http://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117976/how-security-guards-help-keep-social-workers-safe-on-home-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/10/117976/how-security-guards-help-keep-social-workers-safe-on-home-visits.html One of the most memorable moments in the second episode of BBC Two’s Protecting Our Children programme came less than two minutes in. As Annie Semphill, the Bristol social worker, arrived outside the home of Shaun and Marva, she met with the two security guards who would accompany her on the visit to discuss the couple’s ability to care for their then unborn child. The security guards kept resurfacing too. Semphill’s visits to Shaun, who has a history of unpredictable violence, always had a burly, cross-armed guard close by. The use of security guards raised some eyebrows during Community Care’s live discussion as the documentary was aired with reactions ranging from shock at their use to wishes that their local authority would do the same (see box below). In a blog for Community Care a couple of days later, Semphill expressed surprise at people’s interest in the use of security, explaining that “it did make me feel safe to have two large uniformed men standing behind me as I...Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117975/social-worker-suspended-for-not-reporting-underage-sex-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/09/117975/social-worker-suspended-for-not-reporting-underage-sex-case.htmlA social worker has been suspended for not reporting a case of sexual activity between two children aged under 13, in breach of national child protection guidance. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/06/117962/adult-social-workers-pessimistic-but-proud-finds-college.htmlAdult social workers feel pessimistic about the future of their practice because of bureaucracy and care management, but still believe they make a difference, The College of Social Work has found. (Photo: Rex Features) Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/02/01/117955/burstow-social-work-to-be-at-heart-of-care-white-paper.htmlSocial work will be at the heart of the government's forthcoming adult care White Paper, with the profession's role expected to switch from rationing care to community development, Paul Burstow has said. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/27/117942/how-one-council-boosted-social-works-quality-and-status.htmlSocial work performance management has become associated with bureaucracy, a negligible impact on quality and poor morale. However, one council says that it has designed and implemented a system that has delivered precisely the opposite. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117943/social-work-raises-parliamentary-profile-with-cross-party-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/25/117943/social-work-raises-parliamentary-profile-with-cross-party-group.htmlSocial work has raised its profile in parliament with the launch yesterday of an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the profession. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/23/117939/half-of-social-workers-feel-powerless-to-stop-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/23/117939/half-of-social-workers-feel-powerless-to-stop-neglect.htmlHalf of social workers feel powerless to stop children being neglected because of high thresholds and inadequate resources. (Image: Rex Features)Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/19/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/19/117938/independent-negotiators-to-restart-baswcollege-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the College of Social Work are to reopen talks on a possible merger. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117934/council-pays-1m-damages-for-shocking-child-abuse-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117934/council-pays-1m-damages-for-shocking-child-abuse-failings.htmlEssex council has paid damages of almost £1m to four siblings it failed to protect from years of parental abuse, Community Care has learned. (Pic: posed by model, Nigel R. Barklie/Rex Features)Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117935/councils-face-hidden-army-of-child-abuse-damage-claimants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117935/councils-face-hidden-army-of-child-abuse-damage-claimants.htmlLocal authorities could be hit by a “hidden army” of people seeking damages for historic child abuse cases, lawyers have warned.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117931/the-deprivation-of-liberty-safeguards-are-not-dead.htmlA recent Court of Appeal judgement was described as the death of the deprivation of liberty safeguards. However, best interests assessor Lorraine Currie disagrees, and says Lord Justice Munby's ruling provides useful tools for practitioners.Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117933/care-provider-fined-for-leaving-staff-at-risk-of-violence.htmlA care provider has been fined £14,000 for leaving staff at risk of violence from a client (Image: Rex).Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/18/117932/basw-workloads-undermining-ethical-social-work-practice.htmlUnmanageable caseloads are making it impossible for social workers to practice ethically, the British Association of Social Workers warned today as it issued a revised version of its code of ethics. (Image: Rex Features). Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/13/117923/900-adult-care-staff-join-nhs-in-biggest-integration-deal-yet.htmlNine hundred adult social care staff, including social workers, will be transferred to the NHS to create the biggest integrated health and social care provider in the UK, it was confirmed today. (Image: Rex Features). Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/12/117922/should-you-join-the-college-of-social-work.htmlLast week’s launch of The College of Social Work has posed each of England’s approximately 85,000 social workers with a simple question: to join or not to join? Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/11/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/11/117920/debt-ridden-social-workers-turning-to-payday-loans.htmlGrowing numbers of social workers are falling financial difficulties, with some resorting to high-interest payday loans, according to a support charity. (Pic: Image Source/Rex Features)Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/05/117907/social-workers-must-join-renewed-effort-to-integrate-care.htmlSocial care professionals should be at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in every area to manage the care of people with long-term conditions and make a reality of integrated care, the government has been told. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117906/college-of-social-work-opens-for-business.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117906/college-of-social-work-opens-for-business.htmlThe College of Social Work formally opened its doors to paying members this week. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/04/117904/disabled-social-worker-wins-mbe-after-nomination-by-client.htmlAmong the 984 people honoured in the New Year list was sensory impairment social worker Henry Mayne, whose MBE is the result of a nomination from a client he worked with a few years ago. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117900/munro-leads-new-year-roll-of-honour-in-social-care.htmlProfessor Eileen Munro has been awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List following her review into child protection, which last year called for sweeping reforms to assessments and performance management. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117901/approved-mental-health-professionals-polled-over-stress.htmlA survey to measure burnout among approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) has been launched by researchers at King's College London.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2012/01/03/117902/social-care-staff-urged-to-blow-the-whistle-on-abuse.htmlSocial care staff and employers are being urged to blow the whistle on abuse and poor practice through a helpline formerly open to NHS staff only. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/23/117891/community-cares-predictions-for-social-care-in-2012.htmlCare funding deadlock, industrial strife and a change of leadership at a key agency. We gaze into our crystal ball to predict what 2012 might hold for social care (Pic: Everett Collection/Rex Features )Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/22/117899/how-to.-carry-out-a-fear-audit-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/22/117899/how-to.-carry-out-a-fear-audit-in-social-work.htmlClaudia Megele explores the impact of distress and fear in social work practice and explains how "fear audits" could help.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/22/117898/college-of-social-work-suspends-deal-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/22/117898/college-of-social-work-suspends-deal-with-unison.htmlThe College of Social Work's decision to put its joint membership agreement with Unison on hold and restart talks with the British Association of Social Workers has been welcomed by Social Work Reform Board chair Moira Gibb (pictured).Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/21/117890/top-five-victories-against-social-care-cuts-of-2011.htmlWhile cuts have dominated social care in 2011 some proposed funding reductions and organisational closures have been successfully reversed. Here are our top five victories against the cuts. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/19/117892/social-worker-fathered-child-with-former-service-user.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/19/117892/social-worker-fathered-child-with-former-service-user.html A social worker who fathered a child with a vulnerable former service user has been struck off. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/16/117887/hospital-dementia-care-blighted-by-inadequate-staff-training.htmlInadequate staff training and an impersonal approach to care is blighting the experiences of dementia patients in hospitals, a major national study has concluded. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117886/service-user-involvement-in-post-qualifying-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117886/service-user-involvement-in-post-qualifying-training.htmlSocial work academic Jo Rees examines research findings on service user involvement in post-qualifying social work education.Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117882/social-worker-struck-off-for-misconduct-in-healthcare-job.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/14/117882/social-worker-struck-off-for-misconduct-in-healthcare-job.htmlA social worker who administered antipsychotic drugs to the wrong patient in his previous job as a healthcare assistant has been struck off. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117880/funding-for-student-placements-to-be-cut-by-5m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/13/117880/funding-for-student-placements-to-be-cut-by-5m.htmlThe Department for Education has been unable to deny claims by the British Association of Social Workers that the Social Work Education Support Grant will be slashed by almost 20% next year.Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117875/cuts-to-workforce-development-teams-hindering-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117875/cuts-to-workforce-development-teams-hindering-reform.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board may struggle to continue delivering its programme of change in the face of cuts to workforce development teams throughout England, a report by Learn to Care has warned.Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117876/critical-success-factors-for-improving-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/12/117876/critical-success-factors-for-improving-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board's recommendations provide a window of opportunity for social work to reassert its role and enhance its professional image. But what are the critical factors necessary for their successful implementation? Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117872/social-worker-admonished-over-close-relationship-with-user.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117872/social-worker-admonished-over-close-relationship-with-user.htmlA social worker who formed a close friendship with a vulnerable service user has been admonished by the General Social Care Council. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117870/1.5bn-cut-for-councils-with-social-care-responsibilities.htmlCouncils responsible for social care in England will have £1.5bn taken out of their budgets next year, the government has said. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/09/117869/social-workers-must-not-neglect-their-own-mental-health.htmlMental health consultant Mike Bush explains why trainers and employers must work harder to protect and promote the mental health and resilience of social workersFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117865/registration-consultation-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/08/117865/registration-consultation-for-social-workers.htmlThe Health Professions Council has today launched a consultation on setting the registration cycle for social workers in England. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117864/council-job-cuts-near-150000-for-the-year.htmlCouncils across England have shed 145,000 jobs over the past year and the number is set to rise, according to a report published today by the Audit Commission. Unison head of local government Heather Wakefield (pictured), said: "Councils have already made far more job cuts than they said would be necessary. This report shows that the worst is yet to come.” Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/07/117863/ageing-workforce-poses-problems-for-palliative-social-work.htmlPalliative care social work faces recruitment problems in England after a survey revealed almost half of specialist practitioners were aged over 50. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117862/recruitment-experts-warn-councils-over-social-workers-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117862/recruitment-experts-warn-councils-over-social-workers-pay.htmlLocal authorities need to develop more flexible pay and reward packages for social workers in order to compete for staff in the current job market, recruitment experts have warned. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117860/the-recession-led-to-less-churn-in-social-work-says-gibb.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117860/the-recession-led-to-less-churn-in-social-work-says-gibb.htmlThe recession prompted mass job losses, a public sector pay freeze and the current furore over pensions. But in other ways, it has had an unexpectedly positive impact on the profession, argues Moira Gibb, chair of the Social Work Reform Board. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117858/council-prevented-social-worker-from-visiting-dying-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/06/117858/council-prevented-social-worker-from-visiting-dying-mother.htmlA children's social care worker who was unlawfully prevented from seeing her mother in a care home before she died has been awarded £5,000 after Leeds Council was found guilty of maladministration. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117857/social-work-bursary-reforms-to-be-delayed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117857/social-work-bursary-reforms-to-be-delayed.htmlPlanned reforms to the social work bursary system in England have been pushed back until 2013, the Department of Health has confirmed. Moira Gibb (pictured), chair of the Social Work Reform Board, welcomed the delay.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/05/117854/practice-issues-in-adult-safeguarding-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlAdult safeguarding consultant Patrick Worthington (pictured) examines the key practice issues facing social care professionals in keeping adults at risk safe at a time of austerity and changeMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117851/unions-lose-public-sector-pensions-legal-ruling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117851/unions-lose-public-sector-pensions-legal-ruling.htmlThe trade unions have lost their legal challenge on behalf of millions of public sector workers over what inflation index is used to calculate annual increases to their pensions. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117850/mystery-tour-social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-misconduct.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117850/mystery-tour-social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-misconduct.html A social worker who took a vulnerable service user on a "mystery tour" to a seaside town and made sexual advances towards her has been struck off. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/02/117848/wider-remit-risks-diverting-cqc-from-regulating-care.htmlThe Care Quality Commission risks being distracted from its core role of regulating health and adult social care services by government plans to extend its responsibilities, the National Audit Office warned today. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117845/social-workers-must-address-service-users-poor-hygiene.htmlPeter Bates argues that more attention needs to be paid to poor personal hygiene and its contribution to social exclusionThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117843/ask-the-expert-becoming-a-family-support-worker.htmlI have recently completed a degree in criminology and law, and I want to pursue a career as a family support worker - but lack experience. What's the best way to go about getting to this field? Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/12/01/117844/research-findings-on-social-pedagogy.htmlSocial work academic Joe Smeeton examines research findings contained in Raising the bar? Evaluation of the Social Pedagogy Pilot in residential children's homesThu, 01 Dec 2011 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117836/social-care-faces-deeper-cuts-on-back-of-osborne-plan.htmlSocial care will face deeper cuts lasting until 2017 on the back of chancellor George Osborne's Autumn Statement issued yesterday. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117835/quarter-of-a-million-social-care-practitioners-on-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/30/117835/quarter-of-a-million-social-care-practitioners-on-strike.htmlA quarter of a million social care professionals are expected to take part in today's public sector strike over government reforms to pensions. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117831/ministers-defend-college-of-social-works-tie-up-with-unison.htmlGovernment ministers have defended the College of Social Work’s tie-up with Unison following criticism from the education select committee earlier this month. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/29/117832/osborne-extends-public-sector-pay-squeeze-until-2015.htmlPublic sector pay will be squeezed until 2015 and cuts to services will continue until 2017, chancellor George Osborne announced today in his Autumn Statement (Image: Steve Back). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/25/117828/college-of-social-work-delays-launch-over-union-action.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/25/117828/college-of-social-work-delays-launch-over-union-action.htmlThe College of Social Work has postponed its launch amid growing concerns over its partnership with Unison. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117826/staff-at-housing-provider-to-ballot-on-strike-action.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117826/staff-at-housing-provider-to-ballot-on-strike-action.htmlUnison is to ballot care staff at housing provider Family Mosaic on whether to strike over proposals to slash pay and increase working hours. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117821/checks-on-sickness-benefit-awards-to-ensure-fairness.htmlThe government is to introduce checks on decisions to award sickness benefits to ensure fairness and consistency, following the publication of the second independent review of the work capability assessment today. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117823/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-of-youth-justice-board.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/24/117823/government-u-turn-on-scrapping-of-youth-justice-board.htmlThe Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced the Youth Justice Board will no longer be included in the Public Bodies Bill, currently going through parliament, which is often referred to as the government's "bonfire of the quangos". Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117820/skills-for-care-develops-careers-e-tool.htmlSkills for Care has created an interactive career pathways e-tool for people considering starting in social care and those already working in the sector who are keen to see what their career development opportunities might be.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/23/117814/care-worker-who-gave-child-alcohol-struck-off.htmlA residential child care worker who poured alcohol into a 15-year-old service user's soft drink and applied fake tan to another child's torso has been struck off for breaching professional boundaries. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117806/unions-reject-councils-latest-peace-offer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/22/117806/unions-reject-councils-latest-peace-offer.htmlSouthampton Council's hopes of ending the long-running dispute with staff over pay cuts have been dashed after union members voted to reject the authority's latest offer.Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117802/social-workers-subject-to-long-term-sickness-rule-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117802/social-workers-subject-to-long-term-sickness-rule-change.htmlSocial workers and other public sector staff could face a shake up in their sick pay arrangements if the government accepts recommendations made in an independent review, published today. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117796/gscc-launches-boundaries-guidance-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/21/117796/gscc-launches-boundaries-guidance-for-social-workers.htmlThe General Social Care Council has launched guidance on professional boundaries for social workers in England. About a fifth of all cases referred to the regulator involve inappropriate relationships with service users (pictured), according to the GSCC's data. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117794/sex-text-social-worker-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117794/sex-text-social-worker-struck-off.htmlA social worker who sent sexually explicit text messages to a client has been struck off the social care register. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117787/the-impact-of-competitive-tendering-on-social-services-and-service-users.htmlMark Drinkwater reports on how competitive tendering of services can leave staff, and service users, feeling all at sea Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117775/social-workers-may-pay-twice-to-register-next-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/18/117775/social-workers-may-pay-twice-to-register-next-year.htmlSocial workers expressed their indignation at Community Care Children & Families Live 2011 after the prospect of having to pay twice to keep their place on the social work register was raised.Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117788/social-work-practices-could-face-greater-regulator-control.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117788/social-work-practices-could-face-greater-regulator-control.htmlEngland's social work regulator could be allowed to monitor the activities of independent social work practices, the controversial GP-style arrangements several councils are piloting.Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117786/research-multiple-exclusion-homelessness.htmlMichelle Cornes and Jill Manthorpe summarise the findings of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness Research Programme outlining the key practice implications for social workers Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117785/how-towork-with-housing-colleagues.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/17/117785/how-towork-with-housing-colleagues.htmlBASW policy development officer Joe Godden explores how social workers can work better with their colleagues in housing Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117763/most-social-workers-threatened-in-past-six-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117763/most-social-workers-threatened-in-past-six-months.htmlNearly two-thirds of children's social workers have been threatened by hostile or intimidating parents in the past six months, a survey by Community Care and children's services consultancy Reconstruct of more than 600 workers has found. Many had received multiple threats. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117769/centrepoint-staff-strike-action-averted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117769/centrepoint-staff-strike-action-averted.htmlStrike action at Centrepoint has been averted after the union Unite and the homelessness charity reached an agreement over plans to cut staff pay. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117768/conduct-code-and-training-standards-for-social-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117768/conduct-code-and-training-standards-for-social-care-workers.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) has announced plans to develop a code of conduct and minimum training standards for adult social care workers in England. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117759/the-impact-of-hostile-parents-on-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117759/the-impact-of-hostile-parents-on-social-workers.htmlCommunity Care and Reconstruct's survey of social workers has revealed the full extent of the damage to morale caused by interaction with aggressive service users, writes Judy Cooper Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117761/social-workers-want-guidelines-to-help-with-hostile-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117761/social-workers-want-guidelines-to-help-with-hostile-parents.htmlChildren's social workers want national guidelines to help them cope with hostile and intimidating parents, according to a survey ­carried out by Community Care and Reconstruct. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117762/councils-accused-duty-of-care-breach-over-hostile-parents.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/16/117762/councils-accused-duty-of-care-breach-over-hostile-parents.htmlCouncils have been accused of breaching their duty of care to social workers following the results of a Community Care and children's services consultancy Reconstruct survey of more than 600 frontline workers about dealing with hostile and intimidating parents. ...Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117764/housing-association-cuts-branded-appalling-by-union.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117764/housing-association-cuts-branded-appalling-by-union.htmlSocial care staff at the housing association Family Mosaic are facing pay cuts and longer working hours in move branded "appalling" by Unison.Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117765/independent-social-workers-being-forced-out-of-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/15/117765/independent-social-workers-being-forced-out-of-system.htmlIndependent social workers are seeking a meeting with children's minister Tim Loughton after claiming they are being systematically forced out of the child protection systemTue, 15 Nov 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/14/117746/research-supported-housing-for-people-with-learning-disabilities.htmlReducing the number of people with learning disabilities in residential care requires a creative, personalised approach, writes Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117748/clash-over-dawsons-role-undermined-basw-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/11/117748/clash-over-dawsons-role-undermined-basw-college-talks.htmlDisagreements about whether Hilton Dawson should become the first chief executive of the College of Social Work played a key role in the breakdown of talks between BASW and the college's interim board. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117747/social-works-most-influential-thinkers.htmlWho are the people whose ideas have done the most to shape the nature of social work? Community Care profiles some of the profession's most influential brain boxes Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117740/campaign-to-boost-recruitment-in-childrens-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/10/117740/campaign-to-boost-recruitment-in-childrens-social-work.htmlA campaign across 15 councils in northern England is looking to boost recruitment for children's social work roles. Kirsty McGregor reports Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/08/117735/mps-hear-scie-chief-call-basw-unethical-in-college-row.htmlThe row over the creation of the College of Social Work deepened today as the British Association of Social Workers was accused of "unethical" and "unprincipled" behaviour by Allan Bowman (pictured), the chair of the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117733/social-worker-struck-off-after-falsifying-record.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117733/social-worker-struck-off-after-falsifying-record.htmlA social worker who misled his employer about a 2010 conduct hearing and obtained work using a false reference has been struck off the social care register. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117729/council-to-ease-staff-pressure-as-protection-fears-surface.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/07/117729/council-to-ease-staff-pressure-as-protection-fears-surface.htmlCardiff Council has said it is easing the pressure on its children's social workers after a leaked document highlighted concerns among staff that high workloads. (Picture: Rex, stressed social worker, model released).Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/05/117710/researchsafeguarding-disabled-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/05/117710/researchsafeguarding-disabled-children.htmlChildren with disabilities are still thought to suffer more abuse than their non-disabled peers, writes Chris Osborne who highlights the indicators practitioners ought to be aware of Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117722/new-rights-for-agency-workers-or-administrative-burden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117722/new-rights-for-agency-workers-or-administrative-burden.htmlNew regulations may give locums more rights but will they lead to fewer and shorter contracts, asks Mark Hunter Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117714/community-care-moves-to-an-online-future.htmlCommunity Care takes the difficult decision to close the print magazine and focus all its energy and resources on supporting social care professionals online. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117720/centrepoint-staff-to-stage-strikes-this-month-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117720/centrepoint-staff-to-stage-strikes-this-month-over-cuts.htmlUnite members at Centrepoint are to go on strike three times this month in response to the homelessness charity's plans to cut staff salaries. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117713/30000-cases-of-abuse-of-vulnerable-adults-last-year.htmlCouncils identifed over 30,000 cases of abuse of vulnerable adults last year, according to official figures from the NHS Information Centre Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117716/questions-raised-over-legality-of-unison-strike-ballot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117716/questions-raised-over-legality-of-unison-strike-ballot.htmlDoubts have been cast over the legality of Unison's vote in favour of a strike over public sector pensions. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/04/117715/social-workers-confused-over-college-and-gscc-roles.htmlDespite the imminent formation of the College of Social Work many social workers and social work students do not know the difference between a regulator and a professional body. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117712/unison-members-back-strike-action-over-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117712/unison-members-back-strike-action-over-pensions.htmlUnison members today voted in favour of taking strike action over plans to reform public sector pensions. Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison (pictured), said: "The decisive yes vote reflects the deep concern that our members have over government ministers' proposals for their pensions.“Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117708/should-social-workers-use-social-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117708/should-social-workers-use-social-media.htmlThe debate rages on about whether or not social care staff should be encouraged to use social media. Here, social worker @ermintrude2 ponders the pros and cons Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117705/unions-keep-their-counsel-after-revised-pensions-offer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/03/117705/unions-keep-their-counsel-after-revised-pensions-offer.htmlThe government yesterday sweetened its public sector pensions reform plans by offering higher accrual rates and a commitment to no further changes for 25 years.Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117698/basw-members-vote-for-merger-with-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117698/basw-members-vote-for-merger-with-college-of-social-work.htmlBASW members yesterday backed a series of motions allowing it to merge with the College of Social Work.Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117700/high-social-work-caseloads-blamed-for-council-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/02/117700/high-social-work-caseloads-blamed-for-council-failings.htmlThe man brought in to turn around children's social care in Kent has said that high caseloads were a significant reason why the council's services were deemed inadequate by Ofsted last December.Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117697/social-work-students-set-for-higher-registration-fees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/11/01/117697/social-work-students-set-for-higher-registration-fees.htmlSocial work students in England are likely to face higher registration fees if the Health Professions Council maintains the voluntary register after it absorbs the General Social Care Council. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117689/social-work-unions-call-for-substantial-pay-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117689/social-work-unions-call-for-substantial-pay-rise.htmlUnison has demanded a "substantial pay increase" for social care staff and other local government workers in 2012-13, to prevent more families being forced into poverty.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/31/117686/care-complaints-in-elderly-care-treble-in-wales.htmlThe number of referrals to the Care Council for Wales (CCW) involving student social workers has fallen over the past two years, according to latest figures. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/28/117688/council-pins-hopes-on-pay-deal-to-end-industrial-action.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/28/117688/council-pins-hopes-on-pay-deal-to-end-industrial-action.htmlSouthampton Council has made a revised proposal to trade unions in the long-running dispute over pay cuts for staff including social workers. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/28/117687/woman-who-lied-to-gain-15k-social-work-bursary-admonished.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/28/117687/woman-who-lied-to-gain-15k-social-work-bursary-admonished.htmlA woman who lied about her immigration status in order to obtain a £15,000 student social work bursary has been allowed to remain on the register. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117684/mental-health-services-must-keep-up-with-changes-in-treatment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117684/mental-health-services-must-keep-up-with-changes-in-treatment.htmlImprovements need to be made in mental health service delivery if it is to keep pace with changes in treatment. Michael Clark and Martin Knapp review the evidenceThu, 27 Oct 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117679/doncaster-social-workers-must-accept-pay-cut-or-lose-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117679/doncaster-social-workers-must-accept-pay-cut-or-lose-jobs.htmlSocial workers in Doncaster could be forced to accept a pay cut and worse terms and conditions or risk losing their jobs, Unison has claimed. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117677/how-to-make-the-assessed-year-work-in-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117677/how-to-make-the-assessed-year-work-in-practice.htmlWhat can England learn from Northern Ireland about the assessed year for graduate social workers? Vern Pitt reports Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117671/service-users-ex-partner-threatened-to-bomb-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/27/117671/service-users-ex-partner-threatened-to-bomb-social-worker.htmlA man who threatened to kill his ex-partner's social worker by blowing up her office has been given a suspended jail sentence.Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/25/117665/unions-mount-legal-challenge-over-public-sector-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/25/117665/unions-mount-legal-challenge-over-public-sector-pensions.htmlSix unions have mounted a legal challenge on behalf of millions of public sector workers over what inflation index is used to calculate annual increases to their pensions. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117660/local-government-group-to-roll-out-employer-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117660/local-government-group-to-roll-out-employer-standards.htmlThe Local Government Group has been tasked with rolling out standards for social work employers in England from this month. The standards, developed by the Social Work Reform Board, would guarantee regular supervision for all social workers.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117657/how-well-should-social-workers-know-their-holy-books.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117657/how-well-should-social-workers-know-their-holy-books.htmlSocial workers need to know how the use of key religious texts can influence how parents bring up their children if they wish to devise effective protection strategies, says Natalie Valios Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117651/workforce-planning-scotland-steals-a-march-on-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117651/workforce-planning-scotland-steals-a-march-on-england.htmlScotland appears to be streets ahead of England on workforce planning. Jackie Cosh examines why recruitment and retention is so much better handled north of the border Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117649/coping-with-workplace-stress-restructuring-and-bullying.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/24/117649/coping-with-workplace-stress-restructuring-and-bullying.htmlMarcia Lawrence-Russell, who heads the British Association of Social Workers' advice and representation service, describes the big issues facing social workers so far this year: stress, restructuring and bullying and harassmentMon, 24 Oct 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117646/anxious-and-unprepared-the-lot-of-nqsws-research-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117646/anxious-and-unprepared-the-lot-of-nqsws-research-finds.htmlA third of newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) do not receive a proper induction when starting their first job, research has found. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117645/social-worker-struck-off-for-theft-from-pensioner-clients-home.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/21/117645/social-worker-struck-off-for-theft-from-pensioner-clients-home.html A social worker who stole jewellery and cash from an 83-year-old woman in his care has been struck off. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117626/government-rubbishes-basw-claim-over-college-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/20/117626/government-rubbishes-basw-claim-over-college-funding.htmlThe government has denied claims that public funding made available to set up the College of Social Work is being used to recruit members to a trade union.Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/19/117620/cut-bureaucracy-for-service-users-councils-told.htmlRestrictions on how service users spend personal budgets should be lifted, say sector leaders. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117622/childrens-social-worker-made-sexual-comments-to-mothers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117622/childrens-social-worker-made-sexual-comments-to-mothers.htmlA children and families social worker who made inappropriate sexual comments to two mothers has been struck off. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117621/reform-board-sets-timeline-for-nqsw-assessed-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/18/117621/reform-board-sets-timeline-for-nqsw-assessed-year.htmlSocial work students graduating in England after September 2012 could be expected to complete an assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) within four years of leaving university.Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117617/reform-board-agrees-new-framework-for-social-work-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117617/reform-board-agrees-new-framework-for-social-work-development.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has agreed a new framework for the continuing professional development of social workers in England. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117614/social-work-supply-and-demand-model-to-be-unveiled-at-ncas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/17/117614/social-work-supply-and-demand-model-to-be-unveiled-at-ncas.htmlA model for monitoring the supply and demand of social workers in England will be made public at the National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCAS) this week.Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117610/overcoming-social-work-barriers-to-person-centred-care.htmlSome social care staff struggle to deliver person-centred care. But a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers advice on how many of the perceived barriers can be overcome with the right attitude and commitment Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117611/social-worker-struck-off-for-using-fake-passport.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117611/social-worker-struck-off-for-using-fake-passport.htmlA social worker who was convicted of possessing a fake passport has been struck off the register in England. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/14/117608/vital-role-of-appropriate-adult-to-help-vulnerable-people.htmlSocial workers have much to offer and to gain from becoming an appropriate adult to help vulnerable people in criminal investigations. Gordon Carson looks at the role Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117607/how-to-contribute-to-adult-safeguarding-meetings.htmlChris Russell offers advice on how to make the best of every opportunity a safeguarding meeting provides. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117605/social-work-reform-board-lays-down-partnership-deadline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117605/social-work-reform-board-lays-down-partnership-deadline.htmlSocial work employers and higher education course providers in England must review their partnership working arrangements by early 2012, the Social Work Reform Board has said. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/13/117601/research-working-with-fathers-with-a-history-of-domestic-violence.htmlSocial work academic Dr Kieron Hatton examines research on social work with fathers who have carried out domestic violence Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117589/78-of-social-workers-struggling-to-make-ends-meet.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117589/78-of-social-workers-struggling-to-make-ends-meet.htmlCuts in wages and rising living costs have left four in five social workers struggling to pay the bills, Community Care can reveal. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117564/how-do-employers-react-to-social-workers-with-second-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117564/how-do-employers-react-to-social-workers-with-second-jobs.htmlSocial workers looking to make ends meet are being increasingly tempted to take on extra work. How should their main employers react? Louise Tickle reports Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117590/quarter-of-social-workers-have-second-jobs-survey-reveals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117590/quarter-of-social-workers-have-second-jobs-survey-reveals.htmlA quarter of social workers has taken on a second job to support their income in the current bleak economic climate, a survey by Community Care and the College of Social Work has revealed. (Picture posed by model, Alamy.) Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117593/council-in-clear-over-allegations-in-job-reference.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/12/117593/council-in-clear-over-allegations-in-job-reference.htmlThe Court of Appeal has ruled that a council did not break the law by providing a social worker with a job reference that alluded to allegations made about his conduct after he left.Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/11/117565/benefits-of-home-care-reablement-in-the-long-term.htmlReablement is popular with service users and although not the cheapest option, may have longer term benefits. Jill Manthorpe reviews the evidence Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117588/social-workers-to-vote-on-revised-pay-cut-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117588/social-workers-to-vote-on-revised-pay-cut-proposals.htmlSocial workers in Shropshire are set to vote on revised pay cut proposals from the council this week, following a day of strike action last month. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117583/unison-ballots-1-million-plus-workers-on-pensions-strikes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117583/unison-ballots-1-million-plus-workers-on-pensions-strikes.htmlUnison is sending out ballot papers this week to tens of thousands of local authority social workers and care staff to seek support for a series of national strikes over proposed changes to their pensions. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117573/book-review-community-development-a-critical-approach.htmlThe coalition government is vigorously engaged in reducing the role of the state in the delivery of services in education, including schools and universities, the health service and services traditionally delivered by local authorities, writes Keith Popple.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117585/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-shortlist-revealed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/10/117585/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-shortlist-revealed.htmlFrom adoption services to hospice-based work, social workers with a range of experiences feature on the shortlist for the Social Worker of the Year 2011 awards. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117574/book-review-using-the-law-in-social-work-5th-edition.htmlFor new social work students, the fifth edition of Using the Law in Social Work gives a good basic introductory overview of the main legal issues. It is not designed or suitable for detailed legal reference, but has good suggestions for further reading, writes Linda Naylor Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117572/social-worker-suspended-after-child-protection-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117572/social-worker-suspended-after-child-protection-failings.htmlA social worker who allowed a man under investigation for sexual abuse to stay at a house where children were living has been suspended for nine months.Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117569/ask-the-expert-how-can-i-gain-experience-shadowing-a-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117569/ask-the-expert-how-can-i-gain-experience-shadowing-a-social-worker.htmlMany MA social work courses require students to shadow a qualified social worker before they begin the course. Most students are expected to arrange this themselves. However, because of the nature of the social work profession, finding someone to shadow isn't always that easy.Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117566/social-workers-must-be-cautious-with-online-social-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117566/social-workers-must-be-cautious-with-online-social-media.htmlJon Bolton advises social care staff to make sure their online presence is professionally appropriate, while remaining alive to the potential benefits of social media for service users Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117556/support-staff-used-as-budget-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117556/support-staff-used-as-budget-social-workers.htmlSupport workers are being asked to handle tasks normally carried out by registered social workers but without support or supervision, a Unison survey reveals today. (Picture posed by model, Rex Features)Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117557/managers-tell-support-staff-that-abuse-is-part-of-the-job.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/06/117557/managers-tell-support-staff-that-abuse-is-part-of-the-job.htmlMany social care support workers who are exposed to threats and attacks receive little support from their bosses, according to Unison's survey. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117560/public-sector-workers-worst-hit-by-stress-absence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117560/public-sector-workers-worst-hit-by-stress-absence.htmlHalf of all public sector employers reported an increase in stress-related absence over the past year, according to research by the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117554/social-workers-join-strike-action-in-northern-ireland-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/05/117554/social-workers-join-strike-action-in-northern-ireland-today.htmlSocial workers across Northern Ireland are taking part in strikes today in protest against budget cuts and subsequent workplace pressures.Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/04/117549/social-worker-suspended-for-kissing-colleague.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/04/117549/social-worker-suspended-for-kissing-colleague.htmlA social worker has been suspended for two years for kissing and putting his arms around female colleagues without their consent. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117547/up-to-200000-care-assistants-paid-below-minimum-rate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/10/03/117547/up-to-200000-care-assistants-paid-below-minimum-rate.htmlAt least 150,000 support workers and care assistants in the UK may be paid less than the minimum wage, according to research.Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117535/research-assessing-risk-in-domestic-violence-cases.htmlCommunity Care Inform looks at the implications of research into specialist domestic violence risk assessment for safeguarding and family court work. By Thangam DebbonaireFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117523/professional-development-reforming-practice-education.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117523/professional-development-reforming-practice-education.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board is proposing that all practice education teachers should be qualified social workers and the quality of placements improved. Sally Gillen reports Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117539/basw-makes-fresh-bid-for-college-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117539/basw-makes-fresh-bid-for-college-role.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has appealed to professionals and the government to support its continuing involvement in efforts to develop a college of social work.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117514/social-care-providers-excellence-award-to-be-ditched.htmlThe government is to drop the planned excellence award for social care providers after it was universally rejected by the sector. Care Quality Commission chair Jo Williams (pictured) has said that she saw no prospect of the scheme going ahead.Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117537/students-missing-out-on-mental-health-support-warns-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117537/students-missing-out-on-mental-health-support-warns-college.htmlSome students with mental health problems are missing out on support because of rising demand, the Royal College of Psychiatrists warns in a report today. And university cuts could spell worse to come. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117532/new-regulations-for-agency-workers-come-in-tomorrow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/30/117532/new-regulations-for-agency-workers-come-in-tomorrow.htmlThousands of social workers and hundreds of employers will be affected by new regulations for employing agency staff, which come into effect tomorrow. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117529/social-worker-admonished-for-lying-about-second-job.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117529/social-worker-admonished-for-lying-about-second-job.htmlA local authority social worker who lied to cover up her second job as a care assistant has been admonished by the General Social Care Council.Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117527/research-points-to-flaws-in-social-work-leadership-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117527/research-points-to-flaws-in-social-work-leadership-training.htmlEmployers should invest more in local social work leadership programmes rather than sending frontline managers on generic courses, according to research. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117493/developing-leadership-among-all-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/29/117493/developing-leadership-among-all-practitioners.htmlIn the last of our series on the Social Work Reform Board's professional capabilities framework, Kirsty McGregor explores the importance of developing leadership among practitioners at all levels Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117518/college-of-social-work-professional-networks-will-help-avoid-past-errors.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117518/college-of-social-work-professional-networks-will-help-avoid-past-errors.htmlThe College of Social Work has often talked about its role in giving social work professional leadership, raising standards and influencing government policy. But what does this actually mean in practice? Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117517/social-workers-urged-to-report-unethical-media-coverage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/28/117517/social-workers-urged-to-report-unethical-media-coverage.htmlSocial workers are being asked to give examples of unethical media coverage of their profession to the inquiries called in the wake of the phone hacking scandal.Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117502/councils-use-of-agency-social-workers-in-decline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117502/councils-use-of-agency-social-workers-in-decline.htmlCouncils throughout the UK have slashed their use of agency social workers, Community Care can reveal. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/27/117461/research-findings-on-improving-dementia-care.htmlDr Mary Pat Sullivan and colleagues examine key research findings on dementia Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/114963/quality-in-practice-how-to-ensure-you-recruit-the-best-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/26/114963/quality-in-practice-how-to-ensure-you-recruit-the-best-professionals.htmlSocial work recruitment specialist Jonathan Coxon offers tips for social work managers and interviewers when recruitingMon, 26 Sep 2011 18:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117503/suspended-social-worker-was-too-close-to-child-and-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117503/suspended-social-worker-was-too-close-to-child-and-mother.htmlA social worker who became too involved with a child in her care and treated the child's mother "as she would a family member" has been suspended for a yearFri, 23 Sep 2011 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117501/basw-members-to-be-given-vote-on-college-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117501/basw-members-to-be-given-vote-on-college-merger.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has revealed members will still be able to vote in November on whether to merge with the College of Social Work, despite the recent breakdown in talks. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117497/local-government-pension-proposals-anger-unions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/23/117497/local-government-pension-proposals-anger-unions.htmlCouncil care workers should be given the choice of paying more into their pensions or contributing what they do now and receiving less when they retire, the Local Government Group has saidFri, 23 Sep 2011 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117490/recruitment-problems-hamper-bid-to-remodel-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117490/recruitment-problems-hamper-bid-to-remodel-social-work.htmlAttempts to remodel social work in several English councils were hampered by limited resources and difficulties in recruiting and retaining social workers, but have been successful in embedding better practice. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117489/care-workers-strike-at-two-more-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117489/care-workers-strike-at-two-more-councils.htmlCare workers at two councils in England went on strike yesterday over proposals to change their terms and conditions and slash pay. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/115421/graduate-training-scheme-for-adult-social-care-management.htmlArmed with a degree but no practical experience, the next generation of adult care leaders is being trained for a rapid rise through the ranks, reports Kirsty Mc GregorThu, 22 Sep 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117484/basw-disappointed-as-college-merger-talks-collapse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/22/117484/basw-disappointed-as-college-merger-talks-collapse.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has expressed its "grave disappointment" at the College of Social Work's decision to temporarily abandon the move towards merging the two organisations. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117483/conduct-and-retention-concerns-over-childrens-homes-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117483/conduct-and-retention-concerns-over-childrens-homes-staff.htmlResidential child care in Wales has experienced "significant turnover" and a disproportionate number of conduct referrals since the introduction of mandatory registration, the Care Council for Wales reveals in its annual review.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/21/117481/college-of-social-work-to-launch-without-basw.htmlThe College of Social Work will formally launch on 3 January next year, without the support of the British Association of Social Workers. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/20/117476/social-worker-vacancy-rates-down-across-britain.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/20/117476/social-worker-vacancy-rates-down-across-britain.htmlSocial worker vacancy rates in councils across Britain have fallen despite the squeeze on recruitment and retention budgets, Community Care can reveal.Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/20/117474/how-one-london-council-turned-round-its-high-vacancy-rate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/20/117474/how-one-london-council-turned-round-its-high-vacancy-rate.htmlRichmond Council has made the biggest improvement in its overall vacancy rate, reducing it from 36% in 2010 to 8%. Cathy Kerr, Richmond's director of adults and community services, explainsTue, 20 Sep 2011 17:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117463/agency-social-workers-gain-new-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117463/agency-social-workers-gain-new-rights.htmlFrom 1 October, agency social workers will be entitled to new rights under the Agency Workers Regulations 2010. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117475/england-still-has-highest-vacancy-rate-in-the-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117475/england-still-has-highest-vacancy-rate-in-the-uk.htmlEngland still has the highest vacancy rate in the UK despite continuing efforts to reform the profession, Community Care can reveal. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117473/social-worker-cleared-of-historic-sex-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117473/social-worker-cleared-of-historic-sex-abuse.htmlA social worker accused of historic sexual abuse at a Northamptonshire children's home has been acquitted of all the charges, the Northampton Chronicle reports today.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117470/third-social-work-strike-called-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/19/117470/third-social-work-strike-called-at-pay-cut-council.htmlSocial work staff will strike for the third time next month over Southampton Council's pay cuts.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117458/childrens-unit-uses-video-to-encourage-reflective-practice.htmlA children's home in Scotland has become the first to use video to encourage reflective practice. Jackie Cosh reports Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117466/councils-social-workers-vote-to-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117466/councils-social-workers-vote-to-strike.htmlSocial workers in Shropshire will strike on 22 September in protest at proposed pay cuts, Unison has confirmed. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/16/117450/using-volunteers-to-support-people-on-personal-budgets.htmlLive-in volunteers are helping people with disabilities pursue independent lives, reports Daniel Lombard Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117451/couple-who-threatened-social-worker-are-jailed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/15/117451/couple-who-threatened-social-worker-are-jailed.htmlA couple who harassed and threatened their allocated social worker have been jailed. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117446/thousands-of-social-workers-set-to-join-pension-protests.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117446/thousands-of-social-workers-set-to-join-pension-protests.htmlTens of thousands of social care workers could join a national walk out in protest at the proposed changes to public sector pensions. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117445/social-worker-denies-rape-and-sexual-assault.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117445/social-worker-denies-rape-and-sexual-assault.htmlA social worker has vehemently denied allegations that he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a child in his care in the 1990s.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117444/employer-of-social-worker-kidnapped-in-kenya-tells-of-shock.htmlKidnapped social worker Judith Tebbutt's employers have spoken of their shock after she was taken hostage while holidaying in Kenya. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/14/117439/mps-blame-lack-of-cqc-inspections-on-distorted-priorities.htmlThe Care Quality Commission’s “distorted priorities” were responsible for a recent fall in inspections of adult social care services, MPs have said.Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117431/whistleblower-says-council-ordered-care-packages-delay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/13/117431/whistleblower-says-council-ordered-care-packages-delay.htmlA council until recently imposed a blanket month-long delay on organising care packages for vulnerable adults in order to save money, a whistleblower has told Community Care. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117425/social-worker-admonished-by-gscc-for-sexual-harassment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117425/social-worker-admonished-by-gscc-for-sexual-harassment.htmlA social worker who sexually harassed his supervisor has been admonished by the General Social Care Council. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/12/117410/care-home-workers-take-part-in-the-worldskills-competition.htmlTwo care assistants are representing the UK at this year's WorldSkills competition. Kirsty McGregor finds out about their ambitions and the training involved Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117408/social-work-must-embrace-theory-if-munro-ideas-are-to-succeed.htmlA tendency to disregard theory could damage implementation of Professor Munro's report, argues Claudia Megele Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117419/social-worker-accused-of-rape-by-former-child-in-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117419/social-worker-accused-of-rape-by-former-child-in-care.htmlA social worker repeatedly raped a boy who was in his care at a children's home in the mid-1990s, a jury has heard. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117415/interim-childrens-chief-for-failing-council-balances-two-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/09/117415/interim-childrens-chief-for-failing-council-balances-two-jobs.htmlThe interim director of children's services appointed to failing city council Peterborough will be juggling two jobs while trying to turn safeguarding services around. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/08/117412/child-care-worker-struck-off-after-sex-and-alcohol-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/08/117412/child-care-worker-struck-off-after-sex-and-alcohol-case.htmlA residential child care worker who allowed a girl with known "sexualised behaviour" to spend a night alone with a man in a caravan has been struck off.Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/08/117406/council-staff-set-to-stay-at-home-in-pay-cut-protest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/08/117406/council-staff-set-to-stay-at-home-in-pay-cut-protest.htmlHundreds of social care staff may refuse to turn up for work at Central Bedfordshire Council next month in protest at pay cuts, local union officials have claimed.Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117403/social-worker-accused-of-child-sex-offences.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117403/social-worker-accused-of-child-sex-offences.htmlA social worker accused of sexually abusing two children appeared before the General Social Care Council yesterday. The man has denied allegations that he abused two boys between 2001 and 2007. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/07/117400/community-care-launches-website-for-adult-care-practitioners.htmlResidential and domiciliary care staff are an important part of the social care universe but it is too easy for their needs to be ignored. Community Care has set out to address this problem with the launch of the latest addition to www.communitycare.co.uk - You Care. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117394/cuts-damaging-viability-of-rural-home-care-visits.htmlRural home care services are becoming unviable become of the combined impact of cuts and journey times between visits, according to the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/06/117393/home-care-staff-face-worsening-pay-and-reduced-safety.htmlHome care staff are facing reduced pay and conditions and are being put at risk because of council cuts to providers, a United Kingdom Homecare Association survey has found. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117397/supreme-court-to-rule-on-council-care-worker-pay-bias.htmlThe Supreme Court will decide next month whether Sheffield Council discriminated against female care workers by excluding them from a bonus system available to staff in roles largely occupied by men. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117373/improving-social-workers-literacy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/05/117373/improving-social-workers-literacy.htmlPoor literacy among social workers can sometimes mean they do more harm than good. The Health Professions Council is trying to address the problem, as Sally Gillen reports Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117374/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-the-common-assessment-framework.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117374/research-on-the-effectiveness-of-the-common-assessment-framework.htmlCharlotte McEvoy and Susannah Bowyer explore the arguments for using the Common Assessment Framework Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117383/boom-in-personal-assistants-drives-adult-sector-growth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117383/boom-in-personal-assistants-drives-adult-sector-growth.htmlA boom in the number of personal assistants swelled the size of the adult social care workforce by 7% in a single year, figures have revealed today.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117387/invest-in-social-worker-retention-not-students-says-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117387/invest-in-social-worker-retention-not-students-says-study.htmlGovernment resources should be ploughed into retaining qualified social workers rather than training new ones, a study has claimed.Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117384/social-work-student-suspended-after-falling-asleep-at-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/02/117384/social-work-student-suspended-after-falling-asleep-at-work.htmlA social work student who fell asleep while she was supposed to be carrying out safety checks on vulnerable service users has been suspended for a yearFri, 02 Sep 2011 09:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117375/how-to.-deal-with-intimidating-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117375/how-to.-deal-with-intimidating-families.htmlRay Braithwaite offers guidance on managing highly resistant behaviourThu, 01 Sep 2011 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117359/basw-launches-trade-union-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/09/01/117359/basw-launches-trade-union-for-social-workers.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers today formally launched an arm's-length trade union. BASW's chief executive Hilton Dawson (pictured) has claimed the Social Workers Union (SWU) is "in no sense a competitor" to other trade unions representing social workers. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117370/social-care-cuts-in-scotland-sparking-strikes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/31/117370/social-care-cuts-in-scotland-sparking-strikes.htmlSocial care charities are likely to face more staff unrest as they slash pay to cope with local authority budget cuts, a providers' leader has warned.Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117364/social-workers-collapsing-under-workplace-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117364/social-workers-collapsing-under-workplace-stress.htmlThree in five social workers to contact the British Association of Social Workers' advice and representation team are suffering from work-related stress. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117363/how-to.-supervise-your-peers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/30/117363/how-to.-supervise-your-peers.htmlPeer supervision enables social workers to go beyond individual limitations and to expand on their knowledge, skills and experiences - as long as power imbalances are left at the door. Claudia Megele offers tips on how to make the most of your peers' experiences and opinionsTue, 30 Aug 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117351/how-todeal-with-personality-clashes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117351/how-todeal-with-personality-clashes.htmlFive steps to better conflict resolution with clients.Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117350/care-worker-drove-teenage-clients-after-smoking-cannabis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/25/117350/care-worker-drove-teenage-clients-after-smoking-cannabis.htmlA care worker who smoked cannabis before driving two teenagers home from a concert has been struck off the social care register.Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117344/care-assistant-suspended-for-abusing-elderly-service-user.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117344/care-assistant-suspended-for-abusing-elderly-service-user.htmlAn experienced care assistant who physically and verbally abused an elderly service user in Northern Ireland has been suspended from practising for six months.Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117349/social-work-academic-blasts-scandal-of-overseas-recruitment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/24/117349/social-work-academic-blasts-scandal-of-overseas-recruitment.htmlLocal authorities must support home-grown newly qualified social workers and resist the temptation to recruit more experienced staff from overseas, says Anna Gupta (pictured), head of the department of social work at Royal Holloway University.Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117347/what-can-you-do-if-a-colleague-self-harms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117347/what-can-you-do-if-a-colleague-self-harms.htmlWhen a social worker appealed for advice on Community Care's CareSpace forum on what to do about a colleague who self harms, it attracted thousands of readers and hundreds of responses. But what do the experts think? An experienced social work manager and a psychiatrist advise. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117343/hpc-standards-for-social-workers-slammed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/23/117343/hpc-standards-for-social-workers-slammed.htmlThe standards for social workers being brought in to replace the General Social Care Council's codes of practice are "weak" and "fail to hold employers to account", according to a union official.Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117339/emergency-duty-payment-cuts-condemned.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/22/117339/emergency-duty-payment-cuts-condemned.htmlPlans to slash emergency duty payments to social workers by about 60% are "utterly unacceptable", says the Northern Ireland Association of Social Workers.Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/19/117333/social-worker-struck-off-for-faking-fostering-references.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/19/117333/social-worker-struck-off-for-faking-fostering-references.html A social worker who faked documents she knew would be relied upon by the courts when arranging fostering placements for children has been struck off. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117332/book-review-early-professional-development-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117332/book-review-early-professional-development-for-social-workers.htmlThis book will appeal to a wider range of people than the title suggests, writes Rob Fountain.Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117316/college-lines-up-nqsw-peer-mentoring-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117316/college-lines-up-nqsw-peer-mentoring-scheme.htmlThe College of Social Work is planning to offer a national peer mentoring scheme to newly qualified social workersThu, 18 Aug 2011 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117315/quarter-of-new-social-workers-in-england-remain-jobless.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117315/quarter-of-new-social-workers-in-england-remain-jobless.htmlA quarter of the newly qualified social workers who graduated last year in England are unemployed, the General Social Care Council has revealed. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117329/one-in-ten-social-work-courses-still-have-places.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/18/117329/one-in-ten-social-work-courses-still-have-places.html Only 23 (13%) of the 179 social work degree courses on offer throughout the UK still have spaces in clearing for A-level students who did not gain their...Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117326/council-strips-social-workers-union-of-recognition.htmlPlymouth Council has stripped local Unison officials of their negotiating powers after the two organisations failed to reach a collective agreement on new terms and conditions, which will affect social workers. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117324/northern-ireland-social-workers-to-be-balloted-on-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117324/northern-ireland-social-workers-to-be-balloted-on-strike.htmlSocial workers and care staff across Northern Ireland are set to take part in strikes over fears that budget cuts will lead to widespread job losses. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117321/drug-smuggling-social-worker-struck-off-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117321/drug-smuggling-social-worker-struck-off-register.htmlA social work manager has been struck off after covering up a conviction for smuggling £25,000 worth of cannabis into the UK.Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117288/newly-qualified-social-workers-face-the-jobs-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/17/117288/newly-qualified-social-workers-face-the-jobs-gap.htmlMore newly qualified social workers are reporting difficulty finding jobs, despite high vacancy rates and an overreliance on agency staff. But is the future that bleak, asks Daniel Lombard Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117289/how-tofind-that-elusive-first-job.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117289/how-tofind-that-elusive-first-job.htmlGraduates seeking their first role as a qualified social worker can enhance their employability as well as check Community Care's job pages, finds Daniel Lombard Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117310/gp-style-practices-for-adult-care-a-turn-off-for-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/16/117310/gp-style-practices-for-adult-care-a-turn-off-for-councils.htmlFewer than one in 10 councils in England expressed an interest in outsourcing adults' services to controversial GP-style social work practices, Community Care can reveal. Birmingham Council (pictured), whose application to become one of the pilots was successful, was among the few that bucked the trend. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 16 Aug 2011 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117306/book-review-the-short-guide-to-gender.htmlConsidering its small size and the title, this little gem of a book offers a surprisingly comprehensive introduction to the key ­theoretical concepts, developments and critical debates in gender studies, writes Lynn Baxter. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117303/how-to.make-the-most-of-e-learning-and-forums.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117303/how-to.make-the-most-of-e-learning-and-forums.htmlE-learning and online forums provide an affordable and easy way to undertake continuing professional development, but they can also help social workers to connect with colleagues and other agencies. Here, Claudia Megele gives advice to practitioners and managers on making the most of the resources available. