew their registration every three years, complete post registration training and learning (PRTL), pay their
annual registration fee, and promptly advise the GSCC of any changes of circumstance. Social work students are also required to pay their annual fee, and advise GSCC of any changes in their circumstances.
The GSCC launches Grow Your Own Social Workers: a Toolkit December 2009
The General Social Care Council (GSCC) recently launched the Grow Your Own (GYO) toolkit, a step-by-step guide to help students, employers and universities get the most out of GYO schemes. GYO schemes are used by local authorities and the voluntary and private sectors to support their employees, or potential employees, to qualify as social workers.
Policy update December 2009
The external policy environment is constantly changing. As the social care workforce regulator in England, and a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), the GSCC needs to keep on top of relevant policy developments.
Conduct committee December 2009
We are often asked why it is that our Conduct Committee can find facts in cases that have been dropped by prosecuting authorities or those where the individual was found not guilty in court.
The social work task force has recommended introducing a clear career structure for social workers. Whilst the detail of these is still to be determined, which of the three routes they recommend would be of most interest to you:
Thinking of the newly qualified social workers (NQSW) you’ve worked with, are there areas where they need better training?
If yes, in which area do they need the most training:
What would be the most beneficial aspect of the proposed assessed year for NQSWs?
With the spotlight still firmly on social work, this edition looks at the recent report of the Social Work Task Force, which recommends wide ranging reforms to strengthen the quality and status of social work. The proposed reforms would have a major impact on the GSCC’s approach to the regulation of the profession, and we will continue to keep you informed of the work we will be doing to implement these as plans develop.
