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/2012/01/25/117943/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/2012/01/18/117933/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/2011/12/08/117865/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/2011/12/02/117851/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/2011/11/30/117836/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/2011/11/18/117775/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/2011/11/16/117763/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/2011/11/16/117762/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/2011/11/16/117761/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/2011/11/15/117764/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/2011/11/11/117748/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/2011/11/08/117735/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/2011/11/04/117714/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/2011/11/04/117716/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/2011/11/04/117713/30000-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/2011/11/04/117715/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/2011/11/03/117705/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/2011/10/27/117679/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/2011/10/27/117671/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/2011/10/21/117646/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/2011/10/14/117611/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/2011/10/13/117605/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/2011/10/12/117589/78-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/2011/10/12/117590/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/2011/10/10/117588/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/2011/10/10/117585/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/2011/10/06/117572/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/2011/10/06/117557/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/2011/10/06/117556/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/2011/10/05/117560/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/2011/09/30/117539/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/2011/09/28/117517/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/2011/09/23/117503/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/2011/09/22/117484/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/2011/09/16/117466/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/2011/09/15/117451/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/2011/09/09/117419/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/2011/09/02/117383/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/2011/09/01/117359/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/2011/08/25/117350/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/2011/08/23/117343/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/2011/08/18/117316/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/2011/08/16/117310/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/2011/08/12/117301/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/2011/08/11/117292/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/2011/08/08/117270/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/2011/08/05/116911/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/2011/08/05/116913/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/2011/08/02/117258/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/2011/07/14/117160/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/2011/07/13/117172/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/2011/07/13/117155/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/2011/07/11/117149/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/2011/06/30/117097/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/2011/06/16/117021/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/2011/06/15/117016/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/2011/06/10/116998/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/2011/06/10/116976/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/2011/06/03/116941/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/2011/05/27/116900/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/2011/05/25/116879/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/2011/05/25/116868/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/2011/05/20/116852/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/2011/05/20/116846/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/2011/05/12/116796/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/2011/05/05/116748/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/2011/04/15/116697/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/2011/04/13/116673/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/2011/04/07/116638/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/2011/04/06/116622/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/2011/03/31/116586/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/2011/03/24/116533/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/2011/03/21/116506/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/2011/03/16/116482/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/2011/03/16/116474/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/2011/03/11/116452/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/2011/03/04/116383/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/2011/03/01/116363/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/2011/02/24/116328/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/2011/02/17/116298/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/2011/02/11/116267/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/2011/02/04/116233/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/2011/02/04/116224/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/2011/02/02/116215/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/2011/01/31/116196/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/2011/01/28/116182/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/2011/01/21/116155/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/2011/01/18/116124/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/2011/01/10/116072/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/2011/01/10/116074/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/2010/12/21/116044/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/2010/12/04/115951/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/2010/12/03/115944/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/2010/12/02/115936/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/2010/11/29/115916/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/2010/11/19/115857/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/2010/11/18/115846/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/2010/11/18/115808/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/2010/11/18/115823/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/2010/11/11/115785/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/2010/11/10/115778/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/2010/11/09/115756/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/2010/11/05/115752/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/2010/10/28/115700/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/2010/10/27/115685/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/2010/10/25/115663/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/2010/10/22/115649/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/2010/10/15/115577/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/2010/10/08/115530/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/2010/10/07/115516/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/2010/10/06/115501/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/2010/09/30/115451/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/2010/09/30/115441/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/2010/09/24/115411/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/2010/09/23/115407/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/2010/09/22/115405/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/2010/09/17/115344/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/2010/09/15/115332/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/2010/09/09/115287/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/2010/09/08/115261/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/2010/09/06/115247/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/2010/09/02/115230/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/2010/09/01/115206/70m-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/2010/08/25/115153/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/2010/08/20/115113/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/2010/08/10/115071/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/2010/08/03/115031/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/2010/07/30/115019/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/2010/07/30/115020/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/2010/07/28/114999/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/2010/07/22/114949/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/2010/07/19/114937/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/2010/07/16/114924/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/2010/07/15/114915/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.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114913/basw-could-merge-with-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114913/basw-could-merge-with-college-of-social-work.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has put forward a proposal which could result in its merger with the College of Social Work. BASW chief executive Hilton Dawson (pictured) said an agreement could result in the "total incorporation" of the association into the college.Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114905/college-of-social-work-selects-first-chairs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/15/114905/college-of-social-work-selects-first-chairs.htmlA former director of social services and an experienced social work academic have been appointed as joint interim chairs of the profession's first ever College of Social Work.Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/14/114903/social-worker-struck-off-over-misuse-of-petty-cash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/14/114903/social-worker-struck-off-over-misuse-of-petty-cash.html A social worker who pocketed petty cash set aside for four vulnerable children in his care has been struck off. Arthur Jardine, formerly employed by...Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:23:55 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114896/councils-to-be-granted-powers-over-public-health.htmlLocal authorities will be given statutory responsibility for bringing health and social care together under radical NHS reforms announced by health secretary Andrew Lansley today. (Picture credit Rex)Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114891/adult-social-care-workforce-set-to-double-in-15-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114891/adult-social-care-workforce-set-to-double-in-15-years.htmlThe adult social care workforce in England could almost double over the next 15 years...Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114892/pay-concerns-dent-job-satisfaction-of-childrens-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114892/pay-concerns-dent-job-satisfaction-of-childrens-nqsws.htmlHigh levels of job satisfaction and concerns about pay have been reported by newly qualified social workers enrolled in the Children's Workforce Development Council's support programme.Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114889/independent-social-workers-refute-attack-on-their-court-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114889/independent-social-workers-refute-attack-on-their-court-role.html Independent social workers have been left dismayed by calls from directors of children's services to end their role in care application proceedings. Marion Davis, president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, made the call at the association's annual conference in Manchester last week. She said ISWs were "an expensive part of the landscape" and that their second opinions had a "detrimental effect" on local authority social worker morale. Davis claimed she could not think of a single, negative impact on court proceedings if independent social workers were removed from the process. Stephen Cameron, ISW and trainer based in Bristol, said he was "dismayed" at Davis's stance and that as far as he was concerned ISWs played a crucial role in court proceedings. "In my experience ISWs usually speed up court proceedings because we're called in to cut through any difficulties the court has run into," he said. "Unlike some other expert witnesses, we're always given...Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114888/low-morale-at-cqc-driven-by-overwork-and-safety-concerns.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114888/low-morale-at-cqc-driven-by-overwork-and-safety-concerns.htmlLow staff morale at the Care Quality Commission is being driven by overwork and the fact that inspectors fear their ability to keep service users safe is being compromised.Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114886/do-social-workers-need-some-medical-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/12/114886/do-social-workers-need-some-medical-training.htmlShould social workers' training include basic medicine to help them identify clients' needs and find appropriate help? Journalist and mental health service user Richard Shrubb says that it should Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114881/unison-calls-lancashire-ballot-on-pay-and-car-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114881/unison-calls-lancashire-ballot-on-pay-and-car-allowance.htmlStaff at Lancashire Council may take industrial action next month over proposed changes to their terms and conditions.Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:35:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114875/independent-social-worker-role-should-end-says-adcs-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114875/independent-social-worker-role-should-end-says-adcs-chief.htmlIndependent social workers' role in court should cease, according to Marion Davis, president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services.Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114874/care-worker-denies-sexually-assaulting-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/09/114874/care-worker-denies-sexually-assaulting-child.htmlA care worker has appeared in court accused of sexually assaulting a child and making and distributing child pornography.Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114864/single-chief-executive-for-blackburns-council-and-nhs-trust.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114864/single-chief-executive-for-blackburns-council-and-nhs-trust.htmlBlackburn with Darwen Council has unveiled plans with the local NHS trust to appoint a single chief executive to oversee both organisations. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114861/local-government-pensions-too-generous-and-unaffordable.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114861/local-government-pensions-too-generous-and-unaffordable.htmlLocal government staff, including social workers, should pay more towards their pensions and get less out of them, according to a report by economists. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114853/gscc-demands-higher-standards-for-social-work-courses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/07/114853/gscc-demands-higher-standards-for-social-work-courses.htmlThe General Social Care Council publishes reports on institutions offering the social work degree and reveals that two are at risk of not meeting requirements – Thames Valley University (pictured, Rex Features) and Brunel University Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114856/social-worker-wins-appeal-against-gscc-ruling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114856/social-worker-wins-appeal-against-gscc-ruling.htmlA social worker has successfully appealed against a General Social Care Council ruling that she must disclose details of her own children's involvement with social services to potential employers.Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114855/shoesmith-publishing-scrs-will-increase-blame-game.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/06/114855/shoesmith-publishing-scrs-will-increase-blame-game.htmlSharon Shoesmith, former director of children's services at Haringey Council, has said full publication of serious case reviews may make agencies run for cover "even faster" when things go wrong.Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114847/social-worker-with-two-jobs-cleared-of-misconduct.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114847/social-worker-with-two-jobs-cleared-of-misconduct.htmlA social worker who had two full-time jobs without telling either employer has been cleared of misconduct by the General Social Care Council.Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114846/derby-social-workers-end-dispute-over-car-allowance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114846/derby-social-workers-end-dispute-over-car-allowance.htmlSocial workers at Derby Council have called off industrial action and accepted a one-off payment and car pooling scheme instead of a monthly car allowance. Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114845/bonuses-for-social-workers-as-childrens-referrals-double.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114845/bonuses-for-social-workers-as-childrens-referrals-double.htmlBromley Council is offering social workers bonuses to improve recruitment and retention as referrals rise and budgets fall.Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:19:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/05/114844/social-services-in-wales-fear-job-losses.html Directors of social services in Wales are refusing to rule out job losses as they attempt to tackle the funding crisis hitting their departments. Back-office...Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:54:05 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114836/social-workers-in-wales-lack-confidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114836/social-workers-in-wales-lack-confidence.html Social workers in Wales lack self-confidence and are over-burdened by bureaucracy, a top civil servant admitted today. The profession requires...Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114828/social-work-vacancies-in-scotland-fall.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/07/02/114828/social-work-vacancies-in-scotland-fall.htmlSocial worker vacancy rates in Scotland have fallen to 5.8%, Scottish government statistics show.Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114802/government-scraps-social-care-recruitment-subsidies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114802/government-scraps-social-care-recruitment-subsidies.htmlThe government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114798/councils-must-transform-not-slash-services-to-meet-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114798/councils-must-transform-not-slash-services-to-meet-cuts.html Councils must transform social services through preventive measures rather than simply slash budgets if they are to shield vulnerable children, families...Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114808/nottinghamshire-council-spent-1.5m-on-agency-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/25/114808/nottinghamshire-council-spent-1.5m-on-agency-social-workers.html Nottinghamshire Council has spent £1.5m on agency social work teams because it does not have enough permanent staff to handle a 43% jump in child protection...Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/24/114785/mps-to-probe-long-term-care-funding.htmlThe House of Commons' health select committee is to examine the funding of long-term care to help shape the government's plan to overhaul the system.Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114778/social-work-lecturer-on-child-porn-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/23/114778/social-work-lecturer-on-child-porn-charges.htmlA social work lecturer has resigned after being accused of child pornography offences.Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114775/unison-osborne-declaring-war-with-pay-freeze.htmlA two-year public sector pay freeze from 2011 proposed by chancellor George Osborne in today's emergency Budget speech is a "declaration of war", according to trade union Unison.