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117301/council-put-reputation-before-child-protection-inspectors-say.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117301/council-put-reputation-before-child-protection-inspectors-say.htmlPembrokeshire Council has been heavily criticised by Welsh inspectors for failing to respond to abuse allegations involving staff including headteachers, teachers, learning support assistants, youth workers and administrative support staff. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117298/pro-riot-care-worker-suspended-after-facebook-comment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117298/pro-riot-care-worker-suspended-after-facebook-comment.htmlJohn Hannan, a former care worker from Merseyside, has been suspended after posting pro-rioting messages on Facebook. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117302/how-to.-keep-service-user-data-safe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/12/117302/how-to.-keep-service-user-data-safe.htmlData protection expert David Taylor offers practical tips on keeping service users' case files safe and protecting yourself from possible misconduct allegationsFri, 12 Aug 2011 10:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117292/house-of-lords-to-be-social-worker-awards-venue.htmlSocial workers will be honoured at the Houses of Parliament on 16 December when the House of Lords hosts the Social Worker of the Year Awards.Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117285/strikes-to-continue-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/11/117285/strikes-to-continue-at-pay-cut-council.htmlSocial workers in Southampton have voted to continue to strike over pay cuts after staging a second stoppage today.Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117277/care-worker-suspended-over-medication-blunder.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117277/care-worker-suspended-over-medication-blunder.htmlA care worker who failed to give a service user medication and then tried to hide her mistake has been suspended from the register in Northern Ireland.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117275/second-council-braced-for-social-work-strikes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/10/117275/second-council-braced-for-social-work-strikes.htmlSocial work strikes over pay cuts are set to spread to Shropshire as Unison prepares to ballot its members at the council.Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117272/10-point-guide-to-housing-benefit-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-social-care.htmlThere are few issues that unite the Archbishop of Canterbury, Boris Johnson, the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the National Housing Federation. But the impact of housing benefit changes on tenants and landlords has managed to unify this disparate bunch, with dramatic warnings of "social cleansing" coming from the Mayor of London and the CML pondering whether providing funding for housing associations is a good idea in future. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117270/social-worker-reinstated-after-false-car-mileage-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/08/117270/social-worker-reinstated-after-false-car-mileage-claims.htmlA social worker who was struck off after claiming a car allowance from her employer while disqualified from driving has been reinstated on the register.Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115058/aspirations-of-older-people-living-in-residential-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/115058/aspirations-of-older-people-living-in-residential-care.htmlThe Joseph Rowntree Foundation offers a stern critique of current services and a blueprint for how older people can enjoy a better life, as Melanie Henwood found Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116911/councils-slammed-for-curbing-use-of-personal-budgets.htmlCouncils have been slammed for denying clients choice and control after Community Care's personalisation survey found restrictions being placed on the use of personal budgets for items including holidays and computer equipment.Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114518/rolling-out-personalisation-to-mental-health-service-users.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/114518/rolling-out-personalisation-to-mental-health-service-users.htmlA project led by Mind to tackle the low take-up of self-directed support among mental health service users has returned some positive results, writes Jeremy Dunning Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116873/how-bureaucracy-is-derailing-personalisation.htmlAs our survey finds social workers are facing ever more red tape, Jeremy Dunning asks why bureaucracy is derailing personalisation and what can be done to rescue the policy Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116913/hard-to-reach-groups-still-face-personal-budgets-barriers.htmlSeveral client groups, including older people and those with mental health problems, continue to face barriers in gaining personal budgets, say social care professionals. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116925/panorama-burstow-orders-probe-into-cqc-and-council-failings.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has ordered investigations into regulatory and safeguarding failings by the Care Quality Commission and local authorities in relation to the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama yesterday. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/116923/panorama-cqc-inspection-regime-slammed-following-abuse.htmlThe Care Quality Commission's risk-based approach to regulating care services has been called into question, following revelations of abuse of people with learning disabilities in a specialist hospital. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117267/two-in-five-social-workers-see-frontline-teams-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/05/117267/two-in-five-social-workers-see-frontline-teams-cut.htmlTwo in five social workers have seen cuts to their frontline teams and many report admin support being slashed, a survey has found. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117266/social-care-staff-freed-from-registering-cars-as-minicabs.htmlOlder and disabled people will be able to "get out of their houses for the first time in years" under moves to free social care staff from registering their private cars as minicabs.Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117263/scie-offers-20k-seed-funding-to-innovative-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117263/scie-offers-20k-seed-funding-to-innovative-social-workers.htmlInnovative social workers are being offered up to £20,000 to help improve services for adults in England.Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117262/social-workers-to-sue-pay-cut-council-for-unfair-dismissal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117262/social-workers-to-sue-pay-cut-council-for-unfair-dismissal.htmlSouthampton Council is facing over 300 claims of unfair dismissal from social workers and other staff. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/04/117254/prisoners-provide-social-care-governors-admit.htmlMore than one-third of prison governors believe the quality of social care in their prison is below average or poor, research by Community Care has revealed. In a Prison Governors Association (PGA) survey, 40% of respondents also said prisoners provided social care in their prison. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117261/social-workers-being-paid-to-strike-over-cuts-says-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117261/social-workers-being-paid-to-strike-over-cuts-says-council.htmlSocial workers striking over salary cuts in Southampton are only doing it because they are on full pay from unions, the council's Conservative leader has said.Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117260/safeguarding-against-another-winterbourne-a-providers-view.htmlIn a response to the Winterbourne View case, autism and mental health hospital manager Mark Goldsborough discusses some of the challenges of safeguarding vulnerable adults in hospital settings and how they can be overcome. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117243/how-to.-prepare-for-prison-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/03/117243/how-to.-prepare-for-prison-visits.htmlWalking into a prison can be an intimidating experience, but social workers can take steps to make the process easier, finds Kirsty McGregor Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117244/effective-social-work-in-prisons-and-high-security-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117244/effective-social-work-in-prisons-and-high-security-hospitals.htmlThree social workers tell Gordon Carson about the professional skills and attributes that are necessary to practise effectively in prisons and high-security psychiatric hospitals Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117258/gove-and-haringey-refused-appeal-over-shoesmith-sacking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117258/gove-and-haringey-refused-appeal-over-shoesmith-sacking.htmlThe Supreme Court has refused secretary of state Michael Gove and Haringey Council permission to appeal against the ruling that Sharon Shoesmith was unfairly sacked as director of children's services at Haringey following the Baby P court case. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117257/social-worker-who-threw-case-file-at-manager-can-reregister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/02/117257/social-worker-who-threw-case-file-at-manager-can-reregister.htmlA stressed social worker who was struck off after throwing a case file at his manager is to be allowed to rejoin the register. (Picture: Isopix/Rex Features)Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117251/social-worker-struck-off-after-exposing-child-to-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117251/social-worker-struck-off-after-exposing-child-to-risk.htmlA social worker who failed to act on concerns raised by a child's teacher has been struck off the register in Wales. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117253/social-workers-not-consulted-on-outsourcing-their-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/08/01/117253/social-workers-not-consulted-on-outsourcing-their-services.htmlUnion activists have accused Surrey Council of attempting to hive off its service for deaf people without consulting social work staff. Unison national officer Helga Pile (pictured) has said the government is struggling to interest councils in social work practice pilots. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117240/high-court-allows-stabbed-social-worker-to-seek-payout.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/29/117240/high-court-allows-stabbed-social-worker-to-seek-payout.htmlA social worker who was told she could not sue two health authorities after she was stabbed by psychiatric patient Graham Burton (pictured) has been given leave to appeal against the decision. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117236/childrens-workers-to-strike-for-a-week-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117236/childrens-workers-to-strike-for-a-week-at-pay-cut-council.htmlFifty children's social workers in Southampton are to extend their planned strike by six days in protest at the council's proposed pay cuts.Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117234/cqc-half-of-castlebeck-services-not-meeting-standards.htmlNearly half of Castlebeck services are failing to meet essential standards of quality and safety, a report by the Care Quality Commission, sparked by the Winterbourne View case (pictured), has revealed. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117232/social-work-staff-to-strike-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117232/social-work-staff-to-strike-at-pay-cut-council.htmlMore than 450 social work staff at Southampton Council are to stage a one-day strike over pay cuts next week. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/28/117230/government-promises-training-for-personal-assistants.htmlPersonal assistants will have access to minimum levels of training, and service users given guaranteed support in employing them as part of a framework for PAs published today. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117226/social-worker-struck-off-for-working-five-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/26/117226/social-worker-struck-off-for-working-five-jobs.htmlA social worker who accepted senior full-time roles in two different charities and took on paid work for another three organisations has been struck off.Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/25/117223/social-work-regulator-switch-on-track-despite-bill-delay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/25/117223/social-work-regulator-switch-on-track-despite-bill-delay.htmlPlanned changes to the regulation of social workers in England are "on track" despite the three-month pause in the Health and Social Care Bill, according to the transfer oversight group. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117217/chief-regulator-blasts-single-college-of-social-work-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117217/chief-regulator-blasts-single-college-of-social-work-talks.htmlThe man charged with overseeing changes to social work regulation in England has criticised recent efforts to create a single college for the profession.Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117216/pay-cut-council-may-outsource-adult-care-provision.htmlSouthampton Council is considering proposals to outsource its adult social care services, weeks after introducing a pay cut for most staff. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117215/social-workers-must-be-more-wary-of-family-carer-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/22/117215/social-workers-must-be-more-wary-of-family-carer-abuse.htmlSocial workers must not place undue confidence in families' ability to care for service users if they are to identify abuse perpetrated by and against informal carers, directors have warned. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117195/southern-cross-worker-lands-top-caring-award.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/21/117195/southern-cross-worker-lands-top-caring-award.htmlA Southern Cross employee has become the second winner of the WorldSkills UK Caring Competition.Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117208/jailed-social-worker-struck-off-for-26000-swindle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117208/jailed-social-worker-struck-off-for-26000-swindle.htmlA social worker who was jailed for embezzling £26,700 intended for adults with mental health problems has been struck off the register in Scotland. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117205/social-worker-reinstated-after-child-shut-in-cupboard-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/20/117205/social-worker-reinstated-after-child-shut-in-cupboard-case.htmlA social worker has been cleared of failing to inform police and child protection colleagues that two-year-old Sanam Navsarka had been locked in a cupboard a week before she was murdered. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117203/social-worker-registration-fee-still-unknown-hpc-admits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/19/117203/social-worker-registration-fee-still-unknown-hpc-admits.htmlSocial workers in England face continuing uncertainty over how much they will be expected to pay to register next year, the Health Professions Council has admitted.Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117189/social-worker-living-in-the-uk-illegally-is-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/18/117189/social-worker-living-in-the-uk-illegally-is-struck-off.htmlA registered social worker from Nigeria has been struck off after it emerged he used somebody else's passport to enter the UK.Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117183/crisis-talks-to-save-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117183/crisis-talks-to-save-social-work-college.htmlThe College of Social Work is holding crisis talks with the British Association of Social Workers after the two organisations failed to agree on how a single college should be structured and run, Community Care understands.Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/15/117165/college-of-social-work-dont-let-cuts-derail-dilnot-social-care-plans.htmlHealth secretary Andrew Lansley has warned that the Dilnot commission's £1.7bn proposals to reform adult social care funding could prove too costly to implement in full. But we urge the government to act on Dilnot .Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117160/childrens-minister-rejects-key-ideas-from-his-adoption-tsar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117160/childrens-minister-rejects-key-ideas-from-his-adoption-tsar.htmlChildren’s minister Tim Loughton (pictured) has rejected key recommendations made by his new adoption tsar Martin Narey, saying he disagrees that social workers should spend less time assessing “unsuitable” family and friends carers Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117171/professional-capabilities-applying-theory-and-research-to-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117171/professional-capabilities-applying-theory-and-research-to-practice.htmlContinuing our series on the Social Work Reform Board's professional capabilities framework, Kirsty McGregor looks at applying theory to practice Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117172/social-work-expertise-of-health-professions-council-in-doubt.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117172/social-work-expertise-of-health-professions-council-in-doubt.htmlNot enough is being done to reassure social workers in England that the Health Professions Council will be an effective regulator, a senior academic has said. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117168/is-reunification-of-childrens-and-adults-social-services-departments-right-for-families.htmlSome local authorities are bringing adults' and children's social care back under the watch of a single director. It is not what Eileen Munro envisaged, reports Molly Garboden Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117164/research-improving-social-care-services-for-vulnerable-adults.htmlTo help avoid future abuse scandals such as that of Winterbourne View, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced resources to help staff, managers and commissioners improve the services available for vulnerable adults Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117155/sharp-rise-in-numbers-barred-from-work-with-vulnerable-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117155/sharp-rise-in-numbers-barred-from-work-with-vulnerable-people.htmlThe number of people barred from working with vulnerable children and adults has increased by more than 60% over the past year. Roger Singleton (pictured), chair of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, said: "In our decision-making we are committed to ensuring that the people referred to us are treated individually." Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/13/117159/child-protection-assessment-deadlines-to-go-by-end-of-year.htmlChildren's social workers will no longer be held to prescribed timescales for assessments and the distinction between initial and core assessments will be removed by the end of this year, the government has said in its official response to Eileen Munro's review of child protection. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117154/students-pursue-childrens-services-placements-at-a-price.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/12/117154/students-pursue-childrens-services-placements-at-a-price.htmlAs social work students reach the end of one placement and start to find out where they will be next year, I have been thinking about the widely reported shortage of statutory placements. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/11/117149/social-worker-struck-off-for-placing-sex-offender-with-family.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/11/117149/social-worker-struck-off-for-placing-sex-offender-with-family.htmlAn experienced social worker who placed a young man with a history of inappropriate sexual beheviour with a foster family without making a proper risk assessment has been struck off the register in Wales. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117144/blind-social-worker-suspended-after-children-burnt-in-fire.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117144/blind-social-worker-suspended-after-children-burnt-in-fire.htmlA social worker has been suspended after three children she was supposed to take to a place of safety suffered burns in a fire at their home.Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117139/pay-cut-council-hands-childrens-social-workers-1400.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/08/117139/pay-cut-council-hands-childrens-social-workers-1400.htmlSouthampton Council has agreed to protect children's social workers from the pay cuts looming over most of its workforce.Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117132/take-pay-cut-or-face-the-sack-council-tells-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117132/take-pay-cut-or-face-the-sack-council-tells-staff.htmlStaff at Shropshire Council have been told they must accept a 5.4% salary cut and changes to sick pay or face the sack.Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117130/councils-to-merge-social-services-teams-as-demand-rises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/06/117130/councils-to-merge-social-services-teams-as-demand-rises.htmlTwo councils in Wales are to merge their social services departments to meet increasing demand.Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117124/social-workers-have-key-role-in-making-dilnot-reforms-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/05/117124/social-workers-have-key-role-in-making-dilnot-reforms-work.htmlSocial workers have a key role to play in making the Dilnot care funding reforms work, say professional leaders, including BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and the College of Social Work's Trudy Burns.Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117116/social-worker-wins-appeal-over-failure-to-re-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117116/social-worker-wins-appeal-over-failure-to-re-register.htmlA social worker who was banned from practising because he had not renewed his registration has successfully appealed on the basis that he did not receive the required renewal forms. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117111/how-to.-sustain-peer-learning-as-a-lone-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/04/117111/how-to.-sustain-peer-learning-as-a-lone-social-worker.html How to sustain peer learning when you're the only social worker around Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117108/how-to.-support-clients-who-direct-their-own-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/01/117108/how-to.-support-clients-who-direct-their-own-care.htmlHow should social workers support clients who direct their own care, asks Gordon Carson Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117098/why-social-workers-should-stick-by-their-local-government-pension.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117098/why-social-workers-should-stick-by-their-local-government-pension.htmlDespite the controversial reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme, staff are advised to stick by it because private sector provision is generally inferior, finds Kirsty McGregor Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117097/baby-p-social-workers-given-leave-to-appeal-against-sackings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117097/baby-p-social-workers-given-leave-to-appeal-against-sackings.htmlHaringey Council is "disappointed" that two social workers have been granted leave to appeal against an employment tribunal ruling that upheld their sacking following the death of Baby P, Peter Connelly.Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117096/social-worker-struck-off-for-inappropriate-relationship.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117096/social-worker-struck-off-for-inappropriate-relationship.htmlA senior social worker who formed an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable service user has been struck off the register in Wales.Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117095/councils-relieve-pressure-on-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/30/117095/councils-relieve-pressure-on-childrens-social-workers.htmlCouncils in England are beginning to relieve the pressure on frontline children's social workers despite ongoing high vacancy rates and heavy caseloads, a study has shown.Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117090/mental-health-social-work-faces-mounting-staffing-gap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/29/117090/mental-health-social-work-faces-mounting-staffing-gap.htmlMental health social work in Scotland could be facing a crisis due to substantial cuts in the number of staff training to be mental health officers, amid rising levels of retirement.Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117084/substance-misuse-training-needs-to-be-stepped-up-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/28/117084/substance-misuse-training-needs-to-be-stepped-up-in-scotland.htmlSocial care workers in Scotland have for decades received little training on working with people who misuse drugs and alcohol, a report has found. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117077/social-worker-banned-for-falling-asleep-during-client-visit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117077/social-worker-banned-for-falling-asleep-during-client-visit.htmlA senior child protection social worker who fell asleep during a meeting with a vulnerable family has been struck off the register in Scotland. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117076/childrens-social-care-workers-to-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/27/117076/childrens-social-care-workers-to-strike.htmlA group of children's social care workers are to go on strike in Southampton this week against council proposals to slash pay for all but the lowest earners. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117073/government-looks-to-reassure-public-sector-on-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/24/117073/government-looks-to-reassure-public-sector-on-pensions.htmlThe Treasury has sought to reassure employers and staff that the unique nature of the Local Government Pension Scheme will be taken into account during any reform of the wider pensions system. Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117064/gscc-admonishes-social-worker-over-tk-maxx-shoe-fraud.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/23/117064/gscc-admonishes-social-worker-over-tk-maxx-shoe-fraud.htmlA social worker who tried to obtain £15 from clothes shop TK Maxx by switching the price tag on a pair of boots has been admonished by the General Social Care Council. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117049/lack-of-placements-sees-fewer-social-work-degree-places.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/22/117049/lack-of-placements-sees-fewer-social-work-degree-places.htmlA lack of practice placements is expected to cause a cut in the number of undergraduate social work degree places in England and Wales despite a recent rise in applications, an exclusive Community Care investigation has revealed. (picture: Rex) Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117056/unison-leader-turns-up-heat-over-public-sector-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117056/unison-leader-turns-up-heat-over-public-sector-pensions.htmlDave, Prentis, the head of the UK's largest social care union has told members to prepare for strike action over government plans to overhaul public sector pensions. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117048/violent-child-care-worker-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/21/117048/violent-child-care-worker-struck-off.htmlA child care worker with a history of violence has been struck off the register in Scotland after assaulting a member of the public in a hotel.Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/20/117046/abuse-scandal-hospital-winterbourne-view-to-close-this-week.htmlThe Winterbourne View learning disability hospital is to close this week, three weeks BBC Panorama screened scenes of abuse there following an undercover investigation. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117037/social-worker-struck-off-over-alcohol-use.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117037/social-worker-struck-off-over-alcohol-use.htmlA social worker who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol while at work has been struck off. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117030/union-tells-southern-cross-staff-to-refuse-working-changes.htmlTroubled care home operator Southern Cross is facing an industrial dispute after the GMB union advised its members to refuse to sign up to revised working conditions. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117032/social-work-lecturer-struck-off-over-child-porn-images.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117032/social-work-lecturer-struck-off-over-child-porn-images.htmlA social work lecturer who was jailed for possessing images showing "very serious sexual abuse" of children younger than 13 has been struck off. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117031/no-hike-in-pension-contributions-for-lower-paid-council-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117031/no-hike-in-pension-contributions-for-lower-paid-council-staff.htmlGovernment minister Danny Alexander (left) has pledged to protect lower paid council workers from increases to their pension contributions, after unions and employers warned many would opt out of the system. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117029/how-health-checks-for-council-social-workers-are-progressing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117029/how-health-checks-for-council-social-workers-are-progressing.htmlChecks on social worker stress and caseloads are only being carried out by some councils, reports Mark Hunter, but those who have taken part are positive about the benefits Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117027/mentoring-schemes-for-newly-qualified-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/17/117027/mentoring-schemes-for-newly-qualified-social-workers.html A three-year pilot scheme has provided valuable mentoring for newly qualified social workers, reports Kirsty McGregor or a newly qualified social worker,...Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117021/southern-cross-strikes-deal-with-landlords.htmlAiling care home operator Southern Cross has agreed to work together with its landlords to try to find a future for the group. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117006/college-of-social-work-the-benefits-of-the-unison-tie-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/16/117006/college-of-social-work-the-benefits-of-the-unison-tie-up.htmlThe College of Social Work has set itself an unprecedented challenge. Our role is to speak up for social work and put the profession on the same rock-solid foundations as other caring professions like nursing, medicine and occupational therapy. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117016/government-rejects-social-work-health-check-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117016/government-rejects-social-work-health-check-claims.htmlThe government has rejected claims that many employers in England have failed to complete a workload "health check" of their social services departments. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117014/college-of-social-work-greets-nhs-role-for-social-workers.htmlSocial workers will have a positive impact on the NHS through plans to involve them in health commissioning under the government's revamped NHS reforms, the College of Social Work has said. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117008/social-workers-say-workload-checks-have-had-no-impact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/15/117008/social-workers-say-workload-checks-have-had-no-impact.htmlHalf of social workers say their employer has failed to complete a workload "health check" amid reports that caseloads have increased over the past year, a survey has found. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/14/117004/social-workers-should-be-involved-in-health-commissioning.htmlDavid Cameron has been urged to give social workers a role in health commissioning decisions by experts tasked with revamping the government's NHS bill. He will give his response today. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117003/social-worker-guilty-of-misconduct-in-case-beset-by-delay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117003/social-worker-guilty-of-misconduct-in-case-beset-by-delay.htmlA social worker who was under investigation for two years following alleged child protection failings has been found guilty of misconduct and received a warning. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117000/social-workers-say-profession-is-poorly-represented.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/13/117000/social-workers-say-profession-is-poorly-represented.htmlFour out of five practitioners in England feel social work is poorly-represented at a national level, a survey has found.Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/11/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/11/116980/research-how-the-recession-is-affecting-adult-social-services.htmlAcademic Trish Hafford-Letchfield examines research that casts light on the impact of the recession on local authority adult care services Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116998/some-southern-cross-staff-to-be-offered-worse-job-contracts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116998/some-southern-cross-staff-to-be-offered-worse-job-contracts.htmlAiling care home operator Southern Cross has said that some staff could face reduced terms and conditions when it introduces a new standard contract of employment as part of an operational restructuring. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116993/how-to-save-a-much-valued-local-service-from-the-council-axe.htmlLiverpool Council wanted to close down a project to support women with postnatal depression, a victim of budget cuts. But it reckoned without a determined campaign of resistance. Natalie Valios reports Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116990/social-work-reform-board-the-contexts-and-organisations-capability.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116990/social-work-reform-board-the-contexts-and-organisations-capability.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their careers. Kirsty McGregor explores how reform could see practitioners gaining the power to shape the changes that affect them and service users Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116976/baby-p-social-worker-to-receive-damages-from-the-sun.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/10/116976/baby-p-social-worker-to-receive-damages-from-the-sun.htmlA social worker targeted by The Sun newspaper over her involvement in the Baby P case in Haringey is to be awarded damages by the newspaper, the High Court ruled this morning. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116977/baby-p-verdict-a-victory-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116977/baby-p-verdict-a-victory-for-social-workers.htmlThe High Court's decision to order The Sun newspaper to award damages to one of the social workers involved in the Baby P case has been hailed a "victory" for social workers. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116974/social-workers-fear-for-their-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116974/social-workers-fear-for-their-pensions.htmlMost social workers are concerned about the impact of spending cuts on their pensions, amid growing evidence that many local government workers are opting out. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116967/unions-fear-for-southern-cross-care-quality-after-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/09/116967/unions-fear-for-southern-cross-care-quality-after-job-cuts.htmlFears are growing that staff terms and conditions could worsen and standards of care could fall after ailing care home operator Southern Cross announced plans to shed 3,000 jobs. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116962/southern-cross-plans-to-slash-3000-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116962/southern-cross-plans-to-slash-3000-jobs.htmlTroubled care home operator Southern Cross today announced plans to slash up to 3,000 jobs as part of a staffing restructure designed to improve performance. Chief executive Jamie Buchan promised to consult staff fully over the cuts. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116964/care-home-closures-must-take-several-months.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116964/care-home-closures-must-take-several-months.htmlCare home closures should take at least six months to avoid major stress to residents and families, finds practice guidance published today. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/08/116958/cameron-unveils-nhs-bill-overhaul-to-allay-criticisms.htmlDavid Cameron has announced an overhaul of the NHS reforms designed to address criticisms that the government's original plans would fragment care, to the detriment of vulnerable groups. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116961/social-work-manager-struck-off-for-supervision-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116961/social-work-manager-struck-off-for-supervision-failings.htmlA manager who failed to properly supervise his team of social workers and allowed a backlog of unallocated cases to build up has been struck off the register in Scotland. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116955/employee-led-mutuals-must-not-be-cost-cutting-front-say-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116955/employee-led-mutuals-must-not-be-cost-cutting-front-say-mps.htmlEmployee-led mutuals could positively transform public services as long as they are not driven by economic motives, according to a group of MPs. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116954/line-manager-turnover-adds-to-social-workers-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/07/116954/line-manager-turnover-adds-to-social-workers-stress.htmlHigh turnover of line managers is plaguing social work, leading to increased stress levels and problems with supervision, Community Care can reveal from our surveyTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116952/book-review-radical-social-work-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116952/book-review-radical-social-work-today.htmlA timely critique of the face of social work since the publication of Bailey and Brake's seminal "Radical Social Work" in 1975. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116950/book-review-understanding-the-life-course-sociological-and-psychological-perspectives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116950/book-review-understanding-the-life-course-sociological-and-psychological-perspectives.htmlThis is a most welcome book, written in a clear accessible style.. It opens up some complex and challenging issues in ways that engage the reader and illuminate contemporary people-work. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/06/116947/the-employment-rights-of-personal-assistants.htmlAn impending surge in the number of personal assistants is set to highlight a range of employment issues. Louise Tickle reports Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116943/principal-social-workers-scotlands-experience.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116943/principal-social-workers-scotlands-experience.htmlThe Munro Report calls for a principal social worker role to be created at every local authority in England along the same lines as Scotland's chief social work officers. Jackie Cosh reports. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116941/community-health-partnerships-failing-says-scottish-watchdog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116941/community-health-partnerships-failing-says-scottish-watchdog.htmlA watchdog has found that many community health partnerships in Scotland are poorly managed and have failed to deliver improvements, despite spending £3bn a year.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116940/child-care-worker-embezzled-christian-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116940/child-care-worker-embezzled-christian-group.htmlA residential child care worker who embezzled several hundreds of pounds from a Christian group has been banned from practising for three months.Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/03/116935/castlebeck-abuse-case-could-be-tip-of-the-iceberg.htmlThe Castlebeck abuse case could be the "tip of the iceberg" because of poor training for people working with challenging clients, social care trainers have warned. Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116934/landlords-set-to-spurn-care-home-provider-southern-cross.htmlLandlords are set to reject Southern Cross's ultimatum of accepting a 30% rent cut, Community Care understands. Instead, rival care home operators are actively planning on taking over the running of the homes.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116932/agency-social-workers-to-earn-230-a-day-at-pay-cut-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116932/agency-social-workers-to-earn-230-a-day-at-pay-cut-council.htmlSouthampton Council is offering £230 a day to agency social workers while slashing pay for permanent staff by up to 5.5%.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/02/116926/no-dh-review-into-cqc-and-councils-over-panorama-case.htmlThere will be no government reviews of Care Quality Commission or safeguarding failings regarding the abuse of learning disabled people uncovered by Panorama this week.Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116924/call-to-overhaul-social-care-training-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116924/call-to-overhaul-social-care-training-in-scotland.htmlA shake-up of social care training is needed in Scotland to accommodate new ways of working, according to the Scottish Social Services Council.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116917/burstow-backs-national-probe-of-learning-disability-hospitals.htmlSeveral learning disability hospitals are to face unannounced inspections after abuse was uncovered at one unit by BBC's Panorama programme. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116910/councils-direct-payments-preference-driven-by-cuts.htmlCouncils are pushing service users into taking direct payments on cost grounds, say social work leaders.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/06/01/116921/personalisation-skills-shortfall-afflicts-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are still not equipped with the skills to deliver person-centred care, with knowledge about personal assistants considerably lacking.Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116914/childrens-worker-suspended-after-staring-at-girls-breasts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116914/childrens-worker-suspended-after-staring-at-girls-breasts.htmlA social worker has been suspended for 12 months for inappropriate behaviour, including staring at a 16-year-old girl's breasts and asking her if she had whips and chains hidden in her wardrobe.Tue, 31 May 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116909/banned-social-worker-can-rejoin-register-after-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116909/banned-social-worker-can-rejoin-register-after-appeal.htmlAn experienced social worker who was banned from practice in 2010 after he made sexually inappropriate comments to strangers during a night out has been allowed to rejoin the register.Tue, 31 May 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116908/colleges-stick-to-joint-working-deal-despite-basw-union-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/31/116908/colleges-stick-to-joint-working-deal-despite-basw-union-plan.htmlThe two colleges of social work have reaffirmed their intention to work together despite an apparent conflict of interest arising from BASW - the College of Social Work's decision to form a trade union. Tue, 31 May 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116892/is-social-care-ripe-for-volunteering.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116892/is-social-care-ripe-for-volunteering.htmlThe coalition government is pushing for more volunteering in social care, but will this encroach on the domain of the paid workforce? Sally Gillen reports Fri, 27 May 2011 18:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116900/shoesmith-relieved-after-judge-rules-she-was-scapegoated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/27/116900/shoesmith-relieved-after-judge-rules-she-was-scapegoated.htmlSharon Shoesmith was "summarily scapegoated" during the media frenzy following the Baby P case judges have ruled.Fri, 27 May 2011 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116897/basw-to-launch-dedicated-trade-union-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116897/basw-to-launch-dedicated-trade-union-for-social-workers.htmlMembers of BASW - the College of Social Work have voted in favour of establishing a trade union solely for social workers. Members at the association's annual meeting in Birmingham also voted to continue talks over a merger with the College of Social Work.Thu, 26 May 2011 17:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/26/116893/further-health-bill-delay-risks-confusion-for-social-workers.htmlThe government's health legislation faces being further delayed until the autumn risking confusion for social workers re-registering next year if it puts back the abolition of the General Social Care Council. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116855/the-rise-of-non-qualified-social-care-staff-under-personalisation.htmlAre concerns over use of non-social work staff to assess potential service users the complaint of a profession under threat or genuine worries? Mithran Samuel reports Wed, 25 May 2011 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116879/council-seeks-to-close-down-its-children-homes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116879/council-seeks-to-close-down-its-children-homes.htmlEXCLUSIVE: A council that recently won praise for piloting social pedagogy is set to close all its children's homes under a controversial proposal to be considered at a cabinet meeting next month, Community Care has learned. Wed, 25 May 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116878/how-to.-deliver-bad-news.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116878/how-to.-deliver-bad-news.htmlSocial workers, writes Andy O'Beirne, have to give bad news in a variety of scenarios, from telling parents their children are going to be taken into care to giving news mentally ill people may find disturbing or upsetting. Here are some tips on how to give difficult news in a safe and supportive way. Wed, 25 May 2011 15:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/25/116868/social-workers-losing-faith-in-personalisation.htmlSocial care professionals' support for personalisation has plummeted, Community Care's latest personalisation survey, commissioned by Unison has revealed. Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) said: "People still believe in personalisation, but it's increasingly difficult to make it happen." Wed, 25 May 2011 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116864/social-care-professionals-urged-to-lead-big-society.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/24/116864/social-care-professionals-urged-to-lead-big-society.htmlSocial care professionals should lead the way in building the Big Society and support communities to take responsibility for services, Skills for Care has said. The Workforce Development Strategy for adult social care in England, launched today by care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured), urges social care workers to recognise the potential of service users, carers, volunteers and user-led organisations to contribute to communities.Tue, 24 May 2011 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116865/social-work-manager-who-stole-21000-suspended-for-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116865/social-work-manager-who-stole-21000-suspended-for-a-year.htmlA social work manager who was convicted of stealing £21,000 from his employer has been banned from practising for a year.Mon, 23 May 2011 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116862/relief-and-scepticism-greet-social-work-college-deal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/23/116862/relief-and-scepticism-greet-social-work-college-deal.htmlThe end of a four-month feud between the two colleges of social work has been met with relief by the sector, but questions remain about how the organisations will resolve their differences. Mon, 23 May 2011 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116860/defining-social-works-unique-contribution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116860/defining-social-works-unique-contribution.htmlThe College of Social Work is attempting to define the profession's unique contribution to public services. As Kirsty McGregor found, the 'reserved functions' of social work are open to debate Fri, 20 May 2011 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116853/research-scie-findings-on-adult-safeguarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116853/research-scie-findings-on-adult-safeguarding.htmlPrevention, mediation and more staff traininig are the key messages from the latest Scie research on adult safeguarding Fri, 20 May 2011 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116852/assessed-first-year-options-to-be-trialled-this-summer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116852/assessed-first-year-options-to-be-trialled-this-summer.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board is likely to begin this summer trialling models for an assessed first year in employment for newly qualified social workers.Fri, 20 May 2011 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116839/historic-agreement-for-single-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlThe College of Social Work and their counterparts at BASW - the College of Social Work have agreed to work together to merge into a single, UK-wide organisation. Fran Fuller, chair of BASW, (pictured) said the agreement was in the "best interests of the profession". Fri, 20 May 2011 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116851/advanced-social-worker-role-keeps-experienced-practitioners-on-the-frontline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116851/advanced-social-worker-role-keeps-experienced-practitioners-on-the-frontline.htmlSheffield Council is piloting an innovative role for advanced social workers who take on the most difficult cases. Kirsty McGregor asked two professionals why they took up the challenge Fri, 20 May 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/20/116846/social-work-boss-rejects-expensive-health-social-care-merger.html"Expensive" structural integration of health and social care is not the solution to pressures on the system in Scotland, the Association of Directors of Social Work's incoming president has warned ministers in his inaugural speech. Fri, 20 May 2011 12:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116836/cc-live-social-workers-threaten-to-quit-over-red-tape.htmlSocial workers are considering leaving the profession because of the burden of bureaucracy.Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116829/college-launches-media-guide-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116829/college-launches-media-guide-for-social-workers.htmlSocial workers are being urged to tackle the profession's negative public image by speaking up about their role in public and media debates.Wed, 18 May 2011 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116813/poll-of-social-workers-reveals-alarm-at-caseloads-and-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116813/poll-of-social-workers-reveals-alarm-at-caseloads-and-stress.htmlA Community Care poll of 275 practitioners, conducted in partnership with The College of Social Work, suggested that teams were struggling to cope with a shrinking workforce and rising demand for services. College co-chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured) said the findings highlighted "significant hurdles in front of the profession".Wed, 18 May 2011 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/18/116824/social-worker-of-the-year-2011-launched.htmlPractitioners throughout the UK will be able to celebrate their achievements by entering the revamped Social Worker of the Year Awards, to be launched at Community Care Live today. Wed, 18 May 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/17/116827/pay-cut-social-care-workers-to-take-industrial-action.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/17/116827/pay-cut-social-care-workers-to-take-industrial-action.htmlSocial care workers at Southampton Council are starting industrial action next week in protest at pay cuts of up to 5.5%. Tue, 17 May 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116820/cqc-accused-of-management-failure-as-inspections-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/16/116820/cqc-accused-of-management-failure-as-inspections-fall.htmlMartin Green, chief executive at the English Community Care Association (left) accused the Care Quality Commission of a 'massive failure in management' as inspections slump while inspectors numbers stay the sameMon, 16 May 2011 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116811/imprisoned-social-worker-struck-off-for-sexually-abusing-girl.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/13/116811/imprisoned-social-worker-struck-off-for-sexually-abusing-girl.htmlA mental health social worker serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl has been struck off the professional register. Fri, 13 May 2011 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116805/proud-and-loud-how-the-college-is-standing-up-for-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116805/proud-and-loud-how-the-college-is-standing-up-for-social-work.htmlWe are this week launching the College of Social Work's first ever national campaign, Speak up for Social Work. Its aim is to ensure that social workers are at last able to find their individual and collective public voice. Thu, 12 May 2011 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116801/alarm-as-admin-load-cuts-social-workers-effectiveness.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116801/alarm-as-admin-load-cuts-social-workers-effectiveness.htmlGPs don't book their own appointments, so why are social workers doing tasks more suited to other staff? Natalie Valios asks what practitioners can do to cut the administrative burden Thu, 12 May 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116796/social-care-staff-vote-for-industrial-action-over-pay-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116796/social-care-staff-vote-for-industrial-action-over-pay-cut.htmlCare workers and other staff at Southampton Council have voted to take industrial action over the authority's decision to introduce pay cuts of up to 5.5%. Thu, 12 May 2011 14:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116793/rights-for-workers-facing-redundancy-set-to-be-weakened.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/12/116793/rights-for-workers-facing-redundancy-set-to-be-weakened.htmlProtected rights for workers facing redundancy or transfers between employers could be weakened in a government review of employment law in a move described by trade union Unite general secretary Len McCluskey (pictured) as "a further onslaught on working people". Thu, 12 May 2011 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116771/munro-backs-creation-of-chief-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116771/munro-backs-creation-of-chief-social-worker.htmlEach council will have a chief child protection social worker if a key recommendation from Eileen Munro’s final report is taken up by the government. She has also recommended that a national chief social worker is created. Wed, 11 May 2011 14:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116788/child-care-worker-struck-off-after-socialising-with-family.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116788/child-care-worker-struck-off-after-socialising-with-family.htmlA residential child care worker who befriended a young service user's mother on Facebook, socialised with the family and stayed the night at their house has been struck off.Wed, 11 May 2011 12:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/11/116785/government-backs-munro-plan-for-chief-social-worker-role.htmlThe government has backed "in principle" the appointment of a chief social worker to provide leadership across the whole profession.Wed, 11 May 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116784/social-workers-should-speak-directly-to-media-says-munro.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116784/social-workers-should-speak-directly-to-media-says-munro.htmlSocial workers should speak directly to journalists more often to try and improve the media coverage of child protection social work, the Munro Review has recommended.Tue, 10 May 2011 21:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116783/munro-calls-for-dcs-role-to-be-protected.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116783/munro-calls-for-dcs-role-to-be-protected.htmlThe Munro review has called on the government to protect the role of the director of children’s services and criticised moves by some councils to either split children’s services from education or to combine children and adult’s services.Tue, 10 May 2011 20:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/10/116773/college-chief-social-worker-must-cover-adults-and-children.htmlThe proposed chief social worker post for England should cover adults' as well as children's services, the College of Social Work said in its response to Eileen Munro's report on child protection.Tue, 10 May 2011 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116768/care-worker-in-wales-struck-off-for-cannabis-factory-conviction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116768/care-worker-in-wales-struck-off-for-cannabis-factory-conviction.htmlA care worker in Wales who allowed her house to be used for growing cannabis has been struck off. Melanie Cotton was convicted of permitting her premises...Mon, 09 May 2011 14:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116767/job-cuts-and-bigger-workloads-tempt-frontline-staff-to-quit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116767/job-cuts-and-bigger-workloads-tempt-frontline-staff-to-quit.htmlTwo in five social workers are thinking of leaving the profession in the face of job cuts, increased caseloads and rapidly deteriorating conditions, a survey...Mon, 09 May 2011 13:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116760/single-social-work-college-likely-to-be-agreed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/09/116760/single-social-work-college-likely-to-be-agreed.htmlThe two colleges of social work expect to reach an understanding and come together as one single organisation, it has been confirmed. Hilton Dawson (left), chief executive of BASW - the College of Social Work, has revealed he is "confident " an agreement will soon be in place. Mon, 09 May 2011 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116751/40-of-social-care-workers-could-pull-out-of-pension-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116751/40-of-social-care-workers-could-pull-out-of-pension-scheme.htmlUp to 40% of social care workers could pull out of the local government pension scheme if chancellor George Osborne goes ahead with plans to raise employee contributions, unions have warned. Thu, 05 May 2011 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116738/outsourcing-the-different-employment-models.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116738/outsourcing-the-different-employment-models.htmlMore social care professionals are working outside councils. With personalisation, spending cuts and the Big Society set to increase this trend, Kirsty McGregor and Daniel Lombard explore the different employment models Thu, 05 May 2011 10:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116730/quality-versus-cost-a-brief-history-of-outsourcing-in-adult-social-care.htmlPrivate sector care has largely replaced council services. But, with more outsourcing planned, debate rages over how much it has improved the quality of care, writes Vern Pitt Thu, 05 May 2011 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116729/winning-over-staff-is-key-to-social-enterprise-success.htmlIn North East Lincolnshire, former NHS social care services are now being run as a business. Chief ­executive Lance Gardner tells Mithran Samuel of his plans and how keeping staff onside is one of his main challenges Thu, 05 May 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116728/social-care-professionals-divided-over-privatised-adult-care.htmlAs social workers in seven areas prepare to swap council jobs for running their own businesses, Jeremy Dunning finds the sector deeply divided on the merits of social work practices Thu, 05 May 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116748/uk-ill-equipped-to-develop-co-operatives-study-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/05/116748/uk-ill-equipped-to-develop-co-operatives-study-finds.html The government's efforts to mutualise public services across the UK will not work without better funding and support, experts have warned. Thu, 05 May 2011 09:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/04/116745/councils-shun-social-work-practice-pilots.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/04/116745/councils-shun-social-work-practice-pilots.htmlGovernment attempts to roll out GP-style social work practices under the Big Society banner have come under fire after four authorities pulled out of a pilot scheme, citing a lack of funding. (pic: Rex Features) Wed, 04 May 2011 10:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114906/scotland-and-wales-look-to-register-domiciliary-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/114906/scotland-and-wales-look-to-register-domiciliary-workers.html National regulators in Scotland and Wales want to start registering domiciliary care workers as soon as possible to raise standards and ensure the safety...Tue, 03 May 2011 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116743/scottish-charity-plans-to-cut-pay-and-benefits-for-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/05/03/116743/scottish-charity-plans-to-cut-pay-and-benefits-for-staff.htmlOne of Scotland's largest social care charities is proposing to cut salaries and reduce sick and maternity pay for 2,000 staff. Quarriers said the...Tue, 03 May 2011 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116735/alarm-over-lack-of-union-membership-among-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116735/alarm-over-lack-of-union-membership-among-care-workers.htmlOnly one in four unqualified care workers is a trade union member, a survey has shown, leading to concerns over the lack of protection for staff outsourced to the private sector. The finding prompted Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) to warn of a "race to the bottom" in pay and conditionsThu, 28 Apr 2011 12:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116736/care-home-worker-suspended-for-having-drugs-at-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/28/116736/care-home-worker-suspended-for-having-drugs-at-work.htmlA care home worker in Scotland has been suspended after allegations of possessing illegal drugs at work.Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116733/delayed-end-to-gscc-may-cause-confusion-over-registration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116733/delayed-end-to-gscc-may-cause-confusion-over-registration.htmlFurther delays to the closure of the General Social Care Council could lead to confusion and problems in registration renewals for social workers, experts have warned. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116732/welsh-regulator-under-fire-over-handling-of-conduct-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/27/116732/welsh-regulator-under-fire-over-handling-of-conduct-case.htmlThe Care Council for Wales has been criticised for writing to every local authority in Wales warning them not to employ a social worker who had been temporarily suspended from the register.Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116722/social-worker-struck-off-for-stealing-from-vulnerable-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116722/social-worker-struck-off-for-stealing-from-vulnerable-families.htmlA social worker who stole nearly £9,000 worth of furniture, appliances and clothing intended for vulnerable children and families has been struck off the register in Scotland.Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/26/116721/scots-councils-slam-health-and-social-care-merger-plans.htmlLabour and Scottish National Party plans to merge health and social care would cost £300m and simply "change the badge on a social care worker's shirt", local government leaders have warned on the eve of the Scottish Parliament elections. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116720/gscc-closure-delayed-as-part-of-nhs-listening-exercise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116720/gscc-closure-delayed-as-part-of-nhs-listening-exercise.htmlThe abolition of the General Social Care Council has been put back until July 2012. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116717/adult-care-staff-cast-as-villains-due-to-cuts-says-adass-head.htmlCouncil adult services officers are wrongly being made out to be the "villains of the piece" because of the cuts they are having to implement, a leading director warned today after his authority lost a key legal case. Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/21/116715/cuts-leave-homelessness-schemes-more-reliant-on-volunteers.html Funding cuts are forcing homelessness projects to cut bed numbers and rely more on volunteers and part-time staff, research finds today. The annual...Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116714/one-year-suspension-follows-welfare-failures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116714/one-year-suspension-follows-welfare-failures.htmlA social worker who admitted a series of failures relating to the welfare of children has been suspended from the register for a year.Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116709/free-social-workers-from-bureaucracy-says-inquiry.htmlSocial workers should be freed from bureaucratic assessment procedures to spend more time with adult service users to drive personalisation, a six-month inquiry by sector experts published today has found. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116710/social-worker-jailed-for-26700-embezzlement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/20/116710/social-worker-jailed-for-26700-embezzlement.htmlA social worker who admitted embezzling £26,700 from her employer has been jailed for a year. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116708/bill-poses-threat-to-pq-training-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/19/116708/bill-poses-threat-to-pq-training-for-social-workers.htmlPost-qualifying training for social workers could be under threat due to changes to the way the profession is regulated, sector leaders, including Moira Gibb, chair of the Social Work Reform Board (pictured), have warned.Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/18/116701/whistleblower-forced-to-quit-is-offered-job-back.htmlA whistleblowing social worker forced to resign for exposing the overcharging of adults with learning disabilities has been offered his job back by the council after a report found he was bullied by managers.Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116679/how-is-hot-desking-affecting-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116679/how-is-hot-desking-affecting-social-workers.htmlHot-desking is becoming more prevalent as councils attempt to cut millions of pounds from their budgets. But how can social workers survive the experience? Kirsty McGregor reports Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116697/workers-devalued-after-councils-pay-cut-ulitmatum.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116697/workers-devalued-after-councils-pay-cut-ulitmatum.htmlExperienced social workers have accused Cumbria Council of "devaluing" their role after being told they must accept pay cuts of about £3,000 or face the sack.Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116695/more-staff-training-benefits-service-users-finds-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116695/more-staff-training-benefits-service-users-finds-study.htmlMore training for social care staff can lead to better outcomes for service users, a study has found. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116689/lack-of-social-workers-sees-use-of-unqualified-staff-rise.htmlEmployers are blaming the trend of allocating increasingly complex cases to unqualified staff on the national shortage of social workers. Debbie Jones (pictured), vice president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, said councils were struggling to balance their responsibilities to service users and staff because of a lack of resources. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116688/social-worker-suspended-for-substandard-assessment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/15/116688/social-worker-suspended-for-substandard-assessment.htmlA social worker who failed to complete a proper assessment on a home visit has been suspended from the register for one month. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116646/the-need-for-more-critically-reflective-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/14/116646/the-need-for-more-critically-reflective-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board and the interim Munro Report have spelt out the need for critically reflective social workers. How easy is it to achieve this, and is it possible to develop your own "internal supervisor"? Judy Cooper investigates Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116675/social-work-reform-improving-intervention-skills.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116675/social-work-reform-improving-intervention-skills.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers. In the latest instalment in our series, Daniel Lombard looks at how one practitioner decided to improve her intervention skills Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116673/social-work-assistants-asked-to-take-complex-cases.htmlSocial work assistants are being asked to take on more complex cases because of the cuts hitting councils, interim findings of a survey have suggested. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116670/adult-social-workers-to-be-freed-from-council-control.htmlSocial workers in six councils have been promised more freedom to work with service users independently of local authorities by piloting social work practices for adult social care. "Our plans will free-up front line social workers to do what they do best: help people maintain their independence," said care services minister Paul Burstow (pictured). Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116669/unison-launches-campaign-to-protect-adult-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116669/unison-launches-campaign-to-protect-adult-social-workers.htmlUnison has launched a nationwide campaign to stop councils from cutting adult social worker posts in the face of public spending cuts and the government's personalisation agenda. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116662/social-workers-speak-out-over-child-protection-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/13/116662/social-workers-speak-out-over-child-protection-cuts.html"We were told by a senior manager that our area has too many child protection cases and that it was above national average, so all cases had to be examined and downgraded." Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116665/supervision-lacking-on-emotional-issues-survey-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116665/supervision-lacking-on-emotional-issues-survey-finds.htmlNearly three-quarters of social workers (71%) do not feel supervision covers the emotional issues that arise in practice, a survey has shown. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/12/116659/personalisation-chief-councils-wrong-to-cull-social-workers.htmlCouncils are wrong to cull social workers in their drive to implement self-directed care, the joint head of a new sector-wide partnership to promote personalisation has warned.Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116645/tenth-of-social-care-workers-paid-less-than-minimum-wage.htmlNearly one in 10 social care staff is paid below the national minimum wage, a report by the Low Pay Commission has shown. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116654/social-work-guru-le-grand-rejects-payment-by-results.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116654/social-work-guru-le-grand-rejects-payment-by-results.htmlPolicy guru Julian Le Grand has said social work is not ready for a bonus culture of payment by outcomes, in an admission that has delighted employee bodies. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116652/job-satisfaction-more-important-than-pay-says-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/11/116652/job-satisfaction-more-important-than-pay-says-government.htmlJob satisfaction is more important to social care staff than pay, according to the Department of Health, despite a report showing nearly one in 10 workers are paid below the minimum wage. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116639/competition-spurs-social-work-innovation-says-policy-guru.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116639/competition-spurs-social-work-innovation-says-policy-guru.htmlPolicy guru Julian Le Grand is one of the prime movers behind the GP-style social work practices that trade unions see as a threat to the sector. But employees would be empowered by the system, he tells Kirsty McGregor Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116640/how-toblow-the-whistle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/08/116640/how-toblow-the-whistle.htmlFrancesca West of Public Concern at Work offers some tips on how to blow the whistle on bad practice while minimising the risk of reprisalsFri, 08 Apr 2011 10:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116638/new-regulator-backs-unisons-guidelines-on-whistleblowing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116638/new-regulator-backs-unisons-guidelines-on-whistleblowing.htmlGuidelines on whistleblowing in social care published by Unison have been endorsed by the body set to take over the regulation of social workers in England.Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116637/loughton-social-workers-in-tough-cases-must-be-debriefed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116637/loughton-social-workers-in-tough-cases-must-be-debriefed.htmlEmployers must "debrief" social workers after particularly traumatic child protection cases to avoid burnout, children's minister Tim Loughton has said.Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116627/managers-dismiss-whistleblowers-concerns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/07/116627/managers-dismiss-whistleblowers-concerns.htmlForty per cent of whistleblowers in social care say their concerns were initially dismissed by managers, research shows. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116618/how-to.-manage-your-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116618/how-to.-manage-your-manager.htmlDeveloping a strong working relationship with your line manager can improve your practice and make for an easier life all round, but it's a two-way process. Here, Jonathan Coxon, managing director of social work recruitment agency Liquid Personnel, explains how to manage your manager Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116601/college-we-must-define-the-unique-contribution-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116601/college-we-must-define-the-unique-contribution-of-social-work.htmlProfessions require clearly defined roles. There is general agreement on the kinds of tasks to be allocated to doctors and lawyers, for example, so surely it is the same for social workers. Well, not quiteWed, 06 Apr 2011 00:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116622/employers-using-personalisation-to-shed-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/06/116622/employers-using-personalisation-to-shed-social-workers.htmlEmployers are using personalisation as an excuse to replace social workers with unqualified staff, the College of Social Work has warned in its most strongly-worded critique of the sector's health to date. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116625/council-creates-15-frontline-advanced-professional-posts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116625/council-creates-15-frontline-advanced-professional-posts.htmlDevon Council is launching an advanced professional role to keep the most experienced children's social workers on the frontline. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116621/new-adcs-head-wants-a-transparent-debate-over-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/05/116621/new-adcs-head-wants-a-transparent-debate-over-cuts.htmlMatt Dunkley (pictured), the incoming president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, says his job is not to oppose government cuts but to give a professional view of their consequences.Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116617/report-slams-quality-of-agency-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116617/report-slams-quality-of-agency-childrens-social-workers.htmlEXCLUSIVE: Agency social workers cost councils in the West Midlands 25% to 50% more than permanent staff but often deliver poorer quality services to children and families, a leaked report has shown. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116610/two-thirds-of-childrens-charities-expect-staff-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116610/two-thirds-of-childrens-charities-expect-staff-cuts.htmlTwo-thirds of children's charities are awaiting funding decisions from local authorities for 2011-12, with many staff remaining on notices of redundancy in anticipation of possible service cuts. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116608/college-of-social-work-set-to-gain-legal-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/04/116608/college-of-social-work-set-to-gain-legal-powers.htmlThe College of Social Work could be given legal rights to demand an audience with sector leaders, care services minister Paul Burstow has confirmed. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116597/care-worker-struck-off-over-relationship-with-15-year-old.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116597/care-worker-struck-off-over-relationship-with-15-year-old.htmlA residential child care worker who formed an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy in her care has been struck off the register in Scotland.Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/04/01/116593/council-recruits-uks-first-social-work-dog.htmlA council has recruited the UK’s first social work dog. Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116589/social-work-in-rural-communities-and-small-towns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116589/social-work-in-rural-communities-and-small-towns.htmlSocial workers based in close-knit communities often live alongside the people they support. How should you react when your personal and professional worlds meet, asks Rosie Walker Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116586/burstow-moots-chief-social-worker-post-for-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116586/burstow-moots-chief-social-worker-post-for-england.