News - Workforcehttp://www.communitycare.co.uken-gbFri, 19 Mar 2010 15:57:00 GMTSocial work education reform 'doable' despite no new fundinghttp://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 GMTExtra £23m for children's social work 'not enough', says ADCShttp://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 GMTBirmingham children's services sackings included managershttp://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 GMTLocal government funding risk to social work reformshttp://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 11:05:00 GMTBASW urges rest of UK to copy Scottish roles and tasks modelhttp://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 GMTIndicators for social work vacancy rates to be introducedhttp://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 GMTFrontline social work to be transformedhttp://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 GMTSector welcomes Building a Safe and Confident Futurehttp://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 GMTGovernment stalls on student placement decisionhttp://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 GMTEmployers to carry out workplace health checks in 2010-11http://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 GMTNational college of social work in place by 2011http://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 GMTBASW to discuss separate college with ministershttp://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 GMTSocial workers puzzled by BASW breakaway college planshttp://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 GMTSocial Work Task Force survey reveals supervision gapshttp://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 GMTUnison campaigns to boost appreciation of social workershttp://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 GMTChildren's social worker to appeal against being struck offhttp://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 GMTSocial work graduates choose agency work to limit stresshttp://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 GMTGSCC on track to clear backlog of cases by end of Marchhttp://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. The...Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:23:00 GMTNews round-up: Failings over raped daughters; 'death tax'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114029/news-round-up-failings-over-raped-daughters-death-tax.htmlHeadlines in today’s papers include:- Litany of failures that let father rape his daughters for years; Labour refuses to rule out 'death tax' to fund care for elderly; Teacher had affair with teenager at special needs school, court told; Schoolgirl, 13, found hanged amid claims she was bullied because she was pretty. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMTArthurworrey wins 10-year battle for registrationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/113989/arthurworrey-wins-10-year-battle-for-registration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/113989/arthurworrey-wins-10-year-battle-for-registration.htmlLisa Arthurworrey, the social worker sacked following the death of Victoria Climbié said she is looking forward to practising again after winning her battle to join the professional register.Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:17:00 GMTIT professor says paper recording better than electronichttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114025/it-professor-says-paper-recording-better-than-electronic.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114025/it-professor-says-paper-recording-better-than-electronic.html The government's decision to replace paper files with electronic records in social care was arbitrary and ill-informed, an academic has said. The integrated...Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:50:00 GMTSocial worker accused of sexual relationship with clienthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114024/social-worker-accused-of-sexual-relationship-with-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114024/social-worker-accused-of-sexual-relationship-with-client.htmlA social worker from Wales is due to face misconduct charges over allegations of a sexual relationship with a female service user.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:54:00 GMTPersonalisation chief John Bolton to leave Department of Healthhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114002/personalisation-chief-john-bolton-to-leave-department-of-health.htmlThe civil servant who has led on the implementation of the personalisation programme in England is to leave the Department of Health.Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:56:00 GMTNews round up: Jon Venables; Laming; Adult care row; Electionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114015/news-round-up-jon-venables-laming-adult-care-row-election.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Parties clash ahead of elderly social care summit; Psychiatric report said Jon Venables was a 'negligible risk'; Public sector pay has risen 15% more than private since Labour came to powerWed, 10 Mar 2010 08:21:00 GMTBASW council member resigns over breakaway college ballothttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/113993/basw-council-member-resigns-over-breakaway-college-ballot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/113993/basw-council-member-resigns-over-breakaway-college-ballot.html A council member of the British Association of Social Workers has resigned following the decision to ballot members on forming a breakaway college of social...Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:14:00 GMTLancashire family support agency worker admonishedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114008/lancashire-family-support-agency-worker-admonished.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114008/lancashire-family-support-agency-worker-admonished.htmlAn inexperienced agency social worker who failed to follow proper procedures in a complex child protection case has been admonished for misconduct. Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:09:00 GMTGSCC to publish inspections of social work course providershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114004/gscc-to-publish-inspections-of-social-work-course-providers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114004/gscc-to-publish-inspections-of-social-work-course-providers.htmlThe General Social Care Council will this spring start publishing inspection reports of the 83 universities and colleges that provide the social work degree in England.Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:36:00 GMTBASW stands firm over decision to ballot members over collegehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113992/basw-stands-firm-over-decision-to-ballot-members-over-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113992/basw-stands-firm-over-decision-to-ballot-members-over-college.html The British Association of Social Workers has defended its decision to ballot members over launching a breakaway college of social work, arguing it is urgently...Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:26:00 GMTNSPCC: Law needed to see children on their ownhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113994/nspcc-law-needed-to-see-children-on-their-own.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113994/nspcc-law-needed-to-see-children-on-their-own.htmlThe NSPCC is calling on all parliamentary candidates to press for legislation that would ensure social workers saw at-risk children alone on home visits.Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMTNews round up: Bulger killer, care funding, civil servants strikehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113990/news-round-up-bulger-killer-care-funding-civil-servants-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113990/news-round-up-bulger-killer-care-funding-civil-servants-strike.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include: Bulger killer Jon Venables held over child porn claims; Blueprint on funding elderly care aims to call halt to politicking; Civil servants stage strike over redundancy pay Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:29:00 GMTIntegration: Birmingham to create £315m health and care budgethttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113988/integration-birmingham-to-create-315m-health-and-care-budget.htmlBirmingham Council and its NHS partners are set to create a pooled budget of £315m, establishing what is believed to be one of the country's biggest health and social care partnership arrangements.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMTReport into roles and tasks of adult social workers publishedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113980/report-into-roles-and-tasks-of-adult-social-workers-published.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113980/report-into-roles-and-tasks-of-adult-social-workers-published.htmlSocial workers will have new opportunities in a changing world dominated by the personalisation agenda and the recession, according to a delayed report on the future roles of social workers in adult care.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:33:00 GMTAdult care faces cuts as councils protect children's serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113979/adult-care-faces-cuts-as-councils-protect-childrens-services.htmlMost councils are planning savage cuts to adult social care but intend to protect children's services from financial pain, public finance chiefs have found.Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMTBASW's college plan is 'most difficult task in its history'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113976/basws-college-plan-is-most-difficult-task-in-its-history.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113976/basws-college-plan-is-most-difficult-task-in-its-history.html The British Association of Social Workers has set itself the most difficult task in its history in attempting to launch a breakaway national college for...Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:01:00 GMTBASW asked to step down from social work college talks http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/05/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has been asked to step down from the national college development group amid growing criticism of its decision to launch a breakaway social work college. Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:54:00 GMTBaby P: Nobody spoke for us, say Haringey social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113957/baby-p-nobody-spoke-for-us-say-haringey-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113957/baby-p-nobody-spoke-for-us-say-haringey-social-workers.htmlSocial workers at Haringey felt abandoned and isolated during the media outcry over the Baby P case.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:31:00 GMTChildren's minister criticises BASW college pledgehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113975/childrens-minister-criticises-basw-college-pledge.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113975/childrens-minister-criticises-basw-college-pledge.htmlA government minister has criticised the British Association of Social Workers for pledging to form its own independent college of social work. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:02:00 GMTUnison threatens to scupper Sandwell practice pilothttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113955/unison-threatens-to-scupper-sandwell-practice-pilot.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113955/unison-threatens-to-scupper-sandwell-practice-pilot.htmlUnion activists have vowed to halt one of the government's social work practice pilots for looked-after children.Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:14:00 GMTBASW vows to launch breakaway social work collegehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113949/basw-vows-to-launch-breakaway-social-work-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113949/basw-vows-to-launch-breakaway-social-work-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has vowed to launch a breakaway national college in reaction to persistent doubts over the independence of the official college development group. Moira Gibb, chair of the Social Work Reform Board, said she was "surprised and very disappointed" at BASW's decision. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:08:00 GMTMental health worker suspended after client commits suicidehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113945/mental-health-worker-suspended-after-client-commits-suicide.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113945/mental-health-worker-suspended-after-client-commits-suicide.htmlA mental health social worker who failed to properly assess a man who later committed suicide has been suspended from the social care register for a year.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:37:00 GMTNews round up: James Bulger; Sarah's law; autism; care lotteryhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113943/news-round-up-james-bulger-sarahs-law-autism-care-lottery.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- James Bulger's killer 'back where he belongs'; 'Sarah's law' pilot raises revenge fears; New focus on adults with autism; How pensioners are punished by the care lotteryWed, 03 Mar 2010 10:47:00 GMTFew social workers enrol for post-qualifying traininghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113937/few-social-workers-enrol-for-post-qualifying-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/03/113937/few-social-workers-enrol-for-post-qualifying-training.htmlThe GSCC has called for more monitoring of post-qualifying training after it found only 8% of social workers had enrolled on courses in the past three years. Ray Jones (pictured), professor of social work at Kingston University, blamed the poor take-up on a trend towards centralised training departments in local authorities and the lack of a formal requirement to undertake PQ training.Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMTThousands of social workers needed to implement Laminghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/02/113934/thousands-of-social-workers-needed-to-implement-laming.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/02/113934/thousands-of-social-workers-needed-to-implement-laming.htmlAs many as 6,300 extra social workers are needed to implement just one of the recommendations made by Lord Laming (pictured) in the wake of the Baby P case, new research has found. Picture credit: PATue, 02 Mar 2010 10:04:00 GMTSocial workers respond to Conservative plan for co-opshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113938/social-workers-respond-to-conservative-plan-for-co-ops.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113938/social-workers-respond-to-conservative-plan-for-co-ops.htmlConservative proposals to allow public sector workers to "become their own boss" by forming co-operatives have received a mixed response from social workers.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:53:00 GMTLGA urges social workers to develop relations with mediahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htmlEmployers should support social workers to engage with the media to increase public understanding of the profession, according to new guidance from the Local Government Association.Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMTNews round up: Shannon Matthews; Council cuts; End-of-life carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113929/news-round-up-shannon-matthews-council-cuts-end-of-life-care.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Councils consider plans to shed 170,000 public sector jobs; Shannon Matthews kidnap report unlikely until after election; Terminally ill 'unable to die at home through lack of nursing cover'; Legal challenge over Yarl's Wood womenMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:04:00 GMTBASW ditches plan for joint membership scheme with Unisonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has dropped plans for an exclusive joint membership scheme with Unison in favour of discounted fees for members of all other organisations representing practitioners. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:17:00 GMTBASW and Unison split over independent practiceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htmlA war of words has broken out between Unison and the British Association of Social Workers over whether social workers should be encouraged to form their own independent practices.Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:49:00 GMTDH set to announce future role of adult social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113906/dh-set-to-announce-future-role-of-adult-social-workers.htmlThe Department of Health will publish a statement later today on the future roles and tasks of adult social workers within a personalised care system, care minister Phil Hope has announced. Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:52:00 GMTHeather Wakefield tells Unison members to fight council cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113896/heather-wakefield-tells-unison-members-to-fight-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113896/heather-wakefield-tells-unison-members-to-fight-council-cuts.htmlUnison has pledged to campaign for protected social care budgets by helping members expose holes in council budgets. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:35:00 GMT10 years on from Victoria's death, what's changed?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113892/10-years-on-from-victorias-death-whats-changed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113892/10-years-on-from-victorias-death-whats-changed.htmlCommunity Care's exclusive poll finds that information sharing has improved in the 10 years since Victoria Climbié died, despite continuing problems with computer systems.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:24:00 GMTTories appoint LSE professor to slash social work bureaucracyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/25/113893/tories-appoint-lse-professor-to-slash-social-work-bureaucracy.htmlThe Conservatives have appointed Eileen Munro, professor of social policy at the London School of Economics, to consider how bureaucracy should be slashed in social work and child protection.Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMTSandwell suspends 10 from children's safeguardinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113890/sandwell-suspends-10-from-childrens-safeguarding.