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/22/114774/lowest-paid-public-sector-works-spared-pay-cut-in-budget.htmlThe lowest earning public sector workers will be spared a pay freeze, under plans announced by chancellor George Osborne in today's Budget.Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114765/social-workers-want-college-to-have-union-style-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114765/social-workers-want-college-to-have-union-style-role.html More than half of social workers would like the national college to support them in disputes with employers, early findings of a major consultation have...Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:08:24 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114751/mencap-learning-disabled-still-discriminated-against-by-nhs.htmlPeople with learning disabilities are still facing discriminatory healthcare while medical professionals lack training in meeting their needs, despite a string of inquiries into the issue in recent years.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114759/most-social-workers-in-wales-enjoy-their-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114759/most-social-workers-in-wales-enjoy-their-jobs.htmlEight in 10 social care workers in Wales are satisfied with their jobs, a survey by the Care Council for Wales has found.Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:17:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114757/government-increases-gscc-budget-to-pay-for-conduct-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114757/government-increases-gscc-budget-to-pay-for-conduct-cases.htmlMinisters have raised the General Social Care Council's overall budget after a sharp increase in the number of hearings involving social workers accused of misconduct. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:08:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114756/community-care-launches-social-care-link.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/21/114756/community-care-launches-social-care-link.html Community Care's website www.communitycare.co.uk has launched an online service designed to provide...Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:53:15 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114749/social-worker-struck-off-for-soliciting-a-woman-for-sex.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114749/social-worker-struck-off-for-soliciting-a-woman-for-sex.html A social worker who was convicted of persistently soliciting a woman for prostitution has been struck off by the General Social Care Council. Paul...Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114733/derby-social-workers-car-strike-enters-second-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114733/derby-social-workers-car-strike-enters-second-week.html Social workers at Derby Council are refusing to use their cars to visit clients after bosses decided to cut travel allowances. The industrial action...Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114740/convicted-social-work-student-struck-off-welsh-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/18/114740/convicted-social-work-student-struck-off-welsh-register.htmlA social work student who was convicted of stealing about £45,000 from former colleagues has been struck off by the Care Council for Wales. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114735/fife-social-workers-may-face-job-losses-as-council-cuts-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114735/fife-social-workers-may-face-job-losses-as-council-cuts-budget.htmlSocial workers in Fife could face significant job losses as the council attempts to slash its overall budget by £120m. Fife Council, which has had...Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/17/114731/burnham-nhs-funding-boost-will-mean-social-care-cuts.htmlFormer health secretary Andy Burnham has urged the coalition to drop its pledge to increase NHS spending in real terms during this parliament to avoid substantial cuts to social care.Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114527/practitioners-lack-confidence-in-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114527/practitioners-lack-confidence-in-personalisation.html Personalisation losi ng favour among social workers Most social workers cite increased bureaucracy as a reason for declining support mithran.samuel@rbi.co.uk Adult...Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114726/pensions-threat-to-local-authority-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114726/pensions-threat-to-local-authority-social-workers.html Social care workers face paying additional contributions of £300 per year to retain their pensions if the government pushes through money-saving reforms. That...Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:04:52 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114725/councils-already-cutting-social-care-to-hit-savings-target.htmlCouncils are already planning to cut social care services to meet a government savings target of £1.1bn this year.Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114721/social-worker-jailed-for-90000-benefit-fraud.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/16/114721/social-worker-jailed-for-90000-benefit-fraud.htmlA social worker who fraudulently claimed more than £90,000 in income support and housing benefits has been jailed for eight months.Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114720/warning-for-munro-review-from-former-taskforce-members.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/15/114720/warning-for-munro-review-from-former-taskforce-members.htmlFormer members of the Social Work Task Force have warned that the government's review of child protection in England must deliver "quick and meaningful" conclusions.Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114692/equality-commission-launches-disability-harassment-probe.htmlCouncils' record in tackling the harassment of disabled people will come under scrutiny in a major inquiry launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission today.Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114707/social-workers-feature-in-honours-list.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/14/114707/social-workers-feature-in-honours-list.htmlSocial worker and care regulation chief Jacquie Roberts has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours for 40 years of service to the sector. Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114698/social-work-masters-cut-as-national-college-survives-cull.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114698/social-work-masters-cut-as-national-college-survives-cull.htmlChildren's minister Tim Loughton promises to resource the national college of social work and the £23m social work improvement fund. But the CWDC's social work masters programme will be cut.Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114700/liverpool-council-faces-11m-deficit-in-social-care.html Liverpool Council is facing an £11m overspend in social care in 2010-11 unless cuts to in-house services are made. Today, the council revealed there...Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114690/gangmasters-body-bids-to-combat-exploitation-of-care-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/11/114690/gangmasters-body-bids-to-combat-exploitation-of-care-workers.htmlA regulator has called for powers to clamp down on the growing exploitation of migrant labourers in the care sector.Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114687/councils-may-get-health-commissioning-role.htmlCouncils may get a bigger role in health commissioning, under government plans to radically scale back the role of primary care trusts.Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114679/serious-case-reviews-will-be-published-in-full.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/10/114679/serious-case-reviews-will-be-published-in-full.htmlThe government has confirmed plans to publish, in full, the serious case reviews (SCR's) into Baby P, Shannon Matthews, the Edlington torture case and Khyra Ishaq.Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/09/114677/social-workers-say-regulation-has-boosted-status.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/09/114677/social-workers-say-regulation-has-boosted-status.html Three-quarters of social workers believe the regulation of the profession has increased its status, putting social work on a par with medicine and nursing. The...Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:01:39 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/08/114674/chancellor-vows-vulnerable-will-be-protected-from-huge-cuts.htmlChancellor George Osborne has promised to limit spending cuts on the most vulnerable and on areas heavily dependent on the public sector as he outlined his framework for future spending decisions today.Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114659/social-worker-gets-warning-after-viewing-porn-sites-at-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114659/social-worker-gets-warning-after-viewing-porn-sites-at-work.html A social worker has been warned about his conduct after admitting viewing pornographic websites on a work computer. Simon Langley told a conduct committee.Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114653/experienced-social-work-staff-to-be-replaced-by-call-centres.htmlHundreds of experienced social work staff are to be replaced by a call centre at Glasgow Council as part of a plan to save £180m over the next three years. (Pic credit: Rex)Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114655/basw-child-protection-poll-reveals-serious-staff-shortages.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/07/114655/basw-child-protection-poll-reveals-serious-staff-shortages.html More than one in 10 child protection social workers say their team is working at half-capacity, a survey by the British Association of Social Workers has...Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114651/cumbria-shootings-mental-health-services-offer-support.htmlSpecialist services have been put in place in West Cumbria to provide support to people affected by the massacre of 12 people by Derrick Bird on Wednesday afternoonFri, 04 Jun 2010 17:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114644/royal-holloway-to-close-social-work-degree-programme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/04/114644/royal-holloway-to-close-social-work-degree-programme.htmlThe undergraduate social work programme at Royal Holloway will close next year, the university has announced. The decision follows a series of poor inspection reports from the General Social Care Council, which identified widespread problems in securing practice placements. Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114638/q-and-a-what-does-the-national-college-mean-for-social-workers.htmlQ and A: What does the national college mean for social workers? Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:44:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114634/loughton-takes-responsibility-for-social-work-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114634/loughton-takes-responsibility-for-social-work-reform.htmlTim Loughton, children's minister, will take on responsibility for the majority of the social care remit, the Department for Education has confirmed.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114637/gove-promises-support-for-taskforce-recommendations.htmlThe government will support the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force, education secretary Michael Gove has said. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114636/disabilities-worker-jailed-for-stealing-19000-from-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/03/114636/disabilities-worker-jailed-for-stealing-19000-from-client.htmlA social worker who stole £19,000 from a vulnerable service user after she had a stroke has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:52:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/02/114633/brighton-to-appoint-combined-adults-and-childrens-director.htmlBrighton and Hove Council will become the latest authority to combine responsibility for vulnerable adults and children in a single post as part of a wholesale restructure designed to save £45m over the next three years.Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114631/scots-aim-to-transform-dementia-care-but-with-no-new-money.htmlThe Scottish government issued plans to transform dementia care today in the country's first strategy for the condition - but it has not pledged any new money to meet its ambitions.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114593/community-care-media-guide-aims-to-improve-social-work-coverage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114593/community-care-media-guide-aims-to-improve-social-work-coverage.htmlCommunity Care and Unison are calling on the mainstream media to improve its standard of reporting about social work by launching...Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114624/placement-student-struck-off-for-inappropriate-relationship.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114624/placement-student-struck-off-for-inappropriate-relationship.htmlA social work student who formed an inappropriate relationship with the father of two vulnerable children while on a statutory placement has been struck off. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114623/concern-over-government-silence-on-social-work-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114623/concern-over-government-silence-on-social-work-reform.html Sector leaders are calling on the coalition government to end the "anxiety" over the social work reform programme for England and publicly commit to the...Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:26:29 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/06/01/114622/behan-and-gilbert-among-whitehalls-top-earners.htmlAdult care mandarin David Behan (pictured) and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert are among Whitehall's top earners, a list of the highest-paid civil servants published by the government today reveals.Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/28/114618/coalition-plans-could-test-health-and-social-care-links.htmlMoves to integrate health and social care in England may be put to the test under coalition government plans for primary care trusts and GPs, it has emerged.Fri, 28 May 2010 17:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114604/regional-disparities-found-in-progress-on-personalisation.htmlThere are wide regional variations in English councils' progress towards meeting a series of personalisation targets, a survey has found.Thu, 27 May 2010 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/27/114597/personalisation-grant-saved-from-cuts-ministers-confirm.htmlThe government has confirmed that local authority funding to support the personalisation agenda will not be cut this year.Thu, 27 May 2010 10:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114594/baby-p-social-workers-temporarily-suspended.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114594/baby-p-social-workers-temporarily-suspended.htmlThe social workers who admitted failing to safeguard Peter Connelly (pictured) have been suspended from the register. Wed, 26 May 2010 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114589/baby-p-social-worker-placed-in-hiding-after-death-threats.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114589/baby-p-social-worker-placed-in-hiding-after-death-threats.htmlThe social worker allocated to Peter Connelly (pictured) in Haringey received death threats and had to be moved to a safe house after the intense media scrutiny on her involvement in the case.Wed, 26 May 2010 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114591/social-workers-powerless-on-child-neglect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/26/114591/social-workers-powerless-on-child-neglect.htmlMore than one-third of social workers and police officers feel "powerless" to intervene in cases of suspected child neglect, according to research by Action for Children.Wed, 26 May 2010 10:15:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/25/114584/dawson-why-basw-stood-firm-over-national-college.htmlHilton Dawson, chief executive of the British Association of Social Workers, tells Community Care about the association's stance over the national college of social work. He reveals the college's creation could leave members facing a decision over BASW's future.Tue, 25 May 2010 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114575/personalisation-grant-could-be-cut-warns-think-tank.htmlA £230m grant to help councils implement personalisation could be at risk from the cuts announced by the Treasury today, a think-tank has warned.Mon, 24 May 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114574/cwdc-budget-slashed-by-15m.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council’s budget will be slashed by £15m over the next financial year. Mon, 24 May 2010 14:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114576/community-care-live-delegates-views-on-the-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/24/114576/community-care-live-delegates-views-on-the-national-college-of-social-work.htmlA major consultation on the future of the national college of social work was launched at Community Care LIVE last week. We asked practitioners and students what they would like the college to achieve for them, and how much they would pay to join.Mon, 24 May 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114559/unison-turns-to-acas-to-resolve-social-care-pay-dispute.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114559/unison-turns-to-acas-to-resolve-social-care-pay-dispute.htmlThe UK's largest social care union has called on conciliation service Acas to resolve its bitter pay dispute with local government employers. Fri, 21 May 2010 15:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114553/steep-rise-in-basw-members-seeking-employment-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114553/steep-rise-in-basw-members-seeking-employment-advice.html Rising stress levels and "punitive" regulation have been linked to a 20% increase in the number of members seeking advice from the British Association of...Fri, 21 May 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114552/fuller-fends-off-chittleburgh-in-ballot-for-basw-chair.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/21/114552/fuller-fends-off-chittleburgh-in-ballot-for-basw-chair.htmlFran Fuller has been elected UK chair of the British Association of Social Workers, the organisation's annual meeting was told today.Fri, 21 May 2010 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114547/employers-must-improve-staff-support-or-risk-binding-measures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/20/114547/employers-must-improve-staff-support-or-risk-binding-measures.html The national standard for employers should become legally binding if it fails to deliver improvements for frontline social workers, the head of England's...Thu, 20 May 2010 12:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114526/social-work-college-consultation-launches-at-live.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114526/social-work-college-consultation-launches-at-live.htmlA major consultation on shaping the country's first college of social work was launched at Community Care Live this evening, ahead of the first interim chair being appointed in June. Tue, 18 May 2010 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114533/coalition-would-be-foolish-to-drop-reform-gibb-tells-cc-live.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114533/coalition-would-be-foolish-to-drop-reform-gibb-tells-cc-live.htmlThe new coalition government would be foolish to scrap England's social work reform programme in order to save money, the chair of the reform board has said.Tue, 18 May 2010 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114529/baby-p-misconduct-hearing-to-start-next-week.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/18/114529/baby-p-misconduct-hearing-to-start-next-week.htmlA misconduct hearing for the two social workers at the centre of the Baby Peter case in Haringey will begin next week, the General Social Care Council has announced.Tue, 18 May 2010 09:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114491/social-care-whos-who-in-the-new-government.htmlSocial care: who's who in the new coalition governmentMon, 17 May 2010 17:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114525/sharon-allen-appointed-to-top-job-at-skills-for-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114525/sharon-allen-appointed-to-top-job-at-skills-for-care.html Skills for Care has appointed qualified social worker Sharon Allen as its new chief executive, replacing Andrea Rowe. Allen joins the adult social...Mon, 17 May 2010 16:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114528/spending-cuts-threaten-to-derail-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114528/spending-cuts-threaten-to-derail-personal-budgets.html Spending cuts threaten to derail personal budgets Impending public spending cuts imposed by the new coalition government could cause personalisation...Mon, 17 May 2010 14:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114521/workers-mental-health-hit-hard-in-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/17/114521/workers-mental-health-hit-hard-in-recession.html The recession has taken its toll on the mental health of workers in the UK, according to research released by the charity Mind today. It found that...Mon, 17 May 2010 11:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/14/114507/paul-burstow-appointed-care-services-minister.htmlLiberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow has been appointed as the minister for care services, Community Care can reveal.Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114496/conduct-reprieve-for-gary-glitter-e-mailer.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/13/114496/conduct-reprieve-for-gary-glitter-e-mailer.htmlA children's services manager who circulated offensive e-mails about convicted sex offender Gary Glitter has been cleared of misconduct by the General Social Care Council. Thu, 13 May 2010 16:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114493/social-workers-to-get-more-dementia-training-in-wales.htmlSocial workers in Wales will get more training in organising care and assessing risk for dementia patients as part of the country's long-awaited plan to improve dementia care.Wed, 12 May 2010 21:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114472/tories-andrew-lansley-to-take-charge-of-adult-social-care.htmlThe Conservatives' Andrew Lansley will become health secretary, with responsibility for adult social care, while the new coalition government will also take forward plans to make £6bn in cuts that could cut thousands of public sector jobs this year, the BBC has reported. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114478/social-care-absent-from-tory-lib-dem-coalition-document.htmlThe social care agenda is absent from the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coaltion document. Wed, 12 May 2010 15:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114475/boost-for-scottish-social-works-image.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114475/boost-for-scottish-social-works-image.html Public perceptions of social work in Scotland have significantly improved since sector leaders launched a PR offensive last year, according to the Association...Wed, 12 May 2010 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/12/114473/profile-of-andrew-lansley-the-new-health-secretary.htmlThe son of a pathologist who worked for the NHS since its inception and a former civil servant, Andrew Lansley is often credited with bringing his party round to supporting the health service.Wed, 12 May 2010 10:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114471/liberal-democrat-influence-good-news-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114471/liberal-democrat-influence-good-news-for-social-care.htmlAn election pact with the Liberal Democrats could force the Conservatives to abandon policies that would have starved social care of money, experts say.Tue, 11 May 2010 13:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114469/social-worker-suspended-after-racially-abusing-traffic-warden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114469/social-worker-suspended-after-racially-abusing-traffic-warden.html A social worker who shouted racist abuse at a traffic warden has been suspended from the register for two years. Sarah Croft-Wusu began an argument...Tue, 11 May 2010 12:53:16 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114464/social-work-courses-may-face-axe-as-inspections-go-public.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/11/114464/social-work-courses-may-face-axe-as-inspections-go-public.htmlSocial work degree courses could be axed by institutions keen to protect their reputations after the introduction of a tighter inspection regime.Tue, 11 May 2010 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114452/child-protection-the-priority-for-community-care-readers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/10/114452/child-protection-the-priority-for-community-care-readers.html Dealing with the increase in child protection work should be a top priority for the new government, according to a Community Care readers' poll. Almost...Mon, 10 May 2010 00:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/07/114432/hung-parliament-means-uncertainty-for-social-care.htmlCare services minister Phil Hope has lost his seat in the election and children's secretary Ed Balls secured a narrow victory as a hung parliament creates uncertainty for social care. Fri, 07 May 2010 13:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/06/114430/the-suns-deidre-sanders-warns-against-social-work-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/06/114430/the-suns-deidre-sanders-warns-against-social-work-cuts.htmlIt would be "horrifyingly short-sighted" for any new government to cut funding for the social work reform programme, The Sun's agony aunt Deidre Sanders has warned.Thu, 06 May 2010 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/06/114428/lib-dems-pledge-support-for-a-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/06/114428/lib-dems-pledge-support-for-a-national-college-of-social-work.html The Liberal Democrats have backed the formation of a national college of social work ahead of today's general election. Nick Clegg's party has confirmed...Thu, 06 May 2010 10:17:37 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/06/114427/medical-students-lack-elder-abuse-training-finds-study.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/06/114427/medical-students-lack-elder-abuse-training-finds-study.htmlMedical students are not receiving training in spotting elder abuse on half of university courses, research reveals today.Thu, 06 May 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114426/social-worker-struck-off-after-poor-record-keeping.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114426/social-worker-struck-off-after-poor-record-keeping.html A senior social worker who failed to act on a school's concerns that a child was being abused has been struck off the social care register. Alcus...Wed, 05 May 2010 16:28:36 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114421/basw-lost-credibility-over-college-ballot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114421/basw-lost-credibility-over-college-ballot.html BASW 'lost credibility' over college ballot The British Association of Social Workers' U-turn over the national college of social work may have damaged...Wed, 05 May 2010 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114419/social-workers-subject-to-abuse-threats-and-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114419/social-workers-subject-to-abuse-threats-and-violence.htmlNine out of 10 social workers have been abused, assaulted or threatened with violence while on duty, an exclusive Community Care survey has revealedWed, 05 May 2010 09:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114417/disparity-in-reports-of-violent-incidents-leads-to-call-for-national-record-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114417/disparity-in-reports-of-violent-incidents-leads-to-call-for-national-record-system.htmlHuge regional disparities in the number of violent and abusive incidents against social care staff recorded by councils have been revealed by a Community Care investigation.Wed, 05 May 2010 09:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114420/nhs-lessons-for-social-care-on-tackling-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114420/nhs-lessons-for-social-care-on-tackling-violence.htmlThe NHS has introduced a series of national measures to tackle violence against staff. Daniel Lombard asks whether these could provide a blueprint for social careWed, 05 May 2010 09:32:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114414/labour-wins-back-social-worker-vote-finds-pre-election-poll.htmlSocial care professionals look set to return Labour in this week's election with almost half pledging to back the governing party in an online poll by Community Care.Tue, 04 May 2010 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114413/mental-health-professionals-get-flak-jackets-after-2005-incident.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/04/114413/mental-health-professionals-get-flak-jackets-after-2005-incident.htmlMental health social workers in Oxfordshire have been given flak jackets to wear on duty after a colleague was threatened with an air rifle.Tue, 04 May 2010 09:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114397/election-immigration-plans-spell-trouble-for-social-care.htmlPlans from all three parties to tighten immigration controls could restrict recruitment to adult social care and damage the quality of services, according to sector heads. (Picture: Alamy)Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114408/care-worker-who-barricaded-service-user-in-room-loses-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114408/care-worker-who-barricaded-service-user-in-room-loses-appeal.htmlA care worker who barricaded a man with severe physical and mental disabilities in a room with a mop handle has lost his appeal over his removal from the Protection of Vulnerable Adults list.Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114409/childrens-social-workers-should-work-in-pairs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/30/114409/childrens-social-workers-should-work-in-pairs.htmlChildren's social workers are asking to be paired on cases where there may be a risk to their safety.Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114396/basw-u-turn-over-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114396/basw-u-turn-over-social-work-college.html The British Association of Social Workers has rejoined the development group for a national college of social work in England, abandoning its proposals to...Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114394/shoesmith-will-take-some-time-to-decide-whether-to-appeal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114394/shoesmith-will-take-some-time-to-decide-whether-to-appeal.html molly.garboden@rbi.co.uk Sharon Shoesmith has yet to decide if she will appeal the decision in her application for a judicial review of her sacking,...Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114393/chaotic-child-protection-worker-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/29/114393/chaotic-child-protection-worker-struck-off.html A social worker who exposed children to "extended risk of harm" by failing to follow child protection procedures has been struck off by the General Social...Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:25:19 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/basw-members-vote-in-favour-of-uk-college-of-social-work.htmlNearly 90% of British Association of Social Workers’ members have voted in favour of an independent, UK-wide college of social work.Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114389/basw-could-return-to-national-college-development-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114389/basw-could-return-to-national-college-development-group.html The British Association of Social Workers could return to the official national college development group even if its members vote to form a breakaway organisation. Results...Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:16:18 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114386/gscc-reveals-placement-problems-at-manchester-and-royal-holloway.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114386/gscc-reveals-placement-problems-at-manchester-and-royal-holloway.htmlTwo universities that failed to meet national standards for the social work degree in England have been revealed as Manchester and Royal Holloway. Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114385/shoesmith-judge-criticises-ofsteds-role-in-changing-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/27/114385/shoesmith-judge-criticises-ofsteds-role-in-changing-report.html Judge criticises Ofsted's role in changing final report Related articles: Judge...Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114379/care-home-manager-struck-off-for-cruelty.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/26/114379/care-home-manager-struck-off-for-cruelty.html A care home manager who displayed "an element of cruelty" in abusing a service user with learning disabilities has been struck off. Angela Turner,...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114357/ed-balls-interference-in-shoesmith-case-heavily-criticised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114357/ed-balls-interference-in-shoesmith-case-heavily-criticised.htmlChildren’s secretary Ed Balls’ interference in the Shoesmith case has been heavily criticised by a High Court judge, despite the ruling that Balls' overall conduct was lawful.Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:51:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114366/baby-p-social-workers-face-gscc-misconduct-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114366/baby-p-social-workers-face-gscc-misconduct-charges.htmlThe two social workers at the centre of the baby Peter case in Haringey are being charged with misconduct, Community Care can reveal. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114356/sharon-shoesmith-disappointed-by-high-court-verdict.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/23/114356/sharon-shoesmith-disappointed-by-high-court-verdict.htmlSharon Shoesmith has said she is "disappointed" by the failure of the High Court to uphold her claim for unfair dismissal. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114349/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-meat-cleaver-attack-on-partner.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114349/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-meat-cleaver-attack-on-partner.html A children's home worker who assaulted his male partner with a meat cleaver has been removed from the register in Wales. Lee Barnard was convicted...Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:11:27 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114341/social-worker-admonished-for-putting-vulnerable-adult-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114341/social-worker-admonished-for-putting-vulnerable-adult-at-risk.html An experienced social worker has been officially warned about her conduct after placing a vulnerable adult service user at risk of harm. Claire Long,...Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/22/114316/new-adass-president-says-services-must-change-as-cuts-bite.htmlRichard Jones, who becomes Association of Directors of Adult Social Services president today, tells Jeremy Dunning that the next 12 months will be a time of delivering care differently as cuts start to bite Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:06:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/21/114332/tim-chittleburgh-seeks-re-election-as-basw-chair.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/21/114332/tim-chittleburgh-seeks-re-election-as-basw-chair.htmlThe former chair of the British Association of Social Workers has announced his intention to steer the body back towards efforts to develop a national college of social work by standing for re-election.Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/21/114331/social-worker-offered-to-urinate-on-strangers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/21/114331/social-worker-offered-to-urinate-on-strangers.htmlA social worker who made sexually inappropriate comments to strangers and showed them his social services identity card during a night out in Birkenhead has been struck off. Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:20:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114330/tories-co-op-plans-unworkable-in-social-care-says-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114330/tories-co-op-plans-unworkable-in-social-care-says-unison.htmlConservative proposals to reward public sector workers who form co-operatives that attract service users are "unworkable" for social care, according to Unison. Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114328/social-worker-accused-of-making-sexual-advances-on-night-out.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/20/114328/social-worker-accused-of-making-sexual-advances-on-night-out.htmlAn agency social worker accused of making uninvited sexual advances towards strangers during a night out in Birkenhead faces misconduct charges at the General Social Care Council.Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:02:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/19/114319/research-will-limit-rising-costs-of-dementia-say-experts.htmlDementia care may cost England less in future than had been previously thought on the back of improved treatment and scientific developments, according to experts.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114309/childrens-home-worker-who-assaulted-partner-faces-removal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114309/childrens-home-worker-who-assaulted-partner-faces-removal.htmlA children's home worker serving a 12-month prison sentence for assaulting his gay partner with a meat cleaver is facing removal from the register. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:41:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114305/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-lying-about-home-visits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114305/childrens-worker-struck-off-for-lying-about-home-visits.htmlA children's social worker has been struck off for lying to her manager about 69 visits to eight children on the at-risk register. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/16/114302/brown-cameron-and-clegg-set-out-stall-on-social-care.html Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg all backed the need to support carers and forge consensus on social care funding reform in yesterday's first televised debate between the three party leaders. (Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex Features)Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114297/former-basw-chairs-urge-return-to-college-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114297/former-basw-chairs-urge-return-to-college-group.htmlTwo former chairs of the British Association of Social Workers, concerned at the threat to launch a breakaway UK college, are urging the professional body to return to the official development group.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:38:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114292/gscc-admits-registering-bogus-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114292/gscc-admits-registering-bogus-social-worker.htmlThe General Social Care Council has admitted registering a woman claiming to be a social worker after failing to spot her diploma certificate was forged.Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114296/tories-fail-in-quest-to-find-social-work-candidates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/15/114296/tories-fail-in-quest-to-find-social-work-candidates.htmlThe Conservatives have confirmed that no social workers will be standing for the party in the general election, despite claims made last year that "lots" of practitioners had applied. Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114288/basw-demands-universal-say-in-national-college-leader.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114288/basw-demands-universal-say-in-national-college-leader.htmlAll social worker membership organisations should have a say in selecting the first interim leader of the national college, according to the British Association of Social Workers.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114287/basw-wants-to-meet-lord-justice-wall-after-court-criticism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114287/basw-wants-to-meet-lord-justice-wall-after-court-criticism.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has requested a meeting with Lord Justice Wall, the new president of the family division of the High Court, after his comments that social workers are perceived as "arrogant and enthusiastic removers of children".Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:04:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114286/half-of-scotlands-personal-assistants-untrained-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114286/half-of-scotlands-personal-assistants-untrained-report.htmlHalf of personal assistants in Scotland have received no training in their role and only 40% are qualified, a study shows.Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114282/gender-pay-gap-revealed-in-adult-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/14/114282/gender-pay-gap-revealed-in-adult-social-care.htmlMale managers in adult social care earn at least £1 an hour more than women who do the same jobs, research has shown. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:55:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114276/social-worker-struck-off-after-gary-glitter-e-mail.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114276/social-worker-struck-off-after-gary-glitter-e-mail.htmlA social worker who circulated offensive e-mails, including one showing Gary Glitter carrying a child in a plastic bag, has been struck off the register in Scotland. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114272/fears-emerge-that-tories-would-axe-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/13/114272/fears-emerge-that-tories-would-axe-social-workers.htmlA Conservative austerity plan to save the public sector £12bn over the next year has prompted fears that social work posts will be axed and services hit. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114263/basw-slams-dh-over-delays-in-workforce-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114263/basw-slams-dh-over-delays-in-workforce-plan.html Publication of a plan to streamline the three national adult social care workforce bodies has been delayed again, prompting claims the government's handling...Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:23:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114254/unions-demand-tory-pledge-on-social-worker-jobs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/12/114254/unions-demand-tory-pledge-on-social-worker-jobs.htmlThe Conservatives must pledge to protect social workers' jobs from spending cuts if they win the general election, union leaders, including Aspect's Roger Kline (pictured), have said. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 11:54:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114244/tories-plan-public-sector-job-cuts-of-40000-this-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/09/114244/tories-plan-public-sector-job-cuts-of-40000-this-year.htmlUp to 40,000 public sector jobs could go within 12 months of a Conservative election victory under plans drawn up by the party's efficiency chief, as David Cameron (pictured, credit Nils Jorgenson/Rex) announces that he would curb council chief executives' salaries Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114238/drug-users-to-be-given-personal-budgets.htmlDrug abusers are to be given personal budgets to help them overcome their addictions in a pilot in West Sussex. But instead of direct payments, they will each be given a virtual allocation, managed by the council, and some control over how it is spent. Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114237/aspect-stokes-social-worker-pay-scale-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/08/114237/aspect-stokes-social-worker-pay-scale-row.htmlAllowing councils to set social workers' pay through existing grading schemes is "doomed to failure", trade union Aspect has said.Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114231/sick-social-workers-could-be-forced-back-to-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/07/114231/sick-social-workers-could-be-forced-back-to-work.htmlSocial workers on sick leave could be forced back into work before they have recovered by the introduction of "well notes", according to unions. (Picture by Burger/Phanie/Rex Features) Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:47:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114186/social-care-white-paper-heralds-free-national-care-service.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham today announced plans to create a national care service to provide all eligible users with free care and support but delayed any decision on how it would be funded, in a White Paper on reform.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114225/self-funding-gscc-would-send-registration-fees-soaring.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114225/self-funding-gscc-would-send-registration-fees-soaring.htmlRegistration fees for social workers in England could rise "dramatically" if the government's proposal to form a self-funded General Social Work Council goes ahead, unions have warned.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:29:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114224/gibb-calls-for-single-programme-to-support-nqsws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114224/gibb-calls-for-single-programme-to-support-nqsws.htmlThe chair of the Social Work Reform Board has called on England's skills councils to create a single, unified programme to support newly qualified practitioners across children's and adults' social work. Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114220/basw-accused-of-trying-to-subvert-college-agenda.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/06/114220/basw-accused-of-trying-to-subvert-college-agenda.htmlThe chair of the national college development group has accused the British Association of Social Workers of trying to derail efforts to build the strongest possible institution.Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:05:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/02/114218/ukip-chief-suspended-over-racist-rant-on-community-care.htmlUK Independence Party chief Paul Wiffen has been suspended following his racist rant on Community Care. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:36:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114217/balls-urges-basw-to-resolve-differences-over-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114217/balls-urges-basw-to-resolve-differences-over-college.htmlChildren's secretary Ed Balls has called on the British Association of Social Workers to resolve its dispute over the national college and back the official development group. Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:22:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114206/directors-reject-legally-binding-employers-code-of-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/01/114206/directors-reject-legally-binding-employers-code-of-practice.html Directors have warned against using a legally binding code of practice for social work employers as a "one size fits all" solution to the problems facing...Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:11:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114195/sector-scorns-voluntary-licensing-plan-for-adult-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114195/sector-scorns-voluntary-licensing-plan-for-adult-care-staff.html Sector leaders have hit out at the government's "pointless" proposal for a voluntary licensing system covering England's 1.5 million adult social care staff....Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114194/unions-and-employers-reject-single-pay-scale-for-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114194/unions-and-employers-reject-single-pay-scale-for-social-workers.html Unions and employers have ruled out a single national pay scale for social workers in England in order to avoid a "silo mentality of separate services"....Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:16:44 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114193/employer-support-for-staff-must-be-statutory.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114193/employer-support-for-staff-must-be-statutory.html Unions have demanded the government honours a pledge to introduce a legally binding duty on employers to provide high-quality support to social workers....Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:05:39 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114175/employers-warn-against-budget-plan-for-director-pay-ceilings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/31/114175/employers-warn-against-budget-plan-for-director-pay-ceilings.html All directors of children's and adult services in England face having details of their salaries and bonuses published under...Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114182/social-care-white-paper-welcomed-amid-funding-questions.htmlThe social care sector has applauded the government’s social care white paper referring to it as bold and a milestone. However, many have expressed concern at the lack of detailed funding proposals.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114187/newly-qualified-social-worker-schemes-face-squeeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114187/newly-qualified-social-worker-schemes-face-squeeze.htmlCouncils will struggle to sustain growth in newly qualified social worker schemes because resources are already stretched, according to a leading social care academic.Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:33:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114184/gscc-strikes-off-worker-for-sexual-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114184/gscc-strikes-off-worker-for-sexual-abuse.html A support worker who molested three disabled boys at a respite centre in the 1980s has been struck off the social care register. David Morris was working...Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:37:23 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114178/basw-offers-to-work-alongside-college-development-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114178/basw-offers-to-work-alongside-college-development-group.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has offered to work alongside the official development group for the college of social work in order to make "any...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:30:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114177/personalisation-councils-get-30m-to-boost-it-and-user-advice.htmlCouncils are being give £30m to fund IT improvements and improved information services to help transform adult care in line with personalisation in 2010-11.Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114170/adult-care-employers-get-workforce-planning-boost.html Social care and NHS employers are to get more support in workforce planning from an agency designed to help them deliver more efficient and personalised...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/26/114153/childrens-social-worker-struck-off-for-25-breaches-of-code.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/26/114153/childrens-social-worker-struck-off-for-25-breaches-of-code.html A social worker who repeatedly ignored instructions from managers and failed to safeguard the children for whom she was responsible has been struck off....Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114147/masters-degree-in-social-work-practice-piloted-in-2011.htmlAll social workers in England will be able to take a master's degree in social work practice, ministers have promised. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:21:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114144/national-college-to-prioritise-reputation-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114144/national-college-to-prioritise-reputation-of-social-work.htmlThe national college of social work has been tasked with improving the reputation of the profession as a top priority. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114146/moira-gibb-urges-basw-to-sue-for-peace-over-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/25/114146/moira-gibb-urges-basw-to-sue-for-peace-over-college-talks.htmlThe chair of England's Social Work Reform Board has called on the British Association of Social Workers to put aside its objections and accept "the government's shilling" in setting up a national college. Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:56:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114139/social-work-college-basw-claims-disputed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114139/social-work-college-basw-claims-disputed.htmlA leading member of the social work college development group has disputed the British Association of Social Workers' claim that its views have been ignored.Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114136/manchester-council-sacks-social-worker-after-cocaine-arrest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114136/manchester-council-sacks-social-worker-after-cocaine-arrest.html A social worker has been sacked by Manchester Council after being caught possessing cocaine at a work-related party. Niamh Duignan, 28, of Whalley...Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114135/thames-valley-uni-offers-to-host-reading-social-work-degree.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/24/114135/thames-valley-uni-offers-to-host-reading-social-work-degree.htmlReading University's social work degree programme could be saved from closure thanks to an offer from a neighbouring institution to keep the courses going. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114124/quarter-of-social-workers-handling-30-cases-at-once-basw.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114124/quarter-of-social-workers-handling-30-cases-at-once-basw.htmlAbout one in four social workers are handling more than 30 cases at once, according to a survey by the British Association of Social Workers. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114118/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-relationship-with-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114118/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexual-relationship-with-client.htmlA social worker from Wales who formed a sexual relationship with a service user and failed to tell his employers the woman may have been a risk to herself has been struck off.Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114115/basw-barred-from-national-college-development-group.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/23/114115/basw-barred-from-national-college-development-group.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has been officially barred from attending meetings of the official national college development group until the outcome of its members' referendum is known. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114097/social-work-education-reform-doable-despite-no-new-funding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114097/social-work-education-reform-doable-despite-no-new-funding.html Universities face an uphill task in reforming the social work degree in the light of higher education budget cuts, according to academics. The government...Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:57:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114095/extra-23m-for-childrens-social-work-not-enough-says-adcs.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114095/extra-23m-for-childrens-social-work-not-enough-says-adcs.html The government's £23m grant to relieve pressure on social work teams is too small to cope with the demands facing children's services, employers have warned....Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:12:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114091/birmingham-childrens-services-sackings-included-managers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/19/114091/birmingham-childrens-services-sackings-included-managers.htmlThe six Birmingham social care staff members sacked over failings in the children's services department included managerial staff.Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114082/local-government-funding-risk-to-social-work-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114082/local-government-funding-risk-to-social-work-reforms.htmlA lack of local government funding could put the social work reform process at risk, the children's secretary has admitted.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:28:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114062/basw-urges-rest-of-uk-to-copy-scottish-roles-and-tasks-model.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/18/114062/basw-urges-rest-of-uk-to-copy-scottish-roles-and-tasks-model.htmlThe rest of the UK ought to follow Scotland in setting down enforceable guidance on the roles and tasks of social workers, according to the British Association of Social Workers.Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:01:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114070/indicators-for-social-work-vacancy-rates-to-be-introduced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114070/indicators-for-social-work-vacancy-rates-to-be-introduced.htmlNational indicators for vacancy and turnover rates in children's services will be introduced to improve the regulation and supply of social work, the government...Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114067/frontline-social-work-to-be-transformed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114067/frontline-social-work-to-be-transformed.htmlThe government has set out ambitious plans to transform social work in England. This includes £48m to improve frontline social work. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114077/sector-welcomes-building-a-safe-and-confident-future.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114077/sector-welcomes-building-a-safe-and-confident-future.htmlSocial work leaders have broadly welcomed Building a Safe and Confident Future: Implementing the recommendations of the Social Work Task Force. Here, five of them give their views.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:27:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114075/government-stalls-on-student-placement-decision.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114075/government-stalls-on-student-placement-decision.htmlThe government has stalled on making a decision on cutting the length of social work students' practice placements from 200 to 130 days. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114072/employers-to-carry-out-workplace-health-checks-in-2010-11.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114072/employers-to-carry-out-workplace-health-checks-in-2010-11.htmlEmployers will be urged to carry out "health checks" on social workers' working conditions over the next 12 months. A new...Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:46:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114071/national-college-of-social-work-in-place-by-2011.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114071/national-college-of-social-work-in-place-by-2011.htmlAn independent college of social work will be established by March 2011, the government has pledged. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114068/basw-to-discuss-separate-college-with-ministers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114068/basw-to-discuss-separate-college-with-ministers.htmlGovernment ministers have agreed to meet the British Association of Social Workers to discuss its proposals for a UK-wide college of social work.Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114061/social-workers-puzzled-by-basw-breakaway-college-plans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114061/social-workers-puzzled-by-basw-breakaway-college-plans.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers needs to be clearer as to why it should set up a college of social work, practitioners have said. Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114064/social-work-task-force-survey-reveals-supervision-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/16/114064/social-work-task-force-survey-reveals-supervision-gaps.htmlOne in four children's social workers and one-third of adults' social workers miss out on monthly supervision, according to a survey by the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114049/unison-campaigns-to-boost-appreciation-of-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/15/114049/unison-campaigns-to-boost-appreciation-of-social-workers.html Unison has launched a national advertising campaign costing £50,000 to highlight the role social workers play in keeping vulnerable children and adults safe. The...Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:24:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114043/childrens-social-worker-to-appeal-against-being-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114043/childrens-social-worker-to-appeal-against-being-struck-off.html A children's social worker who was found guilty on 28 counts of misconduct in July last year is appealing her removal from the social care register. Jacinta...Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:10:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114032/social-work-graduates-choose-agency-work-to-limit-stress.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114032/social-work-graduates-choose-agency-work-to-limit-stress.htmlAn increasing number of social work graduates are choosing agency work because of fears that permanent local authority posts will be too stressful, a recruitment expert has said.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:34:00 GMThttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114034/gscc-on-track-to-clear-backlog-of-cases-by-end-of-march.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114034/gscc-on-track-to-clear-backlog-of-cases-by-end-of-march.html The General Social Care Council is on track to clear a backlog of conduct cases by the end of this month, according to the Department of Health.