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow (pictured) has given the strongest hint yet that the government will create a chief social worker role in England.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116569/munro-urged-to-make-child-development-key-to-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/31/116569/munro-urged-to-make-child-development-key-to-training.htmlChild development should be incorporated as a key element in social worker training to give professionals a fuller understanding of children's emotional needs and family dynamics, England's children's commissioner has recommended.Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116578/struck-off-social-worker-let-back-on-to-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116578/struck-off-social-worker-let-back-on-to-register.htmlA hospital social worker who was struck off in 2009 has been allowed to re-join the register after the General Social Care Council was forced to re-hear her case in her presence. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116575/osborne-accused-of-duping-lower-paid-council-staff-over-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/30/116575/osborne-accused-of-duping-lower-paid-council-staff-over-pay.htmlThe government has been accused of duping low paid council staff into thinking they would receive a £250 pay rise in 2011-12. Unison said chancellor George Osborne (pictured) had "ditched" a commitment made in his 2010 Budget to protect local authority workers earning less than £21,000 from the upcoming two-year public sector pay freeze. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116564/44m-boost-for-childrens-social-work-teams-in-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/29/116564/44m-boost-for-childrens-social-work-teams-in-england.htmlChildren's social work teams across England will receive £44m in 2011-12 to help reduce pressure on frontline staff, children's secretary Michael Gove has announced. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116555/social-workers-join-london-march-in-their-thousands.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116555/social-workers-join-london-march-in-their-thousands.htmlThousands of social care workers took to London's streets last Saturday to stand up for service users in the face of massive cuts to care budgets. Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116546/social-workers-stand-up-for-service-users-at-tuc-rally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/28/116546/social-workers-stand-up-for-service-users-at-tuc-rally.htmlSocial care workers took to London's streets on Saturday to stand up for service users in the face of massive cuts to care budgets.Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116544/suspended-social-worker-wins-appeal-and-rejoins-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116544/suspended-social-worker-wins-appeal-and-rejoins-register.htmlA social worker suspended in 2010 for accessing porn at work has been allowed to rejoin the register earlier than planned due to a legal loophole. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116541/social-care-work-across-the-uks-borders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/25/116541/social-care-work-across-the-uks-borders.htmlDevolution has led to increasingly diverse agendas in the social care sector. Is this presenting more obstacles to social care workers hoping to transfer their skills to a new working environment? Gordon Carson reports Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116533/social-worker-embezzled-26000-from-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116533/social-worker-embezzled-26000-from-council.htmlA social worker who admitted embezzling £26,700 from her employer could be jailed for up to five years and be removed from the register. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116528/social-workers-unconvinced-by-nhs-personalisation.htmlMental health social workers and other professionals are unconvinced that personal health budgets will deliver improvements for service users, NHS leaders and health civil servants warned today.Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116531/social-work-leaders-slam-osborne-over-pension-omissions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/24/116531/social-work-leaders-slam-osborne-over-pension-omissions.htmlChancellor George Osborne has come under fire for failing to spell out how much social care workers will have to pay into their pensions in future. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116524/budget-boosts-big-society-but-no-let-up-in-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne's Budget today boosted the Big Society, but there were no new duties on alcohol and no let up in the government's programme of cuts.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116526/fictitious-care-home-fraud-duo-are-jailed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116526/fictitious-care-home-fraud-duo-are-jailed.htmlTwo people who invented a care home and defrauded the NHS out of more than £100,000 have been jailed. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116525/budget-osborne-scraps-councils-final-salary-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116525/budget-osborne-scraps-councils-final-salary-pensions.htmlLocal authority social care workers will have to work longer and will lose their entitlement to a pension based on their final salary, chancellor George Osborne (pictured) confirmed in today's Budget statement.Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116522/gscc-payout-to-social-worker-over-registration-howler.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116522/gscc-payout-to-social-worker-over-registration-howler.htmlThe General Social Care Council has agreed to pay the legal costs of a social worker who won a battle with the regulator to remain on the register. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116523/mileage-rate-boost-for-domiciliary-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/23/116523/mileage-rate-boost-for-domiciliary-care-workers.htmlSocial care professionals who rely on their cars to do their jobs received support to cope with rising fuel prices in the Budget. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116519/new-staff-in-privatised-social-care-firms-to-face-worse-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116519/new-staff-in-privatised-social-care-firms-to-face-worse-pay.htmlStaff hired by private or voluntary organisations that win outsourced contracts from local government can be offered inferior terms to those who moved across from councils, the government has confirmed. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 20:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116509/rising-petrol-prices-put-the-squeeze-on-social-work-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/22/116509/rising-petrol-prices-put-the-squeeze-on-social-work-practitioners.htmlSoaring fuel costs have left many social care workers out of pocket as mileage rates fail to match the hikes. Andrew Mickel considers the impact on an increasingly beleaguered workforce Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116506/councils-line-up-to-transfer-care-staff-to-trading-companies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116506/councils-line-up-to-transfer-care-staff-to-trading-companies.htmlMomentum is building behind local authority moves to hive off adult care services and staff to council-owned trading companies in order to save money.Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116498/one-in-seven-mental-health-staff-subject-to-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116498/one-in-seven-mental-health-staff-subject-to-violence.htmlOne in seven mental health workers suffered physical violence from service users or members of the public last year, official figures have shown. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116505/25-of-public-sector-staff-may-abandon-their-pension-schemes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/21/116505/25-of-public-sector-staff-may-abandon-their-pension-schemes.htmlA quarter of public sector workers are considering abandoning their pension schemes in the face of rising contributions, a survey has found. Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/19/116499/social-care-outsourcing-drive-bad-for-users-and-staff.htmlThe government's drive to outsource social care and other public services risks damaging service quality, weakening accountability and harming working conditions, a report has said. Sat, 19 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116500/tribunal-judge-criticises-gscc-overseas-social-worker-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116500/tribunal-judge-criticises-gscc-overseas-social-worker-rules.htmlThe General Social Care Council has been slammed by a tribunal judge over its strict policy on preventing overseas social workers from practising without the right qualifications. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116502/social-worker-reprimanded-by-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/18/116502/social-worker-reprimanded-by-gscc.htmlAn experienced social worker who assaulted his wife and threw her mobile phone into a toilet has been reprimanded by the General Social Care Council. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116487/health-reforms-risk-medicalisation-of-social-care.htmlAmong the numerous reforms in social care and health, the prospect of GP-led commissioning consortia is giving colleagues some cause for concern. Radical proposals will see these consortia take over the health commissioning function from primary care trusts, which are to be abolished by April 2013.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/17/116477/how-to-handle-media-pressure-in-cases-of-self-neglect.htmlSelf-neglect cases frequently end up on social workers' desks because other agencies do not know what to do with them, while the public and press expect action.Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116482/private-sector-bosses-could-cause-chaos-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116482/private-sector-bosses-could-cause-chaos-in-social-care.htmlHiring private sector bosses to run social care services could cause chaos in council departments, an expert has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116481/social-worker-suspended-after-assaulting-his-wife.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116481/social-worker-suspended-after-assaulting-his-wife.htmlA social worker who assaulted his wife and failed to tell his employer has been banned from practising for two years.Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116479/social-care-duties-cuts-will-be-fought-tooth-and-nail.htmlGovernment attempts to curb council duties to support disabled people would be fought "tooth and nail", the architect of many of those duties has warned. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116480/social-care-workforce-regulation-in-the-uk-explained.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116480/social-care-workforce-regulation-in-the-uk-explained.htmlThe divergence in social care policies introduced and proposed by the four home nations is matched by a similarly inconsistent approach to workforce regulation, writes Gordon Carson Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116474/most-social-workers-fear-practice-decline-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/16/116474/most-social-workers-fear-practice-decline-as-cuts-bite.htmlFears that declining morale and a reduction in the quality of social work will result from funding cutbacks have emerged in a poll conducted by the College of Social Work. The findings prompted Moira Gibb (pictured), chair of the Social Work Reform Board, to state: "We are masters of our own psychological state and we've a responsibility, as practitioners and managers, to do our best not to add to doom and gloom." Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116469/senior-pay-should-be-transparent-and-linked-to-performance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/15/116469/senior-pay-should-be-transparent-and-linked-to-performance.htmlPay for senior social services managers should be linked to performance and be more transparent, a government-commissioned report has said. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116468/staff-shortages-fear-after-clampdown-on-migrants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116468/staff-shortages-fear-after-clampdown-on-migrants.htmlSocial care bosses face tougher rules on hiring senior care workers from outside Europe, prompting fears that existing recruitment problems will worsen. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116463/pensions-blow-for-professionals-who-move-to-private-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116463/pensions-blow-for-professionals-who-move-to-private-sector.htmlSocial workers who set up independent practices or social care staff who work for outsourced services may be barred from receiving pensions comparable to those in local government, under proposals suggested by Lord Hutton (pictured) in his report.Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116459/social-care-workers-may-have-to-wait-until-66-for-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/14/116459/social-care-workers-may-have-to-wait-until-66-for-pensions.htmlSocial care workers will have to work longer before they are entitled to full pensions if the government accepts the findings of Lord Hutton's public sector pensions review, published last Thursday. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116429/social-work-reform-promoting-rights-justice-and-economic-well-being.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/12/116429/social-work-reform-promoting-rights-justice-and-economic-well-being.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their career. Maria Ahmed explores how practitioners can promote rights, justice and economic well-being in difficult times Sat, 12 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116455/dealing-with-parental-substance-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116455/dealing-with-parental-substance-misuse.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. Here, Emilie Smeaton investigates issues relating to substance-misusing parents Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116452/social-worker-suspended-in-two-countries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116452/social-worker-suspended-in-two-countries.htmlA social worker registered in England and Wales has been suspended from practising in both countries.Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116449/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-having-class-a-drugs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116449/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-having-class-a-drugs.htmlA residential child care worker in Wales has been struck off after being convicted of possessing and attempting to possess Class A drugs.Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116448/abolition-of-social-care-duties-would-be-illegal.htmlAbolishing councils' legal duties to provide social care would breach human rights law, a lawyer has warned after communities secretary Eric Pickles floated the idea. Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116446/social-workers-prepare-to-mark-world-social-work-day.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/11/116446/social-workers-prepare-to-mark-world-social-work-day.htmlSocial workers are preparing for events around the UK to mark World Social Work Day on Tuesday (15 March). Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116442/huttons-pensions-review-under-fire-over-omissions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116442/huttons-pensions-review-under-fire-over-omissions.htmlLord Hutton's pensions review has omitted crucial details that will have a major impact on entitlements for social care workers under his proposed career average revalued earnings (CARE) scheme, according to a local government pensions expert.Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116441/mps-furious-over-pickles-social-care-duties-consultation.htmlMPs have condemned the government for consulting on the removal of statutory social care duties, branding the moves "terrifying" and "unthinkable". Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116426/social-workers-could-lose-final-salary-pensions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/10/116426/social-workers-could-lose-final-salary-pensions.html Local authority social care workers could lose their entitlement to a pension based on their final salary and would instead receive one linked to their career average pay. Lord Hutton's pension review has also recommended raising the retirement age to 65 for all local authority staff. (Pictured: Lord Hutton)Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116422/council-faces-legal-battle-over-social-care-staff-pay-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116422/council-faces-legal-battle-over-social-care-staff-pay-cuts.htmlSouthampton Council is facing a legal battle over its controversial plan to cut pay for social care workers and other staff by up to 5%. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116421/childrens-social-work-practice-pilots-to-be-expanded.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116421/childrens-social-work-practice-pilots-to-be-expanded.htmlMore GP-style social work practice pilots for children are to be rolled out in the autumn as part of the government's Big Society agenda.Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:07:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116415/social-workers-urged-to-join-protests-against-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116415/social-workers-urged-to-join-protests-against-cuts.htmlSocial workers are being urged to stand up for the principles of their profession by campaigning against the spending cuts affecting social care recipients. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116414/funding-cuts-lead-to-tidal-wave-of-job-and-service-losses.htmlCouncils throughout England are slashing services as a result of their budgets being cut. Jeremy Dunning, Kirsty McGregor and Molly Garboden examine the impact on four authoritiesWed, 09 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/09/116418/dementia-patients-receive-unlawful-hospital-care.htmlHospitals are treating patients with dementia unlawfully by failing to apply safeguards for those who lack capacity to consent, Scotland's mental health watchdog said today. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116417/first-conviction-for-impersonating-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116417/first-conviction-for-impersonating-social-worker.htmlA fostering agency employee has become the first person to be convicted of pretending to be a qualified social worker. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 08 Mar 2011 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116412/social-care-staff-in-line-for-25-pay-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116412/social-care-staff-in-line-for-25-pay-cut.htmlSocial care workers on Merseyside may have their pay slashed by up to a quarter due to funding cuts. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116402/social-workers-to-lose-out-on-pensions-under-treasury-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116402/social-workers-to-lose-out-on-pensions-under-treasury-plan.htmlCouncil-employed social care workers outsourced to the private and voluntary sectors may lose out on pension settlements under plans outlined by the Treasury. Dave Prentis (pictured), general secretary of Unison, said the moves would leave Tupe-transferred staff "at the mercy of private contractors". Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116411/professional-failed-to-report-foster-carers-sexual-misconduct.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/08/116411/professional-failed-to-report-foster-carers-sexual-misconduct.htmlA children's social worker who failed to report sexually inappropriate behaviour involving a foster carer and a service user has been warned about his conduct. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116400/drop-disability-reforms-say-100-plus-social-care-experts.htmlMore than 100 prominent social care academics and policy experts have urged the governments to drop its plans for welfare reform because they say the plans will penalise disabled people.Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116401/cwdc-looks-to-cut-11-staff-from-local-areas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/07/116401/cwdc-looks-to-cut-11-staff-from-local-areas.htmlCouncils will no longer have local support for integrated working across children's services following cuts at the Children's Workforce Development Council. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116399/cuts-are-no-excuse-to-skimp-on-social-work-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116399/cuts-are-no-excuse-to-skimp-on-social-work-support.htmlIt is inevitable that local authority social work will be affected as council budgets shrink by 28% over the next four years, write Maurice Bates and Corinne May-ChahalFri, 04 Mar 2011 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116388/research-towards-a-sustainable-future-with-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116388/research-towards-a-sustainable-future-with-social-care.htmlRobin Miller and Helen Dickinson investigate the case for protecting social and environmental resources with new approaches to delivering social care Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116383/two-year-delay-on-conduct-case-leaves-social-worker-in-limbo.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/04/116383/two-year-delay-on-conduct-case-leaves-social-worker-in-limbo.htmlA social worker claims he might lose his home because of a unresolved conduct case which has dragged on for two years.Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116384/basw-and-college-agree-principles-for-single-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116384/basw-and-college-agree-principles-for-single-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers and the College of Social Work have announced an agreement over shared principles for a single college. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116386/council-to-move-mental-health-workers-out-of-specialist-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/03/116386/council-to-move-mental-health-workers-out-of-specialist-teams.htmlMental health practitioners on the Isle of Wight are alarmed by the council's proposal to move them out of specialist teams, according to a local union representative.Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116370/glass-ceiling-keeping-black-staff-from-top-social-care-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116370/glass-ceiling-keeping-black-staff-from-top-social-care-jobs.htmlCouncil chiefs have been urged to remove a glass ceiling holding back black and Asian social care workers from promotion after it emerged just 2.5% of social services directors are from ethnic minorities. (Picture: Rex Features, model released)Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116371/social-work-students-from-ethnic-minorities-face-struggle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116371/social-work-students-from-ethnic-minorities-face-struggle.htmlBlack students are struggling to pass the social work degree because universities do not have proper systems of support for their needs, a senior academic has said.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116352/promoting-diversity-in-social-work-practice-to-combat-oppression.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116352/promoting-diversity-in-social-work-practice-to-combat-oppression.htmlIn a multicultural society, social workers are expected to recognise diversity in their practice and actively tackle oppression. Vern Pitt reports on the challenges laid down by the Social Work Reform Board Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116346/research-reducing-race-inequalities-in-care-services-provision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116346/research-reducing-race-inequalities-in-care-services-provision.htmlSukhwinder Singh assesses research into how people from ethnic minorities can receive the care services to which they are entitled Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116357/how-totackle-racism-against-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116357/how-totackle-racism-against-social-workers.htmlSocial work attracts people from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds, but what should professionals do when they encounter racism? Narmada Thiranagama, Unison's national race equality officer, offers advice on how to react to racism from service usersWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116358/social-works-anti-racist-journey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116358/social-works-anti-racist-journey.htmlSocial work has come a long way in recognising the racial diversity of the workforce and of service usersWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116348/building-links-with-multi-ethnic-communities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/02/116348/building-links-with-multi-ethnic-communities.htmlThe outcomes of social work depend on engagement with all sections of an increasingly diverse society. Daniel Lombard asks how professionals should go about doing this Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116363/councils-urged-to-cut-social-care-top-jobs-to-save-key-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/03/01/116363/councils-urged-to-cut-social-care-top-jobs-to-save-key-services.html Councils need to go much further in merging their social care functions across authority boundariesTue, 01 Mar 2011 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116350/pct-mergers-threaten-joint-working-warn-social-care-leaders.htmlJoint health and social care arrangements are at risk from government plans to merge primary care trusts, sector leaders have warned in a letter to health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured).Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116349/social-worker-on-driving-ban-struck-off-over-car-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116349/social-worker-on-driving-ban-struck-off-over-car-allowance.htmlA social worker who claimed a car allowance from her employer while disqualified from driving has been struck off by the General Social Care Council.Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116325/boosting-the-quality-of-social-care-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/25/116325/boosting-the-quality-of-social-care-leadership.htmlThe National Skills Academy for Social Care has been asked by the government to improve the sector's leadership. Kirsty McGregor dissects the qualities that will be needed by tomorrow's social care leaders Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116328/skills-bodies-set-out-to-boost-social-care-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/24/116328/skills-bodies-set-out-to-boost-social-care-leadership.htmlSkills bodies across the UK are setting out plans to develop a new generation of social care leaders at a time of pay freezes and job cuts.Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116337/social-workers-angered-by-what-cuts-are-doing-to-care.htmlMental health social workers are "angry" about job and service cuts that are undermining their ability to care and increasing workloads, a social work chief has said.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116335/3000-council-staff-poised-to-strike-against-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116335/3000-council-staff-poised-to-strike-against-cuts.htmlMore than 3,000 Nottinghamshire Council staff will strike on Thursday against proposed cuts to jobs and social care services, union officials have confirmed.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116326/basw-to-ditch-name-and-seek-unity-with-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116326/basw-to-ditch-name-and-seek-unity-with-social-work-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has revealed new plans to join with its rival to establish a single college of social work, consigning the BASW name to history.Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/23/116330/mental-health-trusts-to-make-15-job-cuts.htmlMental health trusts are planning acute jobs cuts with some planning to shed 15% from their workforces, it was revealed today. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/22/116327/northern-ireland-regulator-backs-social-care-registration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/22/116327/northern-ireland-regulator-backs-social-care-registration.htmlThe chair of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council has backed ministers' plans to roll out registration for all care workers in the country, saying it will affirm their status as professionals. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116320/lga-warns-of-local-government-pension-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/21/116320/lga-warns-of-local-government-pension-crisis.htmlCrisis could engulf the local government pension scheme if the government increases employee contribution rates, the Conservative chair of the Local Government Association has warned. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/18/116305/welsh-councils-to-lose-social-care-powers.htmlWelsh care providers have hailed plans to curb individual councils' role in social care as a "victory for common sense", after the Welsh government announced a 10-year plan for social services today. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116303/warning-of-back-door-fees-for-social-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116303/warning-of-back-door-fees-for-social-care-staff.htmlRegistration fees for social care staff in England could be introduced "through the back door" if the government goes ahead with a plan to install a voluntary regulation system, sector leaders have warned.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116300/local-authority-social-workers-hit-by-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116300/local-authority-social-workers-hit-by-pay-freeze.htmlLocal authority social workers and other care professionals will not receive a pay rise in 2011-12, Local Government Employers has announced.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116299/welsh-rule-out-national-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116299/welsh-rule-out-national-social-work-college.htmlThe Welsh government has ruled out setting up a national social work college for Wales, on the basis that it would not raise the profession's status.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116302/research-new-clinical-roles-for-care-home-staff.htmlNew clinical roles for care home staff are being touted so the future needs of frail older people can be met. Jill Manthorpe reviews the findings of a three-year study Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116298/social-worker-who-fell-asleep-at-a-conference-is-suspended.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/17/116298/social-worker-who-fell-asleep-at-a-conference-is-suspended.htmlAn agency social worker who fell asleep at a child protection conference and who behaved incorrectly towards colleagues has been suspended from the register for a year.Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116294/councils-top-earners-face-extra-scrutiny-on-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116294/councils-top-earners-face-extra-scrutiny-on-pay.htmlSocial services chiefs on more than £100,000 a year could face tougher scrutiny over salaries under government plans for councils in England. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116293/government-rules-out-registration-for-social-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116293/government-rules-out-registration-for-social-care-staff.htmlThe government has today ruled out statutory regulation of social care staff in England. Health secretary Andrew Lansley said the compulsory registration of home care workers and the wider adult social care workforce "could not be justified" in the current economic climate. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116292/75-of-councils-plan-to-make-redundancies-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116292/75-of-councils-plan-to-make-redundancies-this-year.htmlThree-quarters of councils plan to make redundancies this year, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116291/trend-to-hot-desking-ramping-up-stress-levels.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/16/116291/trend-to-hot-desking-ramping-up-stress-levels.htmlSix in 10 social workers have to hot-desk, prompting concerns about stress in the workforce. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/15/116285/birmingham-council-plans-to-cut-7000-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/15/116285/birmingham-council-plans-to-cut-7000-jobs.htmlBirmingham Council is planning to cut 7,000 jobs over the next four years - reducing its workforce by more than a third - by a combination of redundancies and outsourcing. (Birmingham Council Town Hall pictured, Rex)Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116281/haringey-council-cuts-back-social-worker-training-and-jobs.htmlHaringey Council has come under fire from the tabloid media for cutting social worker posts and its training budgets for social workers. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116280/local-government-association-backs-community-care-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/14/116280/local-government-association-backs-community-care-campaign.htmlThe Local Government Association has backed Community Care's campaign to promote better support for social workers.Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116279/student-competition-for-statutory-placements-hots-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116279/student-competition-for-statutory-placements-hots-up.htmlStatutory placements are becoming gold dust as students compete for council social work roles, writes Gordon Carson Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116267/universities-ban-basw-college-campus-roadshow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/11/116267/universities-ban-basw-college-campus-roadshow.htmlUniversities have defended their decisions to cancel campus roadshow events, including at Salford (pictured), due to be held by BASW - the College of Social Work.Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116262/social-work-managers-report-more-recruitment-difficulties.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116262/social-work-managers-report-more-recruitment-difficulties.htmlManagers are finding it increasingly difficult to fill the high number of vacancies in social work departments, a snapshot survey by a recruitment agency has found.Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116259/social-worker-banned-for-hiding-mothers-death-from-family.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116259/social-worker-banned-for-hiding-mothers-death-from-family.htmlA social worker who concealed his mother's death from relatives for a year so that he could claim her entire estate has been struck off by the General Social Care Council.Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/10/116252/social-care-management-cull-may-raise-costs-say-experts.htmlPlans to slash social care management posts at three London councils, including Westminster (pictured) by merging departments risk costing them more in the long-term, experts have warned. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116251/husband-denies-murdering-social-worker-wife.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116251/husband-denies-murdering-social-worker-wife.htmlThe husband of Surrey social worker Laura Davies Jones, who died after receiving a stab wound in December, has denied her murder.Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116250/councils-start-to-cut-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116250/councils-start-to-cut-childrens-social-workers.htmlCouncil budget cuts are having a mixed impact on children's social care across the country with some proposing to delete social worker posts, training budgets and administration support but others looking to increase investment.Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/09/116248/councils-slash-social-care-managers-to-save-35m.htmlThree Tory-led London boroughs will slash management posts across children's and adults' services by creating single departments for both, as part of moves to save £35m. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/08/116247/basw-wants-statutory-right-of-consultation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/08/116247/basw-wants-statutory-right-of-consultation.htmlMinisters and official bodies should be legally required to respond to advice offered by BASW - the College of Social Work, the organisation has said.Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116239/social-worker-stole-items-intended-for-vulnerable-families.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116239/social-worker-stole-items-intended-for-vulnerable-families.htmlA senior social worker has admitted stealing nearly £9,000 worth of furniture, appliances and clothing intended for vulnerable children and families. Picture: Rex FeaturesMon, 07 Feb 2011 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116231/ethical-dilemmas-for-social-workers-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/07/116231/ethical-dilemmas-for-social-workers-at-a-time-of-cuts.htmlWhat should social workers do when legal or financial issues conflict with their personal and professional values? Kirsty McGregor explores the challenges of holding on to ethics in pressing economic times Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116233/basw-defends-rebranding-of-scottish-branch.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116233/basw-defends-rebranding-of-scottish-branch.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has defended a decision to rebrand its Scottish branch in response to concerns.Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116156/indicators-of-disorganised-attachment-in-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116156/indicators-of-disorganised-attachment-in-children.htmlCommunity Care and Community Care Inform are examining how evidence informs important areas of practice. In the latest instalment, David Shemmings and Yvonne Shemmings look at disorganised attachmentFri, 04 Feb 2011 12:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116224/welsh-students-in-england-struggle-to-survive-after-funding-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/04/116224/welsh-students-in-england-struggle-to-survive-after-funding-cut.html kirsty.mcgregor@rbi.co.uk Social work students from Wales who study in England and other parts of the UK are struggling to make ends meet after having...Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116192/what-makes-a-professional.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116192/what-makes-a-professional.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their career. Daniel Lombard looks at the first of nine core standards: professionalism Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116215/civil-service-cuts-put-mental-health-strategy-at-risk.htmlThe government has admitted it risks undermining its plans to help one million people recover from mental health problems because of massive cuts in civil service expertise. The plans were announced today by health secretary Andrew Lansley in the government's mental health strategy. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116214/registration-of-students-tipped-to-be-voluntary-under-hpc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116214/registration-of-students-tipped-to-be-voluntary-under-hpc.htmlSocial work students in England could be registered on a voluntary basis when the Health Professions Council takes over regulation of the profession, Community Care has learned. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116208/gscc-committed-to-improving-profession-in-final-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116208/gscc-committed-to-improving-profession-in-final-year.htmlThe General Social Care Council will continue to improve the social work profession in its final year as its regulator in England, its chief executive, Penny Thompson (pictured), has vowed. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116209/how-to-sustain-emotional-resilience.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/02/02/116209/how-to-sustain-emotional-resilience.htmlEmotional resilience is one of the central themes running through the latest report from the Social Work Reform Board. The report states that continuing professional development should enable social workers to "become more confident, emotionally resilient and adaptable to the changing demands of social work". Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116196/council-u-turn-over-staff-pay-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/31/116196/council-u-turn-over-staff-pay-cut.htmlSouthampton Council has scrapped proposals for a 5% pay cut for all staff and offered to protect social care workers and other staff on lower incomes following protests from unions.Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116189/top-college-of-social-work-priority-to-speak-with-a-strong-and-unified-voice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116189/top-college-of-social-work-priority-to-speak-with-a-strong-and-unified-voice.htmlNow that we have launched our drive for the future founder members of the College of Social Work, we look forward to a new era for social workers. Our top priority is to create a college which is led by social workers and accountable to the profession whose interests it will wholeheartedly champion.Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116188/social-workers-need-protection-from-civil-negligence-claims.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116188/social-workers-need-protection-from-civil-negligence-claims.htmlThe decision not to cap legal aid for care and supervision proceedings will leave professionals vulnerable to litigation. To address this, the social worker's duty of care must be rethought, writes Peter Wake Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116180/guidance-for-social-workers-on-managing-risks-in-self-directed-support.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has produced guidance for social workers on self-directed support and personal budgets to help service users make decisions and manage the risks safely Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116182/regulator-looks-to-professionalise-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/28/116182/regulator-looks-to-professionalise-care-workers.htmlThe Health Professions Council is planning to professionalise some sections of the social care workforce in England with a national registration scheme for care staff, Community Care has learned. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116177/basw-rejects-third-party-mediation-with-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116177/basw-rejects-third-party-mediation-with-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has rejected the offer of its rival, the College of Social Work, to return to the table for mediation talks. A letter from Fran Fuller (pictured), chair of the BASW college, accused the College of failing to answer questions over the legal issues arising from the Unison deal and the company name.Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/27/116170/social-workers-need-more-training-in-talking-about-death.htmlCouncils could save money from end-of-life care packages by giving social workers more training in talking to people nearing death, a study reveals (Pic: Alamy).Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116173/college-of-social-work-defends-unison-tie-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116173/college-of-social-work-defends-unison-tie-up.htmlThe College of Social Work has defended its decision to partner with Unison, saying the offer for a possible merger with the British Association of Social Workers was still open. Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116171/cuts-take-toll-on-student-placements-at-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/26/116171/cuts-take-toll-on-student-placements-at-councils.htmlPlacements for social work students in council settings were slashed by 11% last year, a ­Community Care investigation has revealed. (Picture: Rex, model released)Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116169/sector-leaders-condemn-social-work-college-split.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/25/116169/sector-leaders-condemn-social-work-college-split.htmlEmployers' bodies and the General Social Care Council have refused to give their support to the British Association of Social Workers' plans for a college of social work amid fears the development of two colleges will split the profession.Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116166/threat-of-legal-battle-over-college-of-social-work-name.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116166/threat-of-legal-battle-over-college-of-social-work-name.htmlBattle lines have been drawn over who has the legal right to use the "College of Social Work" name as BASW's Fran Fuller (pictured) writes to the co-chairs of the College of Social Work demanding that they "cease to use this title forthwith".Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116160/nhs-market-reforms-pose-risk-to-services-warn-professionals.htmlSocial care professionals may be still trying to get their heads around the 367-page Health and Social Care Bill published last week, but their health colleagues appear to have already made up their minds about health secretary Andrew Lansley's plans. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116157/actor-cordens-sister-investigated-over-tv-social-work-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116157/actor-cordens-sister-investigated-over-tv-social-work-role.htmlThe sister of Gavin and Stacey star James Corden will no longer be referred to as a social worker in a Channel 4 documentary about teenage sex.Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116159/what-needs-to-change-in-the-supervision-of-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/24/116159/what-needs-to-change-in-the-supervision-of-social-workers.htmlIn the first of a series of features on the Social Work Reform Board's proposals to overhaul the profession in England, Kirsty McGregor looks at what the proposed supervision framework will mean for practitioners and managers Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116155/basw-confirms-launch-of-own-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116155/basw-confirms-launch-of-own-college-of-social-work.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has confirmed it will launch a rival to the College of Social Work on Monday. (Pictured: BASW chief executive Hilton Dawson).Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116151/childrens-social-workers-want-return-of-patch-based-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116151/childrens-social-workers-want-return-of-patch-based-teams.htmlMost child protection professionals want a return to "patch-based" working, according to a Com­munity Care survey on bureaucracy for the Munro review.Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116154/college-of-social-work-offers-free-membership-deal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116154/college-of-social-work-offers-free-membership-deal.htmlThe College of Social Work today launches a free membership deal, giving frontline practitioners the chance to develop the organisation's professional services ahead of its official launch in 2012.Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116148/social-workers-face-huge-legal-bills-under-appeals-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/21/116148/social-workers-face-huge-legal-bills-under-appeals-system.htmlSocial workers in England who appeal against misconduct rulings could be saddled with huge legal bills when the appeals system is reformed in 2012, legal, experts have warned. And there is growing concern that the new system, under which appeals will go to the High Court (pictured;Rex) instead of a specialist tribunal, will be too formal and lack an appreciation of the unique pressures facing social workers. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/20/116136/councils-fall-short-in-response-to-adult-abuse-allegations.htmlCouncils are failing to respond adequately to allegations of abuse of vulnerable adults, the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) warned today in its annual report. (Picture: Rex, model released) Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116135/social-care-staff-face-axe-as-three-councils-cut-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116135/social-care-staff-face-axe-as-three-councils-cut-jobs.htmlSocial care professionals are among staff at three English councils that are planning to cut 2,400 jobs between them. Picure: Rex FeaturesWed, 19 Jan 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116130/into-the-virtual-social-care-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116130/into-the-virtual-social-care-future.htmlKirsty McGregor examines the cutting edge of data recording and mobile conferencing technology coming to social care Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116102/robots-the-carers-of-the-future.htmlIn future, robots could be helping older people to stay independent, reducing care needs, finds Mithran SamuelWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116104/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-identity-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116104/how-toprotect-yourself-and-your-identity-online.htmlIT and social care experts give their tips on safe use of technologyWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/19/116105/how-technology-might-help-councils-deal-with-austerity.htmlInformation technology could help adult social care departments to combat the severe financial and demographic pressures they face. But it may be some time before savings are fully quantified and realised, finds Gordon Carson, who looks at three contrasting uses of computer power Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116124/council-placements-for-students-falling-gscc-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116124/council-placements-for-students-falling-gscc-finds.htmlThe proportion of placements for social work students being delivered in council settings in England is falling, a report by the General Social Care Council has found.Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116121/college-vision-under-fire-from-senior-sector-figures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/18/116121/college-vision-under-fire-from-senior-sector-figures.htmlThe College of Social Work should radically rethink its vision to focus on leading the sector, rather than offering its members material benefits. In a letter to Community Care, Bill McKitterick (left), immediate BASW past treasurer; Ray Jones (centre), former chair, and Terry Bamford, ex-assistant general secretary, urged the College to involve social workers' expertise more widely. Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116118/social-work-entrants-face-new-competence-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/17/116118/social-work-entrants-face-new-competence-standards.htmlNewly qualified social workers in England will have to meet national standards of competence before being allowed on to the register next year, under a new framework being developed. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 11:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116101/social-worker-suspended-over-case-of-murdered-toddler.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116101/social-worker-suspended-over-case-of-murdered-toddler.htmlA social worker who failed to pass on information about the abuse of two-year-old Sanam Navsarka (pictured, credit: Rex) a week before she was killed has been suspended for two years.Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116097/gscc-may-have-breached-social-workers-human-rights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116097/gscc-may-have-breached-social-workers-human-rights.htmlThe General Social Care Council may have breached a social worker's human rights by refusing to let him re-register, a tribunal has found.Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116095/social-workers-to-go-as-manchester-sheds-2000-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116095/social-workers-to-go-as-manchester-sheds-2000-jobs.htmlSocial workers at Manchester Council are being offered voluntary redundancy as part of the authority's plans to cut 2,000 jobs across all departments. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/13/116107/basw-poised-to-form-rival-social-work-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers is likely to announce fresh plans this month to form a rival to the College of Social Work, Community Care understands. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 10:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/12/116079/voluntary-sector-cuts-threaten-big-society-vision.htmlVoluntary social care organisations are being devastated by public spending cuts that threaten to undermine the government's Big Society agenda, research by Community Care reveals. (Picture: the Epilepsy Society's Chalfont Centre may see cuts)Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116081/what-will-the-end-of-anonymity-in-scrs-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/11/116081/what-will-the-end-of-anonymity-in-scrs-mean-for-social-workers.htmlWhat will the publication of full serious case reviews mean for Unison members, asks Gordon Carson Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116072/most-social-workers-expect-to-work-beyond-retirement-age.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116072/most-social-workers-expect-to-work-beyond-retirement-age.htmlTwo-thirds of social care professionals expect to work past the current retirement age of 65 amid growing expectations that pension contributions will increase, Community Care can reveal. Unison's Helga Pile (pictured) said the survey results showed why the union had prioritised the fight to retain current pension provision.Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116069/bringing-the-college-of-social-work-to-life.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116069/bringing-the-college-of-social-work-to-life.htmlSome Community Care readers were disappointed by a lack of frontline social workers on the interim board of the College of Social Work. Kirsty McGregor spent a morning with one board member to find out more about those shaping the College Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116074/social-work-reform-board-progress-report-divides-profession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/10/116074/social-work-reform-board-progress-report-divides-profession.html The Social Work Reform Board's eagerly awaited first progress report, published in December, sets a high bar for the profession. At the heart of the reform programme lies the Professional Capabilities Framework, setting out the national standards for social workers which outline what they should know and do at each stage of their careers. These are not the minimum standards of professional conduct expected of social workers, which are set by the regulator, but rather they represent an ideal - values social workers should aspire to. This means work will have to be done to ensure practitioners understand which standards of excellence apply to their particular work environment. Alongside the Professional Capabilities Framework is a set of standards for employers and a new framework for supervision. Proposals for this include 90 minutes of regular, uninterrupted supervision for all social workers, annual "health checks" to assess team working environments and transparent...Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/07/116067/council-plans-to-lift-child-protection-referral-burden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/07/116067/council-plans-to-lift-child-protection-referral-burden.htmlChild protection workers in Hammersmith and Fulham will no longer assess referrals but instead focus on complex cases in a proposed reorganisation of the council's children's services. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/07/116063/gscc-sets-out-new-system-for-regulating-social-work-degrees.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/07/116063/gscc-sets-out-new-system-for-regulating-social-work-degrees.htmlUniversities in England providing the social work degree face a "traffic-light" system of regulation under plans set out by the General Social Care Council. Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116055/social-worker-wins-appeal-against-gscc-over-forged-diploma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/05/116055/social-worker-wins-appeal-against-gscc-over-forged-diploma.htmlA social worker struck off by the General Social Care Council for supplying a forged diploma certificate can practise again after winning an appeal against the regulator. Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116051/new-year-honours-list-recognises-social-work-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116051/new-year-honours-list-recognises-social-work-professionals.htmlSocial care professionals, including former president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, John Dixon (pictured), feature on the New Year's Honours list for 2011.Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116046/munro-asks-frontline-workers-what-needs-to-change.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/01/04/116046/munro-asks-frontline-workers-what-needs-to-change.htmlFrontline workers are being asked to tell Professor Eileen Munro (pictured) what they would like to keep and what should be discarded in the child protection system.Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/22/116045/how-tochoose-your-next-job.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/22/116045/how-tochoose-your-next-job.htmlLooking for a new job can be a daunting process, particularly in the current market. Recruitment expert Jonathan Coxon offers tips for social workers on the key factors to consider.Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/21/116044/social-worker-struck-off-for-defrauding-service-user.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/21/116044/social-worker-struck-off-for-defrauding-service-user.htmlA social worker who defrauded a service user with mental health problems and stole from a supermarket has been struck off.Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116042/social-services-in-northern-ireland-face-major-job-losses.htmlAdult social care and children's services in Northern Ireland face significant job losses amid concern that a small growth in expenditure will be insufficient to meet rising demand.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116041/justice-ministry-oversight-insults-independent-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116041/justice-ministry-oversight-insults-independent-workers.htmlIndependent social workers say they have been insulted by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which failed to acknowledge them in the latest consultation on legal aid reforms.Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/20/116036/joy-for-care-workers-as-migrant-cap-ruled-illegal.htmlCare workers and bosses are this week celebrating a "huge victory" after the government's temporary immigration cap was ruled illegal and quashed on Friday. The High Court decision means many overseas care workers could have work permits reinstated after having had them removed. (Image from Rex) Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116037/munro-plaudit-for-hackneys-reclaim-social-work-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116037/munro-plaudit-for-hackneys-reclaim-social-work-model.htmlThe London Borough of Hackney's Reclaim Social Work model cut the cost of children's social care by 4.97%, according to an independent evaluation still to be officially published in full.Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116030/social-workers-threaten-to-quit-council-over-pay-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/17/116030/social-workers-threaten-to-quit-council-over-pay-cut.htmlAdult social workers in the London Borough of Redbridge are threatening to quit after the council announced it was cutting up to £4,000 from their annual pay packet. (Picture: Redbridge Council building, Wikipedia Commons)Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/16/116020/local-government-pension-holders-face-100bn-deficit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/16/116020/local-government-pension-holders-face-100bn-deficit.htmlThe Local Government Pension Scheme’s deficit may have more than doubled from £42bn to £100bn in the last three years, a report suggests. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116025/nhs-overhaul-to-include-more-social-care-joint-working.htmlThe government will press ahead with its overhaul of the NHS but has responded to concerns that it will disrupt joint working between health and social care by strengthening proposed partnership arrangements.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116024/practitioners-say-reform-board-report-lacks-teeth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116024/practitioners-say-reform-board-report-lacks-teeth.htmlPractitioners are questioning the lack of sanctions for employers who fail to meet the Social Work Reform Board's recommendations to improve working conditions.Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116021/unison-warns-reform-board-over-professional-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116021/unison-warns-reform-board-over-professional-development.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board's proposal to simplify and improve continuing professional development "will not stick" unless social workers are allowed protected time for training, Unison has warnedWed, 15 Dec 2010 10:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116015/reform-board-sets-out-social-works-first-national-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/15/116015/reform-board-sets-out-social-works-first-national-standards.htmlThe Social Work Reform Board has set out what is expected of social workers at every stage of their career in the profession's first ever national standards framework. (Picture: social worker practising, Rex Features, model released)Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116019/reform-board-urges-higher-social-work-degree-entry-level.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116019/reform-board-urges-higher-social-work-degree-entry-level.htmlThere should be tougher entry requirements to the social work degree to drive up the calibre of students, the Social Work Reform Board has said. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116017/reform-board-demands-minimum-90-minutes-supervision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116017/reform-board-demands-minimum-90-minutes-supervision.htmlSocial workers should receive at least 90 minutes of regular, uninterrupted supervision as part of the first national framework for social work employee standards.Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116010/social-workers-must-not-be-overworked-orders-reform-board.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/14/116010/social-workers-must-not-be-overworked-orders-reform-board.htmlEmployers are being urged to ensure social workers are not overworked and receive regular supervision in the latest proposals from the Social Work Reform BoardTue, 14 Dec 2010 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116004/council-will-struggle-to-maintain-social-care-after-funding-cut.htmlEdinburgh Council will struggle to maintain its social care provision after being one of the worst hit by the Scottish government's local authorities settlement, the lead member for social care has warned.Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/13/116001/localism-bill-would-allow-staff-to-run-councils-care-services.htmlSocial work services could be taken over by residents' groups or council employees under the Localism Bill published todayMon, 13 Dec 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115995/council-training-budgets-slashed-by-15.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115995/council-training-budgets-slashed-by-15.htmlCouncils have cut training budgets for social care workers by 15% in a year, a report has suggested. Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115989/stabbed-social-worker-had-no-warning-of-death-threat.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/10/115989/stabbed-social-worker-had-no-warning-of-death-threat.htmlMental health agencies failed to tell a social worker that mental health patient Graham Burton (pictured) had threatened to kill her shortly before he attacked her with a knife, a report has found. Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115982/new-adults-directors-told-be-leaders-not-managers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/09/115982/new-adults-directors-told-be-leaders-not-managers.htmlNew directors of adult services are being urged to be leaders, not managers, in a groundbreaking training programme launching this week. Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/08/115974/council-bid-to-outsource-social-care-to-unified-health-trusts.htmlSuffolk Council plans to integrate adults' and children's social care and health services into outsourced "trusts" as it radically reshapes services.Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115966/social-care-staff-face-pay-freeze-and-poorer-conditions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115966/social-care-staff-face-pay-freeze-and-poorer-conditions.htmlSixty per cent of social care professionals work more than 40 hours a week, a joint Community Care and Unison survey has revealed. Helga Pile, Unison's national officer for social care, said the survey findings reflected poor working conditions which were having a "devastating impact on morale".Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115967/car-allowances-cut-as-professionals-work-more-unsocial-hours.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115967/car-allowances-cut-as-professionals-work-more-unsocial-hours.htmlOne in four social care professionals have experienced cuts in car allowances over the past year, our survey has shown. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115960/dress-for-success-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/07/115960/dress-for-success-in-social-work.htmlSocial work is one of the few caring professions without a dresscode, leaving many pondering the correct attire for different situations. Kirsty McGregor reports on what to wear Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/04/115951/councils-social-workers-face-pay-cut-and-reduced-benefits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/04/115951/councils-social-workers-face-pay-cut-and-reduced-benefits.htmlSocial workers at Southampton Council are facing a 5% pay cut and reductions in car allowances, sick pay and other supplements, under plans that have triggered angry protests from unions. Sat, 04 Dec 2010 12:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115950/helping-social-workers-navigate-their-careers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115950/helping-social-workers-navigate-their-careers.htmlInterim co-chair of the College of Social Work Maurice Bates, presents an update on the development of the new bodyFri, 03 Dec 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115944/outsourced-social-workers-could-become-care-user-advocates.htmlPlans to outsource adult social workers from councils to social enterprises could enable practitioners to become user advocates, rather than gatekeepers of careFri, 03 Dec 2010 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115945/college-of-social-work-likely-to-cost-members-270-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115945/college-of-social-work-likely-to-cost-members-270-a-year.htmlMembership of the College of Social Work is likely to cost £270 a year, although Unison members will only have to pay about £50 extra a year to join, it was announced today. (Pictured: College interim co chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal)Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115907/a-survival-guide-to-dealing-with-workplace-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/03/115907/a-survival-guide-to-dealing-with-workplace-stress.htmlReferral rises, caseloads, vacancies, cuts - there is much to add to social care professionals' stress levels. Daniel Lombard presents a survival guide Picture: REX FEATURES Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115936/child-protection-officer-barred-over-indecent-images.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/02/115936/child-protection-officer-barred-over-indecent-images.htmlA former deputy headteacher who was convicted of possessing indecent images of one of his pupils has been banned from working in social care.Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115931/council-to-outsource-social-workers-and-set-tightest-threshold.htmlBirmingham Council would outsource all its adult social workers to a social enterprise and set the country's tightest eligibility threshold for care, under cost-cutting plans announced yesterday. (Pic: Rex Features)Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115930/threat-to-kill-social-worker-triggers-unison-call-for-action.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/12/01/115930/threat-to-kill-social-worker-triggers-unison-call-for-action.htmlUnison has demanded tougher penalties for people who assault council staff after a man in Wales threatened to kill a social worker and burn down his office.Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115899/ask-the-expert-does-my-relationship-break-the-rules.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/30/115899/ask-the-expert-does-my-relationship-break-the-rules.htmlClaudia Megele and Peter Nelson (above) answer a social worker's question about her concerns over her relationship. Q: I am a 23-year-old hospital social worker and work with adults detained under the Mental Health Act. After we had been going out for four months my 22-year-old boyfriend told me that he was admitted to hospital three years ago with drug-induced psychosis and hallucinations. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115916/recruitment-warning-for-councils-that-snub-health-checks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115916/recruitment-warning-for-councils-that-snub-health-checks.htmlCouncils that fail to complete a "health check" of their social work departments could fall behind in the race to recruit skilled staff, the chair of the Social Work Reform Board, Moira Gibb (pictured), has warned. Picture: Tom ParkesMon, 29 Nov 2010 17:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115913/newly-qualified-evaluation-raises-doubts-over-assessed-year.htmlLast week's evaluation of the support scheme for newly qualified children's social workers revealed the extent to which employers have struggled to provide extra supervision and support.Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115904/council-offers-social-care-workers-voluntary-redundancy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/29/115904/council-offers-social-care-workers-voluntary-redundancy.htmlAll of Derbyshire Council's social care workers have been offered voluntary redundancy or early retirement in an attempt to save £84m following government spending cuts. Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115893/nursing-home-faces-legal-action-after-cqc-finds-failings.htmlA Bristol nursing home has suspended admissions and is facing legal action after inspectors found vulnerable residents were living in faeces-stained bedrooms and having their needs ignored, and staff were poorly trained and over-stretched. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/26/115892/watchdog-to-probe-equality-impact-of-spending-review.htmlThe equality watchdog has said it will examine the impact of the government's spending review on disabled people, women and minority ethnic communities. Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115889/government-pledges-6m-to-help-gps-identify-carers.htmlGPs will get £6m worth of training over the next four years to help them identify carers earlier and tackle their health needs, the government has announced today. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115890/fears-for-social-work-role-as-councils-take-over-poverty-fund.htmlThe government is planning to hand councils responsibility for Social Fund poverty grants designed help people live independently. The move has prompted concerns about social workers' role from BASW's Ruth Cartwright (pictured) and other sector heads. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115888/social-worker-struck-off-over-cavalier-attitude.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/25/115888/social-worker-struck-off-over-cavalier-attitude.htmlA social worker from Edinburgh whose "cavalier attitude" to child protection cases led her to put service users at risk of harm over a seven-year period has been struck off the register.Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115883/support-for-new-social-workers-unlikely-to-improve.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/24/115883/support-for-new-social-workers-unlikely-to-improve.htmlStaff shortages and looming budget cuts will make it difficult to patch up the holes in support for newly qualified children's social workers, employers say.Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115877/fears-for-skills-development-of-childrens-homes-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115877/fears-for-skills-development-of-childrens-homes-staff.htmlStaff development for children's home workers could suffer when the government brings the Children's Workforce Development Council's programmes in-house.Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115867/40-of-newly-qualified-staff-slam-5m-support-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115867/40-of-newly-qualified-staff-slam-5m-support-scheme.htmlMore than 40% of participants in a pioneering £5m support scheme to reduce burnout among newly qualified social workers were unhappy with the programme, it has been revealed. Keith Brumfitt (pictured), of the Children's Workforce Development Council, described the figure as "higher than anyone would want".Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115868/conduct-scotland-ponders-unlimited-suspension-orders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/23/115868/conduct-scotland-ponders-unlimited-suspension-orders.htmlSocial workers in Scotland accused of misconduct could be suspended for an unlimited period while investigations are carried out, under proposals from the national regulator. Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115848/should-independent-gp-style-social-work-practices-be-rolled-out-nationally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115848/should-independent-gp-style-social-work-practices-be-rolled-out-nationally.htmlSocial workers Donna Fallows and Simon Cardy go head to head on whether independent practices should be rolled out nationallyFri, 19 Nov 2010 20:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115862/how-to-hire-a-personal-assistant.htmlHiring a personal assistant can be empowering for many disabled and older people with personal budgets, but it also poses a series of challenges for both parties. Daniel Lombard asks experts for advice on how to get the employer-PA relationship right Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115854/safety-versus-choice-should-hiring-a-personal-assistant-be-more-closely-regulated.htmlSafety is a prime concern for disabled people when hiring a personal assistant, but must the price be extra bureaucracy and the loss of choice, asks Vern Pitt Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115857/fears-for-future-of-skills-training-as-cwdc-killed-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115857/fears-for-future-of-skills-training-as-cwdc-killed-off.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) was last week tossed onto the bonfire of the quangos, prompting fears for the training of children's social workers.Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115856/fifth-of-staff-who-have-suffered-violence-work-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115856/fifth-of-staff-who-have-suffered-violence-work-in-social-care.htmlOne in five of all workers in Britain who have been signed off after work-related assaults is employed in social care, new figures have revealed. (Picture: Rex)Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115852/empowering-personal-assistants.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/19/115852/empowering-personal-assistants.html Alex Fox If personalisation empowers people who use services, does that mean less power for social care workers? Or can everyone become more empowered together? The risks to vulnerable people of hiring their own unqualified, unsupervised personal assistants (PAs) have been well-rehearsed. But PAs experience risks too. For instance, some are pressurised to declare themselves self-employed, thus freeing the budget holder from tax and other employer responsibilities. Unless the arrangement really has the features of self-employment, such as the PA's right to substitute someone else to do their work, the arrangement is likely to be unlawful. This has resulted in PAs losing out on employee rights, and budget holders served with vast tax bills. So whose interests should win out: the user or the provider of support? I don't buy the zero sum game view of empowerment: the future can be mutually empowering. The best model for that may not be lone workers and isolated employers, but...Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115808/agency-social-worker-caught-with-drugs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115808/agency-social-worker-caught-with-drugs.htmlAn agency social worker caught with traces of magic mushrooms and half an ecstasy tablet has been warned about his conduct.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115846/councils-plan-to-merge-adult-director-posts-with-other-roles.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115846/councils-plan-to-merge-adult-director-posts-with-other-roles.htmlPlans are afoot to merge adult social services director posts with other responsibilities in one in seven English councils, as authorities attempt to deal with spending cuts, a survey has revealed.Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/18/115823/unison-and-community-care-launch-website-to-support-social-care-professionals.htmlUNISON and Community Care have launched a new website today to support social care professionals. The Workplace Zone brings together Community Care and UNISON content to better support UNISON's 350,000 social care members; 40,000 of which are social workers. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115830/nqsws-in-scotland-fall-short-on-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115830/nqsws-in-scotland-fall-short-on-training.htmlMany newly qualified social workers in Scotland are failing to meet training requirements. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115824/axe-falls-on-childrens-workforce-development-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115824/axe-falls-on-childrens-workforce-development-council.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council is being scrapped as part of the government's bonfire of quangos, children's minister Sarah Teather (pictured) has announced.Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115825/pay-freeze-for-social-workers-in-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115825/pay-freeze-for-social-workers-in-scotland.htmlThe Scottish government is expected to announce a pay freeze of at least one year for all council workers earning more than £21,000 in tomorrow's budget. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/16/115821/ministers-urge-councils-to-outsource-more.htmlMinisters have told councils to protect the frontline from spending cuts by outsourcing more services, cutting care management costs and shifting resources out of residential care into the community. (Picture: home care provision; credit Rex) Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115819/social-work-academics-warn-ministers-over-student-fee-rises.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115819/social-work-academics-warn-ministers-over-student-fee-rises.htmlA recruitment crisis could erupt if social work students are left to foot the bill for their own training, senior academics have warned.Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115815/judge-criticises-gsccs-draconian-abuse-of-appeals-process.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115815/judge-criticises-gsccs-draconian-abuse-of-appeals-process.htmlA tribunal judge has accused the General Social Care Council of causing "unnecessary distress, inconvenience and expense" to social workers who appeal against its decisions.Mon, 15 Nov 2010 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115813/campus-closure-could-cut-half-lincs-social-work-degree-places.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/15/115813/campus-closure-could-cut-half-lincs-social-work-degree-places.htmlMore than half of the University of Lincoln's social work degree places could be cut by a cost-saving plan to close its Hull campus.Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115807/childrens-worker-banned-for-safeguarding-failures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115807/childrens-worker-banned-for-safeguarding-failures.htmlA social worker who repeatedly failed to safeguard vulnerable children has been removed from the register.Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115805/preventing-burn-out-among-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/12/115805/preventing-burn-out-among-nqsws.htmlEfforts to provide greater support for newly qualified social workers in England are gathering momentum, but many challenges remain. Kirsty McGregor reports Fri, 12 Nov 2010 12:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115801/why-councils-should-embrace-social-media-online.htmlCare consultant Shirley Ayres tells Julie Griffiths that employers are denying practitioners a powerful way of engaging clients by restricting their access to social media websites Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115795/book-review-people-management-in-a-harsh-financial-climate-developing-your-managers-on-a-tight-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115795/book-review-people-management-in-a-harsh-financial-climate-developing-your-managers-on-a-tight-budget.htmlThis is a pertinent book during a period of austerity that should assist with looking at management development in a creative learning style.Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115789/how-to.tackle-disguised-compliance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115789/how-to.tackle-disguised-compliance.htmlHow does disguised compliance present itself within families?Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115785/social-worker-jailed-for-sexually-abusing-girl.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/11/115785/social-worker-jailed-for-sexually-abusing-girl.htmlA mental health social worker has been jailed for four years for sexually abusing a girl of eight. Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115774/how-can-i-gain-a-statutory-placement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115774/how-can-i-gain-a-statutory-placement.htmlI am a second-year social work student and have had major problems in finding a placement at a local authority. A lot of people on my course are getting worried because the local council recently cut the number of placements by half. I've ended up at an older people's charity - the people there are lovely but it's not ideal, and I really want some experience of working for a local authority. Please could you advise?Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115778/social-workers-will-not-pay-above-50-for-college-membership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/10/115778/social-workers-will-not-pay-above-50-for-college-membership.htmlMost social workers would not pay more than £50 to join the College of Social Work, according to a survey of practitioners. The co-chairs (Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal, pictured) said this presented a "major business challenge" for the organisation as plans develop for its launch as a legal entity next year. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115773/how-best-to-transfer-my-care-skills-to-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115773/how-best-to-transfer-my-care-skills-to-social-work.htmlI am a third-year student at the Open University taking a health and social care degree. I have been working as a senior care worker/co-ordinator with people with learning difficulties and special needs for eight years now. Although I love my job, the possibilities of improving my career and being able to use my studies in practice are very limited. I am looking for an organisation that could sponsor me to do the 200 days of practice that are required to get the degree or ideally, a position as an assistant social worker. Do you know of any ways to validate this 200 days of training with my eight years' experience? Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115760/how-davinia-miln-became-social-worker-of-the-year-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115760/how-davinia-miln-became-social-worker-of-the-year-2010.htmlKirsty McGregor talks to Social Worker of the Year Davinia Miln about her talent for motivating and communicatingTue, 09 Nov 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115756/new-immigration-rules-will-lead-to-social-care-skills-crisis.htmlThousands of overseas care workers could be forced out of the country due to a government crackdown on immigration, the English Community Care Association has warned. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/09/115759/social-care-staff-shortages-set-to-worsen-with-immigration-cap.htmlA government crackdown on immigration is forcing overseas care workers out of the country, leaving the sector struggling with staff shortages. Mary-Louise Clews reports Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/08/115761/solent-councils-brace-themselves-for-the-impact-of-spending-cuts.htmlDespite council reassurances to protect frontline services while making cuts Jeremy Dunning finds that a major scaling back is underway in Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/05/115752/social-work-practices-could-fragment-services-warns-adass.htmlAdult social work practices could fragment support for older and disabled people, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115741/basw-leader-accuses-gove-of-ignoring-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/04/115741/basw-leader-accuses-gove-of-ignoring-social-work.htmlEducation secretary Michael Gove (pictured) was forced to restate his commitment to social work after the head of the British Association of Social Workers accused him of marginalising the profession.Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115725/social-worker-of-the-year-named.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115725/social-worker-of-the-year-named.htmlA former teacher with more than 30 years' experience in adults' and children's services has been named social worker of the year. Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115713/co-chairs-pledge-a-flying-start-for-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/03/115713/co-chairs-pledge-a-flying-start-for-national-college.htmlThe co-chairs of the nascent College of Social Work have vowed to get it up and running as soon as possible now that its interim board is in place.Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115718/unions-attack-councils-over-use-of-redundancy-notices.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/11/02/115718/unions-attack-councils-over-use-of-redundancy-notices.htmlA growing number of councils in England and Wales are taking an "aggressive" approach to reviewing pay and conditions by issuing redundancy notices rather than first trying to reach an agreement with staff. Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115708/council-chief-warns-of-compulsory-job-losses-to-combat-cuts.htmlBlackburn with Darwen Council will have to make compulsory redundancies to combat a cut of 30% to its budget over the next four years, its chief executive has warned.Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115703/staff-incentives-wave-goodbye-to-golden-hellos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/29/115703/staff-incentives-wave-goodbye-to-golden-hellos.htmlWith employers facing fierce competition to attract social workers, many are offering a string of incentives to lure the best. But some could be about to end, reports John Charlton Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115700/scottish-councils-to-pool-commissioning-and-training.htmlEight councils in Scotland have agreed to pool their social care commissioning and training resources as they prepare to save £70m over five years. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115696/agency-worker-suspended-for-fiddling-timesheets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115696/agency-worker-suspended-for-fiddling-timesheets.htmlAn agency social worker who forged timesheets and claimed pay for hours she did not work has been suspended from the social care register for three months.Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115694/care-implications-of-an-ageing-ethnic-population.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/28/115694/care-implications-of-an-ageing-ethnic-population.htmlJill Manthorpe reviews research on the ageing of the black and ethnic minority population in the UK Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115685/bid-to-bring-forward-assessed-year-in-doubt-says-expert.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115685/bid-to-bring-forward-assessed-year-in-doubt-says-expert.htmlPlans to bring forward the assessed first year of practice for social work graduates in England could be stalled by cuts to workforce development teams, an expert has warned.Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115683/social-workers-face-75-rise-in-pension-contributions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/27/115683/social-workers-face-75-rise-in-pension-contributions.htmlSocial workers may have to pay an extra £75 a month into their pensions if the government's plan to increase employee contributions goes ahead in 2012, a union has warned. Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115680/gary-glitter-e-mailer-has-conduct-warning-reduced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115680/gary-glitter-e-mailer-has-conduct-warning-reduced.htmlA social worker who circulated offensive e-mails, including one about convicted sex offender Gary Glitter has had his three-year admonishment cut to one by the General Social Care Council.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115677/what-the-spending-review-welfare-cuts-mean-for-social-care.htmlThe £7bn cuts in benefit spending announced in the comprehensive spending review, along with £11bn in welfare cuts from the Budget, will have significant implications for social care, says Gary Vaux.Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115672/social-worker-threw-fan-at-vulnerable-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/26/115672/social-worker-threw-fan-at-vulnerable-child.htmlA social worker who received a police caution after throwing a fan at a vulnerable child has been struck off the social care register. Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115663/up-to-50000-jobs-at-risk-in-social-care-union-warns.htmlUp to 50,000 social care workers’ jobs could be at risk as council budgets are slashed by 28%, a union leader has warned. (Pic: Geoffrey Robinson/Rex)Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115666/adult-nqsws-given-too-little-time-for-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115666/adult-nqsws-given-too-little-time-for-development.htmlMany newly qualified adult social workers are allowed no time for professional development and are allocated cases regardless of their experience, according to a report by Skills for Care. Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115665/spending-review-analysis-follow-the-money-and-it-isnt-there.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115665/spending-review-analysis-follow-the-money-and-it-isnt-there.html"Some in local government have concerns about the financing of social care. I can announce that grant funding for social care will be increased by an additional £1bn by the fourth year of the spending review. And a further £1bn for social care will be provided through the NHS to support joint working with councils." Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115664/basw-gives-london-super-council-the-thumbs-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/25/115664/basw-gives-london-super-council-the-thumbs-up.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Frontline social work jobs will be saved if plans...Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115661/unions-fear-privatisation-in-london-councils-services-merger.htmlUnions are concerned that a move by three London councils to merge will see social workers becoming remote from families and that more services will be privatised. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115655/mps-go-on-fact-finding-visits-to-social-work-departments.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115655/mps-go-on-fact-finding-visits-to-social-work-departments.htmlCommunity Care's campaign to raise political awareness about the value of social work continues, with three MPs taking up our invitation to spend a day with social workers. Kirsty McGregor reports from the visits Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115653/attractions-help-create-job-satisfaction.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115653/attractions-help-create-job-satisfaction.htmlThe South East has diversity, prosperity and opportunities that have resulted in low job vacancy rates. But many of the social problems mirror those of the big cities, writes Rowenna Davies Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115649/tory-councils-target-100m-saving-by-merging-all-services.htmlThree Tory councils have announced plans to merge all their service to save up to £100m a year.Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115648/assessed-first-year-of-practice-may-come-as-early-as-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/22/115648/assessed-first-year-of-practice-may-come-as-early-as-2012.htmlRequirements for all social work graduates to complete an assessed first year of practice could come into effect as early as 2012, four years earlier than previously plannedFri, 22 Oct 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115628/english-councils-to-gain-200m-for-reorganising-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115628/english-councils-to-gain-200m-for-reorganising-staff.htmlCouncils in England will receive £200m next year to restructure the local government workforce and bring down long-term labour costs. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115626/social-workers-to-pay-more-for-pensions-from-2012.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115626/social-workers-to-pay-more-for-pensions-from-2012.htmlEmployee contributions to public sector pensions will rise from April 2012, George Osborne confirmed today in the government's comprehensive spending review. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115619/osborne-finds-2bn-to-help-social-care-weather-council-cuts.htmlAdult social care will receive an extra £2bn a year by 2014-15 to help the sector withstand massive cuts to council funding announced today by Chancellor George Osborne in the spending review.Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/20/115608/social-care-faces-up-to-spending-review-cuts.htmlSocial care is facing its biggest funding cuts in decades as the government prepares to announce its comprehensive spending review at 12.30 today. (Pictured: chancellor George Osborne; credit: Rex)Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115615/fostering-social-worker-struck-off-for-lying-to-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115615/fostering-social-worker-struck-off-for-lying-to-manager.htmlA fostering assessment social worker who lied to her manager about her efforts to become a foster carer has been struck off the social care register.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115614/reading-social-work-department-to-shut-after-talks-fail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115614/reading-social-work-department-to-shut-after-talks-fail.htmlA final attempt to save Reading University's social work department from closure has failed. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115612/cool-response-to-basws-social-work-bill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115612/cool-response-to-basws-social-work-bill.htmlThe Social Work Bill proposed by the British Association of Social Workers has received a cool response from trade unions and government.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115611/social-workers-on-college-of-social-work-board-named.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115611/social-workers-on-college-of-social-work-board-named.htmlTen qualified social workers and a service user have been appointed to the interim board of the College of Social Work including Lambeth adults' director Jo Cleary and Croydon children's director Dave Hill (pictured)Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115609/nice-backs-reflective-practice-for-childrens-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/19/115609/nice-backs-reflective-practice-for-childrens-social-work.htmlAll children's social work training should include reflective practice according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115602/transfer-of-social-work-register-from-gscc-will-be-smooth.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115602/transfer-of-social-work-register-from-gscc-will-be-smooth.htmlThe man charged with overseeing the removal of the social care register from the General Social Care Council has assured social workers they should not notice significant changes during the transition process. (Pictured: Harry Cayton, credit: John Behets)Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115603/safety-reforms-wont-protect-staff-from-violence-experts-warn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115603/safety-reforms-wont-protect-staff-from-violence-experts-warn.htmlA planned shake-up of health and safety will fail to protect social care workers from violent and abusive attacks, campaigners have warned. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115607/community-care-readers-vote-to-scrap-cwdc-and-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/18/115607/community-care-readers-vote-to-scrap-cwdc-and-ofsted.htmlThe Children's Workforce Development Council and Ofsted are the quangos Community Care readers would most like to see axed, a snap poll has shown.Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/16/115585/research-is-intensive-fostering-more-effective-than-custody.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/16/115585/research-is-intensive-fostering-more-effective-than-custody.htmlMany consider intensive fostering a better alternative to custody for troubled young people. Maggie Mellon reviews research supporting this viewSat, 16 Oct 2010 00:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115594/how-to-defuse-aggressive-situations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115594/how-to-defuse-aggressive-situations.htmlA survey of more than 230 social care workers indicated that 101 had never received training in defusing aggressive situations involving service users. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115591/funding-for-welsh-graduate-social-work-students-at-english-universities.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115591/funding-for-welsh-graduate-social-work-students-at-english-universities.html I am from Wales and have a place on a two-year social work master's course at a university in England. I was told I could not receive funding through the...Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115590/agents-of-permanence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115590/agents-of-permanence.htmlSome councils are cutting the number of agency social workers but, as budgets are cut and caseloads rise, they can provide a flexible, cost-effective solution, reports Kirsty McGregor Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/15/115577/yjb-to-be-scrapped-in-quango-reform.htmlThe Youth Justice Board is to be scrapped as part of the government's "bonfire of the quangos" it was announced today, but the future of other social care public bodies remains uncertain. (Picture: Dominic's on flickr)Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/14/115559/burstow-gives-qualified-backing-to-social-work-contract.htmlCare services minister Paul Burstow has given a qualified backing to Community Care and Unison's campaign for fairer working conditions.Thu, 14 Oct 2010 09:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115558/exclusive-burstow-announces-4.4m-boost-for-carers-support.htmlIn an exclusive interview, care services minister Paul Burstow has revealed details of targeted measures to improve awareness of carers among frontline professionals and give charities such as Carers UK the means to provide training themselves. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115567/call-to-shield-social-work-degrees-from-student-fee-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115567/call-to-shield-social-work-degrees-from-student-fee-changes.htmlSocial work courses should be protected from changes to university funding in England so that they remain attractive options, experts say.Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115571/council-plans-to-outsource-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115571/council-plans-to-outsource-social-workers.htmlAdult social workers in Swindon could be transferred to a new social enterprise under plans being considered by the council and primary care trust. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115563/unions-submit-demand-for-250-pay-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/13/115563/unions-submit-demand-for-250-pay-rise.htmlTrade unions have lodged a claim for a pay rise of £250 for all local authority social care workers, including high earners, in 2011-12. Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115552/nhs-reform-threat-to-joint-social-care-and-health-working.htmlThe government’s NHS reforms risk driving health and social care apart unless action is taken to promote joint commissioning, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president Richard Jones has warned.Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115543/demand-grows-for-better-social-work-skills-on-drugs-misuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/12/115543/demand-grows-for-better-social-work-skills-on-drugs-misuse.htmlCalls are growing for compulsory training for social workers on substance misuse amid concern that families receive inadequate support to overcome drugs and alcohol. (Picture: posed by model, Rex Features)Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115542/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-misconduct-with-teenager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/11/115542/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-misconduct-with-teenager.htmlA social worker who sexually assaulted a vulnerable teenager has been struck off the social care register.Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115532/closing-the-drug-awareness-knowledge-gap-among-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115532/closing-the-drug-awareness-knowledge-gap-among-practitioners.htmlExperts have consistently warned of a knowledge gap in social work concerning substance misuse. Amy Taylor reports on efforts to help practitioners provide a more holistic approach Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115530/social-worker-re-instated-to-gscc-register-after-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115530/social-worker-re-instated-to-gscc-register-after-appeal.htmlA social worker has successfully appealed his removal from the social care register after a tribunal found there was no "adequate or proper evidence" he molested three disabled boys in his careFri, 08 Oct 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115523/basw-brands-suffolk-outsourcing-plan-as-irresponsible.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115523/basw-brands-suffolk-outsourcing-plan-as-irresponsible.htmlSocial care workers at Suffolk Council have been hit by low morale and face an uncertain future, following the authority's decision to start outsourcing nearly all of its services.Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115524/the-prospects-for-drugs-decriminalisation-in-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/08/115524/the-prospects-for-drugs-decriminalisation-in-england.htmlWith a review of the drugs strategy for England and Wales under way, there are calls for possession of some substances to be decriminalised. Josephine Hocking considers how this might affect substance misuse workers Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115516/protect-us-from-cuts-council-boss-tells-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115516/protect-us-from-cuts-council-boss-tells-minister.htmlA senior social worker has called on Tim Loughton to protect the profession from spending cuts after the minister spent a week shadowing his frontline colleagues. Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115514/higher-pension-contributions-likely-for-social-care-workforce.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115514/higher-pension-contributions-likely-for-social-care-workforce.htmlSocial care workers in the public sector should pay higher pension contributions in order to save taxpayers money in the short term, an independent commission led by Lord Hutton (left) has found. (Pic: Rex Features)Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115513/too-far-too-fast-kings-fund-urges-caution-on-health-reforms.html The King's Fund has called on ministers to reconsider the speed and scale of new health reforms warning of "significant risks" at a time of increasing financial...Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115512/research-drug-misuse-and-stigmatisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/07/115512/research-drug-misuse-and-stigmatisation.htmlSocial worker Jo Rees reviews research on the stigmatisation of substance misusers Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115501/prison-social-workers-in-scotland-raise-concerns-about-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115501/prison-social-workers-in-scotland-raise-concerns-about-role.htmlSocial workers in some Scottish prisons do not understand their role and suffer from the effects of weak leadership, according to the Social Work Inspection Agency.Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115500/social-work-degree-places-under-threat-from-funding-shake-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/06/115500/social-work-degree-places-under-threat-from-funding-shake-up.htmlSocial work degree places could be cut as a result of changes in student funding, an academic has warned. Sue White, chair of the Association of Professors of Social Work, said places could be threatened by a possible increase in tuition fees combined with £500m funding cuts for universities already in place for 2010-11.Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115494/social-worker-suspended-after-benefits-fraud.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115494/social-worker-suspended-after-benefits-fraud.html A social worker who falsely claimed £7,000 in benefits has been suspended from the social care register for a year. Janet Bannerman covered up the...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:46:19 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115493/arrogant-social-worker-removed-child-from-carer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115493/arrogant-social-worker-removed-child-from-carer.html A social worker has been branded "arrogant and impetuous" by the General Social Care Council after she removed a child from care against the advice of colleagues. Jeanette...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:30:10 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115489/cqc-ratings-will-measure-staff-service-user-relationships.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/05/115489/cqc-ratings-will-measure-staff-service-user-relationships.html Staff relationships with service users will be at the heart of a revised quality rating system for providers run by the Care Quality Commission. The...Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:15:09 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115488/reprieve-for-independent-social-workers-facing-fee-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115488/reprieve-for-independent-social-workers-facing-fee-cap.htmlIndependent social workers who were facing a fee cap have had a reprieve after the High Court last week found that the consultation was unlawful.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115483/control-of-care-cash-would-save-councils-billions-says-lga.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/04/115483/control-of-care-cash-would-save-councils-billions-says-lga.htmlCouncils could save £6bn a year if they had local control over integrated health and social care budgets, according to the Local Government Association.Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115475/council-cuts-will-damage-social-care-warn-doctors-leaders.htmlGovernment plans for closer working between health and social care could be damaged because of savage cuts to local council budgets, doctors' leaders are...Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:09:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115456/serious-case-reviews-should-look-at-good-practice-says-munro.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115456/serious-case-reviews-should-look-at-good-practice-says-munro.html Serious case reviews should also look at good practice as the current system does not support a learning culture, Professor Eileen Munro said today. The first instalment of Munro's review of England's children's services found that social workers are failing to meet the needs of children because they are too focused on complying with regulations and meeting targets. A report on serious case reviews published alongside the review said serious case reviews needed to focus more on learning and less on the review process itself. This report was written by a panel of practitioners recruited though local safeguarding children boards across England to inform Munro's work. These practitioners said the emphasis on getting the report right was constraining and detracted from learning. They also emphasised that serious case reviews should be set in the context of good practice and a broader spectrum of safeguarding, not just the severe end of the spectrum and when things go wrong....Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115462/how-do-other-professions-deal-with-caseloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/10/01/115462/how-do-other-professions-deal-with-caseloads.htmlSocial work is crying out for more effective caseload management. As the search for a standardised system continues, Mark Hunter looks at the lessons to be learned from other professions Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115451/family-justice-review-chair-we-cant-go-on-like-this.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115451/family-justice-review-chair-we-cant-go-on-like-this.htmlEXCLUSIVE: An "institutionalised lack of trust" in local authority social work and a tendency for professionals to blame each other are among the early concerns identified by the family justice review. Speaking to Community Care, review chair David Norgrove said there was an underlying theme of "deep concern" regarding court delays and the cost of delivering justice.Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115444/college-of-social-work-backs-social-work-contract.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115444/college-of-social-work-backs-social-work-contract.htmlThe joint interim chairs of the College of Social Work, Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured) have backed our Social Work Contract, launched in partnership with Unison, which calls for fairer conditions for social workersThu, 30 Sep 2010 13:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115445/how-social-workers-can-renew-their-registration-with-the-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115445/how-social-workers-can-renew-their-registration-with-the-gscc.htmlBetween January and April 2011, about half of the 86,000 social workers in England are due to renew their registration with the General Social Care CouncilThu, 30 Sep 2010 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115441/care-charity-mounts-legal-challenge-to-immigrant-cap.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/30/115441/care-charity-mounts-legal-challenge-to-immigrant-cap.html The English Community Care Association has issued a legal challenge to the government's interim cap on non-European...Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115437/ed-miliband-demands-fair-wages-for-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115437/ed-miliband-demands-fair-wages-for-care-workers.htmlEd Miliband has demanded fair wages for care workers in his inaugural speech as Labour Party leader. In a wide-ranging conference address, Miliband also said he would not oppose every cut brought in by the government and called on unions to show responsibility by avoiding unpopular strikes Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115433/join-the-fight-for-fair-working-conditions-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/28/115433/join-the-fight-for-fair-working-conditions-for-social-workers.htmlCommunity Care and trade union Unison have joined forces to demand a groundbreaking Social Work Contract to ensure fair working conditions for social workers. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115431/social-work-manager-who-lied-to-police-has-suspension-upheld.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115431/social-work-manager-who-lied-to-police-has-suspension-upheld.htmlA social work manager who tried to cover up her partner's drink-driving by lying to the police has failed in an appeal against her suspension. Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115428/gscc-warns-social-work-student-who-kicked-policewoman.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/27/115428/gscc-warns-social-work-student-who-kicked-policewoman.htmlA social work student who kicked a policewoman outside a nightclub has been handed a two-year admonishment by the General Social Care Council. Alison...Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115408/ilf-to-shut-and-cafcass-under-review-in-bonfire-of-quangos.htmlThe Independent Living Fund will shut while the future of family courts body Cafcass is in doubt as part of a government cull of quangos, it has emerged. (Image: Dominic's on Flickr)Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115418/more-councils-likely-to-follow-suffolk-in-outsourcing-services.htmlCouncils are likely to outsource more and more social care services to the private and voluntary sectors as massive spending cuts biteFri, 24 Sep 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115417/are-you-a-social-care-leader-in-waiting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115417/are-you-a-social-care-leader-in-waiting.htmlSocial care is crying out for good leaders, but what does it take to be one, asks Rowenna Davies Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115411/council-launches-childrens-social-work-academy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115411/council-launches-childrens-social-work-academy.htmlCroydon launched one of the first social work academies in the UK yesterday. The Children, Young People and Learners Academy will provide new and experienced social workers with structured training.Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115410/how-social-workers-can-prevent-excessive-caseloads-at-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/24/115410/how-social-workers-can-prevent-excessive-caseloads-at-work.htmlTaking on excessive work can lead to burnout and poor service. Kirsty McGregor looks at how social workers can keep a lid on caseloads by learning to say 'no' Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/23/115407/council-bids-to-outsource-nearly-all-services.htmlSuffolk Council is planning to outsource nearly all its services to cut costs by 30%.Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115406/care-services-minister-on-the-gscc-cuts-and-worker-morale.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115406/care-services-minister-on-the-gscc-cuts-and-worker-morale.htmlCommunity Care caught up with Paul Burstow, care services minister and Liberal Democrat MP, at the Liberal Democrats' conference in Liverpool. We asked for his views on the spending cuts affecting local government, his handling of the decision to abolish the General Social Care Council and the morale of social workers. Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115340/should-social-work-students-be-registered-with-a-national-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115340/should-social-work-students-be-registered-with-a-national-body.htmlA social work student and an academic debate the merits of student registrationWed, 22 Sep 2010 14:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115405/turning-points-adebowale-clashes-with-tuc-leader.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115405/turning-points-adebowale-clashes-with-tuc-leader.htmlTurning Point chief executive Lord Adebowale clashed with Brendan Barber over the TUC general secretary's refusal to encourage workers to run their own services as part of the Big Society programme. Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115402/community-care-launches-website-for-social-work-students.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115402/community-care-launches-website-for-social-work-students.htmlSocial care leaders have given their backing to a Community Care initiative to support the next generation of frontline social workers. Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115387/social-work-reform-board-attacks-ministers-over-gscc-axe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/22/115387/social-work-reform-board-attacks-ministers-over-gscc-axe.htmlMembers of the Social Work Reform Board have criticised ministers for failing to consult them over the controversial decision to scrap the General Social Care Council.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 09:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115396/tribunal-hears-baby-p-social-workers-unfair-dismissal-claim.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/21/115396/tribunal-hears-baby-p-social-workers-unfair-dismissal-claim.htmlThe social workers who admitted failing to safeguard Peter Connelly (Baby P) will challenge their dismissal by Haringey Council at an employment tribunal today.Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115394/union-appeals-to-tribunal-over-social-work-school-closure.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115394/union-appeals-to-tribunal-over-social-work-school-closure.htmlA lecturers' union is taking Reading University to an employment tribunal over the way it handled a controversial decision to close down its school of social work.