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113890/sandwell-suspends-10-from-childrens-safeguarding.htmlSandwell Council has suspended up to 10 social workers after an unannounced Ofsted inspection of its safeguarding services.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMTUnison to lobby for statutory caseload limit in Waleshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113885/unison-to-lobby-for-statutory-caseload-limit-in-wales.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113885/unison-to-lobby-for-statutory-caseload-limit-in-wales.htmlUnison plans to lobby for a legally binding caseload limit for social workers in Wales, the union's National Social Care and Home Care Conference was told. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:45:00 GMTUnison calls for campaign against spending cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113883/unison-calls-for-campaign-against-spending-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113883/unison-calls-for-campaign-against-spending-cuts.htmlUnion activists have called on members to campaign against spending cuts in local government, which they warned would damage communities throughout the UK.Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:28:00 GMTGSCC poll of social workers reveals training flawshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113876/gscc-poll-of-social-workers-reveals-training-flaws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113876/gscc-poll-of-social-workers-reveals-training-flaws.htmlMost social workers think their newly qualified colleagues lack the training and skills needed to enter the profession, according to a survey by the General Social Care Council.Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:58:00 GMTSheffield judgement pinpoints gender pay differenceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113873/sheffield-judgement-pinpoints-gender-pay-differences.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/23/113873/sheffield-judgement-pinpoints-gender-pay-differences.htmlCouncils will find it harder to justify pay discrepancies for care workers and other female-dominated jobs following a judgement against Sheffield Council,...Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:18:00 GMTCheshire East to axe 40 adults' social worker postshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113871/cheshire-east-to-axe-40-adults-social-worker-posts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113871/cheshire-east-to-axe-40-adults-social-worker-posts.htmlCheshire East Council is cutting nearly 40 social worker posts and recruiting unqualified workers in a restructure of its adult safeguarding services. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:10:00 GMTGSCC appoints three to senior positionshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113866/gscc-appoints-three-to-senior-positions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113866/gscc-appoints-three-to-senior-positions.htmlThe General Social Care Council has appointed three new senior managers as it attempts to draw a line under a damning review of its conduct function last year. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:49:00 GMTTories' co-op plans 'an excuse to pass the buck'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113862/tories-co-op-plans-an-excuse-to-pass-the-buck.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/22/113862/tories-co-op-plans-an-excuse-to-pass-the-buck.htmlThe Conservatives may use social worker co-operatives to pass on responsibility for difficult spending decisions at a time when council budgets are being slashed, according to a leading academic.Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:07:00 GMTSocial work academic spells out radical degree changeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113857/social-work-academic-spells-out-radical-degree-changes.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113857/social-work-academic-spells-out-radical-degree-changes.htmlThe current placements system for social work students should be scrapped and the degree restructured into two separate courses, one on academic theory and...Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:55:00 GMTCWDC woos graduates to re-train as social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113846/cwdc-woos-graduates-to-re-train-as-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113846/cwdc-woos-graduates-to-re-train-as-social-workers.htmlA scheme offering 200 graduates to re-train as children's social workers with an annual salary of £15,000 is now inviting applications. Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:29:00 GMTNews round up: National Care Service, cash for graduateshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/19/113842/news-round-up-national-care-service-cash-for-graduates.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Andrew Lansley: Government plans would hit 700,000 family carers; Graduates offered cash to retrain as social workers; Barnet's 'easyCouncil' to part privatise planning serviceFri, 19 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMTWorkload: Unions and government on collision coursehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113839/workload-unions-and-government-on-collision-course.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113839/workload-unions-and-government-on-collision-course.htmlTrade unions and the government are at loggerheads over how quickly councils should implement workload "health checks". Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:08:00 GMT50,000 respond to social work adshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113838/50000-respond-to-social-work-ads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/18/113838/50000-respond-to-social-work-ads.htmlA recruitment campaign in which celebrities urged the nation to consider children's social work as a career has resulted in 50,000 people expressing interest.Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:21:00 GMTNews round up: Assisted dying; 'death tax'; Edlington casehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/17/113822/news-round-up-assisted-dying-death-tax-edlington-case.