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115388/social-workers-need-more-input-in-tackling-child-poverty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115388/social-workers-need-more-input-in-tackling-child-poverty.htmlSocial workers should be more involved in efforts to tackle child poverty in the UK, according to the co-chair of the National College of Social Work.Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115375/dfe-to-boost-spread-of-gp-style-social-work-practices.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/20/115375/dfe-to-boost-spread-of-gp-style-social-work-practices.htmlIndependent social work practices for children in care will be piloted more widely as part of the government's Big Society agenda, the Department for Education has revealed. Pictured: personal adviser Cate White from the Evolve YP social work practice in Staffordshire talks to a young person in care (credit: Ed Maynard)Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115355/call-for-council-chief-to-quit-as-redundancy-notices-issued.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115355/call-for-council-chief-to-quit-as-redundancy-notices-issued.htmlBirmingham Council's chief executive is facing calls to resign after announcing a review of conditions for 26,000 staff, which unions claim they must accept or face the sack. Picture: Rex FeaturesFri, 17 Sep 2010 16:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115354/research-the-need-for-training-and-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115354/research-the-need-for-training-and-workforce-planning.htmlProfessor Jill Manthorpe picks out key recent research findings on social care staff Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115348/the-social-work-profession-deserves-a-specialist-regulator.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115348/the-social-work-profession-deserves-a-specialist-regulator.htmlI was heartened by aspects of Penny Thompson’s interview earlier this month (news, p9, 2 September, www.communitycare.co.uk/115203) but finished with a knot in my stomach about one overriding issue. Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115344/social-worker-who-assaulted-wife-admonished-by-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/17/115344/social-worker-who-assaulted-wife-admonished-by-gscc.htmlA social worker who assaulted his wife during an argument has been admonished by the General Social Care CouncilFri, 17 Sep 2010 10:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115269/book-review-social-work-placements-a-travellers-guide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115269/book-review-social-work-placements-a-travellers-guide.htmlSocial Work Placements: A Traveller's Guide reviewed by Keith Popple.Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115303/step-up-to-social-work-graduates-discuss-their-course.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/16/115303/step-up-to-social-work-graduates-discuss-their-course.htmlKirsty McGregor meets the high flying graduates on the Step Up scheme looking for the fast route into a social work career Thu, 16 Sep 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115332/welsh-safeguarding-project-to-embed-consultant-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115332/welsh-safeguarding-project-to-embed-consultant-social-workers.htmlConsultant social workers in multi-agency teams are set to be embedded in children's services in Wales with the launch today of a safeguarding project.Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115330/unions-want-250-minimum-rise-for-2011-12.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/15/115330/unions-want-250-minimum-rise-for-2011-12.htmlUnions are planning to submit a claim for a pay rise of £250 "as an absolute minimum" for all council-employed social care workers, including high earners, in 2011-12.Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115317/how-can-caseloads-be-managed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/14/115317/how-can-caseloads-be-managed.htmlSocial workers want caseloads to be capped but what is the best way of doing this? Tue, 14 Sep 2010 10:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/13/115310/childrens-home-worker-in-scotland-struck-off-for-stalking-boy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/13/115310/childrens-home-worker-in-scotland-struck-off-for-stalking-boy.htmlA residential childcare worker who stalked a 16-year-old boy has become the first children's home worker to be struck off...Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/13/115307/social-work-unions-threaten-industrial-action.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/13/115307/social-work-unions-threaten-industrial-action.htmlTrade union leaders representing thousands of social care workers are preparing to vote on possible industrial action in protest at the government's spending cuts. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115304/government-reviews-future-of-social-care-workforce-bodies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115304/government-reviews-future-of-social-care-workforce-bodies.htmlThe government is reviewing the roles and funding of the workforce development bodies supporting the social care sector in England. The review is focusing on bodies such as Skills for Care, the Social Care Institute for Excellence, and the National Skills Academy for Social Care, which receive £18m from the Department of Health each year. (Picture: Rex Features)Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115291/alex-fox-allow-service-users-to-take-ordinary-risks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/10/115291/alex-fox-allow-service-users-to-take-ordinary-risks.htmlWill the future social care workforce be "professionalised": rigorously CRB-checked and highly qualified?Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115288/how-to.integrate-new-recruits-from-overseas.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115288/how-to.integrate-new-recruits-from-overseas.htmlMeaghan Roland explains how managers and HR directors can successfully integrate new international team members.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115286/ask-the-expert-should-i-delegate-case-to-support-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115286/ask-the-expert-should-i-delegate-case-to-support-worker.htmlRoger Kline responds to a question concerning delegating a caseThu, 09 Sep 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115272/opportunities-for-social-workers-in-the-east-of-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115272/opportunities-for-social-workers-in-the-east-of-england.htmlDespite its relative affluence, the East of England has many vacancies for social workers, writes Rowenna Davies Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115287/social-worker-who-sent-condoms-to-a-colleague-is-admonished.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115287/social-worker-who-sent-condoms-to-a-colleague-is-admonished.htmlA social worker who sent condoms and cat food to a colleague from a mail order website has been cautioned by the General Social Care Council.Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115241/social-work-overseas-and-how-to-get-it.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/09/115241/social-work-overseas-and-how-to-get-it.htmlGordon Carson looks at possible destinations for social workers thinking of packing their bags and practising overseas, and presents tips on planning for a new life abroadThu, 09 Sep 2010 09:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115261/one-in-six-social-workers-have-more-than-40-cases.htmlSixteen per cent of social workers have more than 40 cases on the go, while nearly 90% say high case-loads are affecting their ability to practise good social work, a Community Care survey has revealed. (Picture: Rex Features, posed by model)Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115260/high-caseloads-stress-takes-toll-on-social-workers-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/08/115260/high-caseloads-stress-takes-toll-on-social-workers-health.htmlHigh caseloads are taking a heavy toll on social workers' health, with many working excessive hours, Community Care's survey has found. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115264/gscc-accuses-cafcass-over-dishonest-spin-in-conduct-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115264/gscc-accuses-cafcass-over-dishonest-spin-in-conduct-case.htmlCafcass has been accused of putting "a dishonest spin on the scale of the problems it faced" in a row with an employee over working conditions. The General Social Care Council criticised Cafcass for its handling of a dispute between a social worker and managers at the family courts body's Bristol office, which centred on comments left on a private discussion forum. Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115262/scotland-better-served-by-social-workers-than-england.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/07/115262/scotland-better-served-by-social-workers-than-england.htmlCommunities in Scotland have the support of many more social workers per head of population than other parts of Britain, research by Community Care has found.Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115258/book-review-mindfulness-and-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115258/book-review-mindfulness-and-social-work.htmlAlmost anywhere you go in mental health these days, somebody will mention mindfulness, writes Peter Gilbert. Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115247/professionals-would-have-paid-300-fee-under-gscc-burstow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/06/115247/professionals-would-have-paid-300-fee-under-gscc-burstow.htmlSocial workers in England would have faced registration fees of up to £300 had ministers decided to retain the General Social Care Council. The current annual fee of £30 could have gone up ten times, care services minister Paul Burstow has stated (pictured). Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115242/why-people-try-to-avoid-meetings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/03/115242/why-people-try-to-avoid-meetings.htmlMeetings? What do you mean you 'don't like meetings'?" bellowed the obstreperous drunk. It had been a fairly genteel party until this bore had taken umbrage at a friend's throwaway comment. "What about this?" he continued. "This is a meeting," he announced whilst toing and froing his pointing finger between himself and my browbeaten friend.Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115230/council-to-cut-8m-from-social-care-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115230/council-to-cut-8m-from-social-care-budget.htmlFunding for social care services at Edinburgh Council will be cut by nearly £8m over the next three years.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115228/councils-warn-home-secretary-over-migrant-cap-impact.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/02/115228/councils-warn-home-secretary-over-migrant-cap-impact.htmlCouncil chiefs have told the Home Office that a cap on overseas social workers will weaken child protection teams, putting vulnerable children at risk. The Association of Directors of Children's Services urged ministers including Theresa May, home secretary (pictured) to rethink temporary restrictions on the number of skilled workers from non-EU countries allowed to enter the country.Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115202/do-you-need-to-be-a-qualifed-social-worker-to-be-a-good-social-work-manager.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115202/do-you-need-to-be-a-qualifed-social-worker-to-be-a-good-social-work-manager.htmlHilton Dawson and Blair McPherson debate management qualifications in social workWed, 01 Sep 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115193/a-menu-for-social-workers-on-the-go.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115193/a-menu-for-social-workers-on-the-go.htmlSocial workers with high caseloads may find little time to eat, relying on eating crisps and chocolate to sustain themselves. Poor choices, says Carolyn Humphries who shows it is easy to eat healthily Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115206/70m-extra-cost-of-hiring-agency-social-workers.htmlAgency social workers could be costing councils £70m a year more than if permanent staff were employed to perform the same roles, Community Care can reveal. (Pic credit: Alamy) Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115203/gscc-chief-aims-for-strong-legacy-after-reform-plan-dashed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/09/01/115203/gscc-chief-aims-for-strong-legacy-after-reform-plan-dashed.htmlThe General Social Care Council will strive to leave a strong legacy for the sector's workforce when the organisation is disbanded in 2012, its chief executive has said.Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115173/council-suspends-childrens-services-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/27/115173/council-suspends-childrens-services-director.htmlDerby Council has suspended its director of children’s services after only four months in the job.Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115163/cuts-could-kill-off-social-work-reform-warns-balls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/26/115163/cuts-could-kill-off-social-work-reform-warns-balls.html"Reckless" public spending cuts are putting social work reforms at risk, the shadow education secretary Ed Balls has said. Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115152/minister-confident-that-vacancy-rate-will-fall.htmlAction is being taken to address high vacancy rates and other problems in social work, children's minister Tim Loughton has insisted.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115154/england-has-highest-uk-social-work-vacancy-rates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115154/england-has-highest-uk-social-work-vacancy-rates.htmlScotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have far lower social work vacancy rates than England, Community Care's annual vacancy rates investigation has found.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115145/councils-battle-to-fill-empty-social-work-posts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115145/councils-battle-to-fill-empty-social-work-posts.htmlOver the past year social work vacancy rates have improved in many English councils, but deterioration in others has pushed up the overall rate. Daniel Lombard reports Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115153/one-in-10-social-work-posts-vacant.htmlOne in 10 social work posts are empty, Community Care has found. Our investigation shows that social worker vacancy rates have increased despite the millions of pounds that have been pumped into staff recruitment and reforming the profession. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/25/115160/budget-hits-poorest-families-hardest-says-ifs.htmlLow income families with children will be hit hardest by the coalition government’s first Budget, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed.Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115155/social-worker-who-assaulted-wife-cleared-of-misconduct.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115155/social-worker-who-assaulted-wife-cleared-of-misconduct.htmlA social worker convicted of assaulting his wife has been cleared of misconduct. Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115146/pioneering-job-based-training-for-social-workers-to-start.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/24/115146/pioneering-job-based-training-for-social-workers-to-start.htmlAn employment-based fast-track training route for children's social workers will start next month after the General Social Care Council approved it. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 24 Aug 2010 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/23/115147/tough-battle-for-social-work-degree-hopefuls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/23/115147/tough-battle-for-social-work-degree-hopefuls.htmlApplicants for social work degree courses are facing a tough battle for places in the clearing system this year, with only 8% of institutions still advertising vacancies. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115114/should-childrens-social-work-be-a-touch-free-zone.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115114/should-childrens-social-work-be-a-touch-free-zone.htmlAlthough physical contact is a human need, children's social workers are starting to take a hands-off approach in order to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and false accusations. Camilla Pemberton reports Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115113/social-worker-struck-off-after-sexual-assault.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/20/115113/social-worker-struck-off-after-sexual-assault.htmlA children's charity social worker who was convicted of sexual assault has been struck off the register in Scotland. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115103/civil-servants-form-enterprise-to-protect-learning-disabled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/19/115103/civil-servants-form-enterprise-to-protect-learning-disabled.htmlGovernment officials at risk of redundancy are setting up a social enterprise to ensure vital work to support people with learning disabilities is not lost. (Picture from Design Pics/Rex).Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115102/social-worker-struck-off-after-canoe-trip-with-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115102/social-worker-struck-off-after-canoe-trip-with-client.html A mental health social worker who took a service user canoeing in her spare time has been struck off for breaches of professional boundaries. Judith...Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/18/115099/tuc-100-unfair-cuts-in-coalitions-first-100-days.htmlThe Trades Union Congress has accused the coalition of making 100 "unfair" spending cuts in its first 100 days, hitting vulnerable groups.Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/17/115096/gary-glitter-e-mailer-allowed-to-continue-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/17/115096/gary-glitter-e-mailer-allowed-to-continue-social-work.htmlA social worker who circulated an e-mail apparently showing Gary Glitter carrying a child in a plastic bag has been allowed to continue practising in Scotland.Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115087/backing-for-troubleshooters-at-doncaster-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115087/backing-for-troubleshooters-at-doncaster-childrens-services.htmlA new management team charged with turning around Doncaster Council's troubled children's services has won the backing of an independent expert. Peter Kemp (pictured), chair of Doncaster Children's Board, welcomed the appointment of the first permanent senior management team at the council for five years.Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115091/social-worker-struck-off-after-being-caught-with-prostitute.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/16/115091/social-worker-struck-off-after-being-caught-with-prostitute.htmlA social worker caught engaging in sexual activity with a prostitute has been struck off the social care register.Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115083/cocaine-user-allowed-to-remain-on-social-care-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115083/cocaine-user-allowed-to-remain-on-social-care-register.htmlA children's social worker sacked by Manchester Council for possession of cocaine has been allowed to remain on the social care register. Niamh Duignan...Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115077/four-in-10-social-workers-have-unmanageable-caseloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115077/four-in-10-social-workers-have-unmanageable-caseloads.htmlFour in 10 social workers feel their caseload is unmanageable and two-thirds say it has increased in the past 12 months, a survey has found. Picture: Rex FeaturesThu, 12 Aug 2010 10:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115079/council-protects-childrens-social-workers-from-job-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115079/council-protects-childrens-social-workers-from-job-cuts.html Nottinghamshire Council has vowed to protect child protection social workers from job cuts over the next three years. The cuts will affect up to 3,000 other...Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115066/does-a-hard-life-equip-you-to-become-a-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/11/115066/does-a-hard-life-equip-you-to-become-a-social-worker.htmlDoes having a hard life equip you any better for a career in social work? Kirsty McGregor assesses the pros and cons of moving from service user to service provider Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115069/service-users-personal-budgets-and-amsterdam.htmlDoes the spirit of personalisation extend to councils allowing people to spend direct payments on sexual services? Vern Pitt examines a debate that has divided social workers Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115071/community-care-launches-caseloads-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/10/115071/community-care-launches-caseloads-survey.html Community Care has launched a survey of social workers' caseloads to build an accurate picture of their...Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115073/social-care-staff-to-vote-for-new-employer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115073/social-care-staff-to-vote-for-new-employer.htmlSocial care staff in North East Lincolnshire will be asked to vote to select their employer as part of a flagship ballot billed as part of David Cameron's Big Society. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115072/essex-child-services-slammed-by-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115072/essex-child-services-slammed-by-ofsted.htmlEssex Council's child safeguarding services have been rated inadequate by Ofsted. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115068/thousands-die-alone-without-support-council-report-finds.htmlThousands of people are dying alone without friends or family support, a report by the Local Government Association has found.Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115051/contactpoint-switched-off-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/06/115051/contactpoint-switched-off-today.htmlThe government has today switched off ContactPoint, the £235m information-sharing database, as children's minister Tim Loughton (pictured) labelled it a "surrogate ID card" scheme.Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115048/basw-rubbishes-unison-call-for-social-worker-pairings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115048/basw-rubbishes-unison-call-for-social-worker-pairings.htmlThe pairing up of social workers on child protection home visits may not make the job easier, the British Association of Social Workers has claimed.Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115046/social-worker-with-two-jobs-receives-caution.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115046/social-worker-with-two-jobs-receives-caution.htmlA social worker who took on a second job without informing either employer has been cautioned by the General Social Care Council. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115040/health-regulator-social-workers-have-nothing-to-fear.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/04/115040/health-regulator-social-workers-have-nothing-to-fear.htmlSocial work has nothing to fear from the Health Professions Council, the body's chief executive, Marc Seale (pictured), has insisted, as it takes over responsibility for regulating the profession.Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115037/are-social-care-functions-safe-in-a-health-body.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115037/are-social-care-functions-safe-in-a-health-body.htmlLeading social care figures ponder the pros and cons of the transfer of GSCC functions to the Health Professions CouncilTue, 03 Aug 2010 13:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115024/coping-without-paperwork.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115024/coping-without-paperwork.htmlThe government has promised to sweep away the red tape clogging the care service, but some workers feel protected by paperwork, and face a change in the balance between deskwork and face-to-face visits. Molly Garboden reports Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115031/care-quality-commission-staff-reduced-to-tears.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115031/care-quality-commission-staff-reduced-to-tears.htmlCare Quality Commission staff have been reduced to tears and have “literally pulled their hair out” as a result of the re-registration programme for adult care providers, documents leaked to Community Care have shown. Director of operations Amanda Sherlock (pictured) says the regulator is "fully aware" of the problem. Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115032/leicestershire-to-cut-social-work-jobs-and-set-up-call-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115032/leicestershire-to-cut-social-work-jobs-and-set-up-call-centre.html Leicestershire Council could slash dozens of social work jobs and move some social care staff to a call centre in a bid to save money. The council...Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115035/birmingham-childrens-workers-routinely-have-30-40-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/03/115035/birmingham-childrens-workers-routinely-have-30-40-cases.htmlIt is "not uncommon" for Birmingham children's social workers to have between 30 and 40 cases on at a time, according to the council's Unison branch.Tue, 03 Aug 2010 09:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115029/social-worker-banned-for-stealing-19k-from-disabled-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115029/social-worker-banned-for-stealing-19k-from-disabled-client.htmlA social worker who stole £19,000 from a severely disabled elderly service user has been struck off the social care register.Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/02/115028/community-care-launches-daily-email-service.htmlCommunity Care has launched a free daily email service to help readers stay up to date with the latest news in social care. Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115023/quality-in-practice-guidance-on-awaydays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115023/quality-in-practice-guidance-on-awaydays.htmlMargaret Egrot believes an "away day" can build team morale and give a clear focus for team and individual work Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115019/khyra-ishaq-social-worker-had-50-cases-on-the-go.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115019/khyra-ishaq-social-worker-had-50-cases-on-the-go.htmlThe primary social worker involved in the Khyra Ishaq case had a workload of 50 allocated cases, according to the full version of the serious case review.Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115022/career-clinic-my-registration-has-been-revoked.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115022/career-clinic-my-registration-has-been-revoked.htmlQ: I hold a postgraduate certificate in social care/work at master's level. I have 130 credits at level 3 and 40 credits at level 4 and although I did not pass the masters dissertation of my postgraduate course, (shortly after being diagnosed with Dyspraxia) I was successfully registered as a social worker in 2006 with the General Social Care Council with the post graduate certificate and have had a very successful career. I was told earlier this year that the GSCC made an error and have consequently revoked my registration. This means I now need to do extra work at university to get my postgraduate certificate to a social work diploma or master's but I have found it extremely difficult to get on a course. I am urgently trying to sort this out as my career has been put on hold. Maisie Collin-Khouani, youth participation officer, London Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115020/call-to-appoint-social-workers-to-health-professions-council.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115020/call-to-appoint-social-workers-to-health-professions-council.htmlThe Health Professions Council should immediately appoint qualified social workers to senior positions to prove its commitment to the profession, a leading sector figure said. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115017/council-offers-golden-hellos-to-childrens-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/30/115017/council-offers-golden-hellos-to-childrens-nqsws.htmlTelford and Wrekin Council is offering newly qualified social workers £3,000 to join its children's services to help staff cope with a recent hike in demand for services. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115006/misconduct-case-dropped-due-to-lack-of-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115006/misconduct-case-dropped-due-to-lack-of-evidence.htmlA misconduct case against a social worker accused of putting a child at risk has been thrown out because her supervisor refused to give evidence. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115008/scottish-social-workers-face-two-year-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115008/scottish-social-workers-face-two-year-pay-freeze.htmlSocial workers in Scotland face a two-year pay freeze and a further two years of pay restraint under recommendations by the Independent Budget Review panel. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115004/social-care-workers-face-tough-pensions-shake-up.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/29/115004/social-care-workers-face-tough-pensions-shake-up.html Council-employed social care workers should retire later, pay more towards their own pension and get less out of them according to the Audit Commission. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:14:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/115003/how-to-write-a-good-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/115003/how-to-write-a-good-report.htmlSocial workers are expected to communicate effectively and lucidly with other professionals, but many fail to do so. Anita Pati looks at the extent of the problem and Martin Cutts offers tips on writing reports Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/114999/mps-look-to-save-integrated-care-schemes-from-nhs-overhaul.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/114999/mps-look-to-save-integrated-care-schemes-from-nhs-overhaul.html MPs will probe how existing integrated health and social care schemes can be protected during the government's radical overhaul of the NHS in the coming...Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/114996/quarter-of-childrens-nqsws-swamped-with-work-survey.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/28/114996/quarter-of-childrens-nqsws-swamped-with-work-survey.htmlA quarter of newly qualified children's social workers in England feel their caseloads are too high, a survey by Ofsted has revealed.Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114991/khyra-ishaq-death-due-to-lack-of-information-sharing-says-scr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114991/khyra-ishaq-death-due-to-lack-of-information-sharing-says-scr.htmlThe death of Khyra Ishaq was "preventable" and largely due to a lack of information sharing, according to the serious case review published today.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114995/khyra-death-shows-professionals-should-work-in-pairs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114995/khyra-death-shows-professionals-should-work-in-pairs.htmlThe death of Khyra Ishaq shows that social workers on child protection cases should be paired up, according to Unison.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114983/gscc-to-be-scrapped.htmlThe General Social Care Council is to be scrapped as part of a government review of quangos. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114989/role-of-the-health-professions-council-and-changes-to-quangos.htmlThe Health Professions Council regulates 15 health workforces and was set up in 2001.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/27/114990/what-gscc-abolition-could-mean-for-social-workers.htmlThe abolition of the General Social Care Council will have far-reaching implications for social care and social workers, including the cost of registration, regulation of professionals and training.Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114988/adass-reorganises-to-meet-adult-care-policy-challenges.html The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has reorganised itself to respond to the current policy and economic challenges facing adult social...Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114987/gscc-case-backlog-cleared-but-conduct-reforms-now-in-limbo.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114987/gscc-case-backlog-cleared-but-conduct-reforms-now-in-limbo.htmlThe General Social Care Council has made progress in turning round its failing conduct function, according to a report published on the day its abolition was announced.Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114986/sector-leaders-shocked-and-surprised-by-abolition-of-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114986/sector-leaders-shocked-and-surprised-by-abolition-of-gscc.html'Surprised' and 'gobsmacked' are just two of the stunned reactions from social care sector leaders as they come to terms with the government's decision to abolish the GSCC.Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114985/union-condemns-plan-for-school-staff-to-take-social-work-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114985/union-condemns-plan-for-school-staff-to-take-social-work-role.htmlUnion officials have condemned the use of schools staff to perform roles traditionally undertaken by qualified social workers at Calderdale Council. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114979/lambeth-special-education-needs-team-to-go-in-cuts-package.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/26/114979/lambeth-special-education-needs-team-to-go-in-cuts-package.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Lambeth council has scrapped its special education needs (SEN) team as part of a bid to cut £90m from its budget over the...Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114970/social-worker-banned-for-offering-client-weekend-of-ecstasy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114970/social-worker-banned-for-offering-client-weekend-of-ecstasy.htmlAn agency social worker who offered to take a service user on "a weekend of ecstasy" to Paris has been suspended from the social care register for a year.Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114962/a-real-sense-of-community-in-the-north-west.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/23/114962/a-real-sense-of-community-in-the-north-west.htmlCo-operation between local authorities within the region and between agencies is the norm. This results in early interventions that avoid crisis management later, as well as promoting innovative practices for social workers, writes Rowenna Davies Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114949/council-cuts-holiday-car-allowances-and-redundancy-terms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114949/council-cuts-holiday-car-allowances-and-redundancy-terms.htmlNottinghamshire Council has cut annual leave for long-serving staff, including social workers, and scrapped car user allowances as part of a plan to save £120m. Redundancy payments for all staff have also been reduced.Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114950/disabled-adults-put-at-risk-in-care-centre.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/22/114950/disabled-adults-put-at-risk-in-care-centre.htmlPoor management and staff training at a care and respite centre in Plymouth put severely disabled adults at risk, according to a...Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/21/114932/hackneys-steve-goodman-on-the-councils-social-work-units.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/21/114932/hackneys-steve-goodman-on-the-councils-social-work-units.htmlSteve Goodman has been campaigning to reorganise social work based on changes he helped implement in Hackney. Molly Garboden reports Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:39:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114940/day-the-mp-dropped-into-warwickshire-social-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114940/day-the-mp-dropped-into-warwickshire-social-services.htmlCommunity Care is inviting newly elected MPs to spend a day with a frontline social work team to learn more about the vital work they do first-hand. A visit from Marcus Jones MP to Warwickshire Council came as a pleasant surprise for some practitioners. Daniel Lombard reports Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114937/care-council-for-wales-seeks-additional-misconduct-sanctions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114937/care-council-for-wales-seeks-additional-misconduct-sanctions.html Social workers in Wales found guilty of misconduct could be allowed to continue practising under certain conditions, under proposals floated by the Care...Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114935/basw-warns-of-union-domination-if-college-links-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114935/basw-warns-of-union-domination-if-college-links-with-unison.htmlThe College of Social Work would become "dominated by trade union interests" if it forms a partnership with Unison, the British Association of Social Workers has warned.Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114938/one-in-seven-drop-out-of-social-work-degree-course.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114938/one-in-seven-drop-out-of-social-work-degree-course.htmlNearly one in seven social work students in England failed to complete their course in 2008-9, according to the General Social Care Council inspection reports. (Picture credit: Alamy)Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114930/national-college-co-chairs-pledge-to-engage-social-workers.htmlEngaging social workers will be a major short-term challenge for the College of Social Work, according to its newly-appointed joint interim chairs Maurice Bates and Corinne May-Chahal (pictured)Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114931/social-work-degree-applications-soar.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/19/114931/social-work-degree-applications-soar.htmlApplications for social work and social care degrees in the UK have continued to rise steeply since February, according to universities admissions body Ucas.Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114929/health-white-paper-poses-questions-for-social-care-sector.htmlAlthough there are positives for social workers in the health White Paper, there remain many questions about power and accountability, says Richard Humphries of the King's Fund Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114924/social-worker-wins-top-council-award-for-saving-boy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114924/social-worker-wins-top-council-award-for-saving-boy.html A social worker from Hampshire Council has been voted Council Worker of the Year after preventing a young boy from committing suicide on a motorway bridge....Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114916/is-child-protection-a-job-for-volunteers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/16/114916/is-child-protection-a-job-for-volunteers.htmlVolunteers have undertaken social work for hundreds of years but should their involvement be formalised, particularly in the context of the Big Society? Natalie Valios reports Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114915/sandwell-calls-time-on-practice-pilot-for-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114915/sandwell-calls-time-on-practice-pilot-for-looked-after-children.html Sandwell Council has dropped out of the government's social work practice pilot scheme for looked after children. Bob Badham, the council's cabinet...Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.