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Torture boys' sentence 'not too lenient'; The confessions of a mercy killer; Seventeen million could have to pay 'death tax', Tories claim; Yarl's Wood children face 'extreme distress'Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:34:00 GMTUnions rail against Tory plan for public sector co-operativeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/16/113821/unions-rail-against-tory-plan-for-public-sector-co-operatives.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/16/113821/unions-rail-against-tory-plan-for-public-sector-co-operatives.html Social workers could be given the right to form co-operatives to take over delivery of services under Conservative plans to transform the public sector. As...Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:14:00 GMTSheffield care staff staff win compensation in gender bias casehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/16/113819/sheffield-care-staff-staff-win-compensation-in-gender-bias-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/16/113819/sheffield-care-staff-staff-win-compensation-in-gender-bias-case.html Care workers at Sheffield Council could receive a share of £20m compensation after the Appeal Court ruled that the authority's bonus system discriminated...Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:33:00 GMTADCS warns of rush to complete workload 'health checks'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113801/adcs-warns-of-rush-to-complete-workload-health-checks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/15/113801/adcs-warns-of-rush-to-complete-workload-health-checks.htmlThe Association of Directors of Children's Services has warned unions against setting an unrealistic deadline for employers to complete a workload "health check" of social work teams.Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:12:00 GMTScotland: social work 'may take brunt of council cuts'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113797/scotland-social-work-may-take-brunt-of-council-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113797/scotland-social-work-may-take-brunt-of-council-cuts.htmlSocial work departments across Scotland "may take the brunt" of local government budget cuts, according to Unison and the Scottish Labour party.Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:43:00 GMTNews round-up: Baby P legacy means more work; Suffolk cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113796/news-round-up-baby-p-legacy-means-more-work-suffolk-cuts.htmlAlso in today's papers:- Social services 'failed autistic boy' and Mandelson denies Labour abandoning pledges to increase spendingFri, 12 Feb 2010 12:41:00 GMTYorkshire social worker struck off after sex with clienthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113798/yorkshire-social-worker-struck-off-after-sex-with-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/12/113798/yorkshire-social-worker-struck-off-after-sex-with-client.htmlA social worker from Yorkshire who had sex with a female service user after lending her £5,000 has been struck off the social care register. Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:23:00 GMTMental health staff at risk through ambulance delayshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113776/mental-health-staff-at-risk-through-ambulance-delays.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113776/mental-health-staff-at-risk-through-ambulance-delays.htmlApproved mental health professionals are being left waiting up to five hours for an ambulance while detaining potentially aggressive patients, a professional body has said. (Pic: Rex Features)Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:32:00 GMTCCW admonishes Welsh social worker for dishonest behaviour http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113775/ccw-admonishes-welsh-social-worker-for-dishonest-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113775/ccw-admonishes-welsh-social-worker-for-dishonest-behaviour.html A children's social worker from Wales has been warned about his conduct after making false expense claims and time-keeping records. Barrie John, a...Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:27:00 GMTAcademic urges practitioners to pitch into reform debatehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113774/academic-urges-practitioners-to-pitch-into-reform-debate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/11/113774/academic-urges-practitioners-to-pitch-into-reform-debate.html A leading academic is urging social workers and students to make their voices heard and "seize the moment" to shape the future of their profession. Hilary...Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:36:00 GMTAndy Burnham approves care trust for Blackburn with Darwenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113772/andy-burnham-approves-care-trust-for-blackburn-with-darwen.htmlHealth secretary Andy Burnham has approved the creation of a "care trust plus" to integrate health and social care commissioning in Blackburn with Darwen.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:12:00 GMTUnison calls for urgency on social work 'healthcheck'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113771/unison-calls-for-urgency-on-social-work-healthcheck.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113771/unison-calls-for-urgency-on-social-work-healthcheck.htmlUnison has challenged social work employers across England to complete a workload "health check" of their organisation within the next three months. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:02:00 GMTCQC: health and socal care integration can save £2bn a yearhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113768/cqc-health-and-socal-care-integration-can-save-2bn-a-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113768/cqc-health-and-socal-care-integration-can-save-2bn-a-year.html Improved joint working between health and social care to reduce emergency hospital admissions for pensioners could help save £2bn annually from NHS budgets...Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMTCouncils fail to tell service users about personal budgetshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/10/113764/councils-fail-to-tell-service-users-about-personal-budgets.htmlMany councils in England are failing to provide potential service users with adequate information about personal budgets – nearly two years into the personalisation agenda.Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:52:00 GMTStudents clamour to join social work degree courseshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113760/students-clamour-to-join-social-work-degree-courses.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113760/students-clamour-to-join-social-work-degree-courses.htmlApplications for the social work degree in the UK have shot up by 41% this year, according to universities admissions body Ucas. Some 52,000 people applied to enter the full time undergraduate course starting in 2010-11, up from 37,000 in 2009.Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:47:00 GMTNews round up: assisted dying; care levy; asylum hunger strikehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/09/113758/news-round-up-assisted-dying-care-levy-asylum-hunger-strike.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Inheritance levy to fund social care being considered by ministers; Margo MacDonald's Bill 'would encourage suicide tourism to Scotland'; Hunger strike at detention centreTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:44:00 GMTGSCC: 'New chief will be stymied by failure to publish review' http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113757/gscc-new-chief-will-be-stymied-by-failure-to-publish-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113757/gscc-new-chief-will-be-stymied-by-failure-to-publish-review.html NOTE: please publish on web as well kirsty.mcgregor@rbi.co.uk The new chief executive of the General Social Care Council will face a difficult...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:43:00 GMTScottish sector chief unconvinced of need for UK-wide collegehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113753/scottish-sector-chief-unconvinced-of-need-for-uk-wide-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113753/scottish-sector-chief-unconvinced-of-need-for-uk-wide-college.html Social workers in Scotland may not need a national college to support their profession as there are already enough bodies fulfilling this role. That was the message from the new chief executive of the Scottish Social Services Council, Anna Fowlie, who spoke out after talks to establish a national college of social work in England began last month. The final report of the Social Work Task Force said the new body was needed to provide "strong, independent leadership; a clear voice in public debate, policy development and policy delivery; and strong ownership of standards" for the profession. While the college is part of a programme of reform for the profession in England, the report said the new body could be extended to cover the whole of the UK, which the British Association of Social Workers strongly supports. College unneeded However, Fowlie said her organisation was already "leading the way in improving education and training, encouraging people to go into a career...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:12:00 GMTBarristers reject BASW claim of ignorance among free lawyershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113752/barristers-reject-basw-claim-of-ignorance-among-free-lawyers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113752/barristers-reject-basw-claim-of-ignorance-among-free-lawyers.html Barristers have defended their ability to represent social workers at conduct hearings, following criticisms levelled by the British Association of Social...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:47:00 GMTEx-BASW officer reprimanded for giving misleading evidencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113750/ex-basw-officer-reprimanded-for-giving-misleading-evidence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113750/ex-basw-officer-reprimanded-for-giving-misleading-evidence.html A former professional officer for the British Association of Social Workers has been reprimanded for giving "inaccurate and misleading" evidence in a family...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:09:00 GMTNews round up: elderly care costs, vetting scheme, budget cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/08/113747/news-round-up-elderly-care-costs-vetting-scheme-budget-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Iain Duncan Smith warns of elderly care costs for public finances; McKellen speaks out against vetting scheme; Union: 3000 jobs will go with cuts from council budgetsMon, 08 Feb 2010 09:55:00 GMTGSCC names Penny Thompson as chief executivehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113737/gscc-names-penny-thompson-as-chief-executive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113737/gscc-names-penny-thompson-as-chief-executive.htmlThe General Social Care Council has appointed Baby P troubleshooter Penny Thompson as its new chief executive. Thompson, a qualified social worker who served as interim deputy chief executive at NHS Haringey in the wake of the Baby Peter case, will replace interim GSCC leader Paul Snell in AprilFri, 05 Feb 2010 11:25:00 GMTEmployers reject call for national violent incident registerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113741/employers-reject-call-for-national-violent-incident-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/05/113741/employers-reject-call-for-national-violent-incident-register.htmlCouncils have rejected a proposal from unions for a national register of violent incidents involving social care staff, arguing local reporting systems are...Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:19:00 GMTSkills for Care wants social workers to learn self-defencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113714/skills-for-care-wants-social-workers-to-learn-self-defence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/03/113714/skills-for-care-wants-social-workers-to-learn-self-defence.htmlSocial care workers should be trained in self-defence to prepare for violent confrontations with service users, according to official guidance from Skills for Care. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:23:00 GMTBASW attacks GSCC over legal representation in conduct caseshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113711/basw-attacks-gscc-over-legal-representation-in-conduct-cases.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113711/basw-attacks-gscc-over-legal-representation-in-conduct-cases.html The British Association of Social Workers has criticised the General Social Care Council's policy on promoting free representation for social workers facing...Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:05:00 GMTCalderdale suspends children's staff after critical reporthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113709/calderdale-suspends-childrens-staff-after-critical-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113709/calderdale-suspends-childrens-staff-after-critical-report.htmlCalderdale Council, West Yorkshire, has suspended a number of staff from its children's services department following the publication of an independent review...Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:21:00 GMTMental health charity fined £30,000 over support worker's killinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113704/mental-health-charity-fined-30000-over-support-workers-killing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/02/113704/mental-health-charity-fined-30000-over-support-workers-killing.htmlA mental health charity has been fined £30,000 for failing to protect a support worker who was stabbed to death by a service user in 2006. Ashleigh Ewing (pictured), 22, was killed in Newcastle in May 2006 during a home visit on behalf of Sunderland-based charity Mental Health Matters. (Pic credit: PA) Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:00:00 GMTMet Police failings allowed stalking of social workerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113700/met-police-failings-allowed-stalking-of-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113700/met-police-failings-allowed-stalking-of-social-worker.htmlUnison has called for more funding from the government to protect frontline social care staff after allegations that failings by the Metropolitan Police...Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:26:00 GMTSunderland charity allowed support worker's lone visithttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113696/sunderland-charity-allowed-support-workers-lone-visit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113696/sunderland-charity-allowed-support-workers-lone-visit.htmlA mental health charity has pleaded guilty to failing to protect a support worker who was stabbed to death during a home visit to a service user. Ashleigh Ewing, 22 (pictured), was killed in Newcastle in May 2006 while working for Sunderland-based charity Mental Health Matters. (Picture: PA Images)Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:56:00 GMTSocial work college: Scie 'will be midwife not parent'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113691/social-work-college-scie-will-be-midwife-not-parent.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/01/113691/social-work-college-scie-will-be-midwife-not-parent.htmlThe Social Care Institute for Excellence has dismissed claims that it will have undue control over a proposed national college of social work, stating it...Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:42:00 GMTUnions and employers to start talks on career developmenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113684/unions-and-employers-to-start-talks-on-career-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113684/unions-and-employers-to-start-talks-on-career-development.htmlEmployers are to open talks with unions next week on a national career development framework for social workers in England. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:49:00 GMTLGA: Councils should control primary healthhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/29/113668/lga-councils-should-control-primary-health.html Councils should have greater control over the running of health services, the Local Government Association said today. In a consultative document,...Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:01:00 GMTTraining: university placement days not to be cut before 2011-12http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113665/training-university-placement-days-not-to-be-cut-before-2011-12.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113665/training-university-placement-days-not-to-be-cut-before-2011-12.html Plans to reduce the number of placement days from 200 to 130 for social work students in England will not come into effect until the 2011-12 academic year...Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:22:00 GMTSocial enterprise urges online markets for social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/28/113647/social-enterprise-urges-online-markets-for-social-care.htmlThe government and Care Quality Commission have been urged to help create online marketplaces where care users and providers can trade directly with each other, as part of the personalisation agenda.Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:27:00 GMTFormer Darlington social worker struck off over US child abusehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113650/former-darlington-social-worker-struck-off-over-us-child-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113650/former-darlington-social-worker-struck-off-over-us-child-abuse.htmlA children's social worker who sexually abused a six-year-old girl in the US more than 20 years ago has been struck off the social care register.Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:10:00 GMTSandwell puts practice pilot on hold after Ofsted blowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113643/sandwell-puts-practice-pilot-on-hold-after-ofsted-blow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/26/113643/sandwell-puts-practice-pilot-on-hold-after-ofsted-blow.htmlSandwell Council has delayed the launch of its social work practice pilot after an unannounced Ofsted inspection uncovered significant problems in its safeguarding services. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:03:00 GMTGrants to help young jobless into caring careershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113637/grants-to-help-young-jobless-into-caring-careers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113637/grants-to-help-young-jobless-into-caring-careers.htmlA recruitment programme offering £1,000 grants to adult social care employers for hiring young, unemployed trainees is rolled out across Britain today. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:03:00 GMTBASW urges transparency on GSCC's interim banshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113636/basw-urges-transparency-on-gsccs-interim-bans.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/25/113636/basw-urges-transparency-on-gsccs-interim-bans.htmlBASW has urged the General Social Care Council to explain more fully the reasons for issuing interim suspension orders against practitioners on the basis of unproven allegations.Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:08:00 GMTBASW threatens to launch breakaway collegehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113628/basw-threatens-to-launch-breakaway-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113628/basw-threatens-to-launch-breakaway-college.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers may launch its own breakaway college for the profession after becoming "disillusioned" by talks held by the official steering group. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:15:00 GMTGSCC suspends former Surrey children's social workerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113623/gscc-suspends-former-surrey-childrens-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/22/113623/gscc-suspends-former-surrey-childrens-social-worker.htmlA children's social worker who failed to report that his colleague was having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old service user has been suspended from the register for one year. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:04:00 GMTSenior agency social worker struck off GSCC registerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113609/senior-agency-social-worker-struck-off-gscc-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/21/113609/senior-agency-social-worker-struck-off-gscc-register.htmlA senior agency social worker who regularly dealt with the police and courts has been struck off for failing to disclose that she was a convicted thief. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:02:00 GMTYork Council proposes care cuts and increased chargeshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113608/york-council-proposes-care-cuts-and-increased-charges.htmlOlder and disabled people in York are facing cuts to respite care services and increased charges as the council tries to claw back a projected overspend of £1.1m in adult social care.Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:22:00 GMTBASW survey: 'is taskforce workload guidance being followed?'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113600/basw-survey-is-taskforce-workload-guidance-being-followed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113600/basw-survey-is-taskforce-workload-guidance-being-followed.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers is conducting a survey of members to find out if their employers are following the Social Work Task Force's recommendations...Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:03:00 GMTSocial care workers face pay freeze from Aprilhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113604/social-care-workers-face-pay-freeze-from-april.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/20/113604/social-care-workers-face-pay-freeze-from-april.htmlUnions have reacted angrily to the decision by employers to freeze pay for more than a million local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2010-11. Unison's Heather Wakefield (pictured) joins in the chorus of protestWed, 20 Jan 2010 12:10:00 GMTDouglas Adams struck off GSCC registerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113597/douglas-adams-struck-off-gscc-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113597/douglas-adams-struck-off-gscc-register.htmlAn assistant director of children's services who made a series of offensive remarks to female colleagues, including likening one to "Miss Whiplash", has been struck off. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:07:00 GMTEx-assistant director faces charges over 'Miss Whiplash' remarkhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113582/ex-assistant-director-faces-charges-over-miss-whiplash-remark.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113582/ex-assistant-director-faces-charges-over-miss-whiplash-remark.htmlA woman was left "mortified" after an assistant director of children's services referred to her as "Miss Whiplash", a General Social Care Council conduct hearing was told today.Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:53:00 GMTGSCC 'over-using powers to suspend social workers'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113591/gscc-over-using-powers-to-suspend-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/19/113591/gscc-over-using-powers-to-suspend-social-workers.htmlThe General Social Care Council is overusing its powers to issue temporary bans against social workers who are the subject of complaints in a knee-jerk response to public safety concerns, a lawyer has claimed. Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:24:00 GMTMental health charity hails ban on employment health checkshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113581/mental-health-charity-hails-ban-on-employment-health-checks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/18/113581/mental-health-charity-hails-ban-on-employment-health-checks.htmlMental health charity Rethink has hailed the government's decision to ban employers from asking job candidates about their medical history before a job offer...Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:55:00 GMTReport into child's death highlights social work failingshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113576/report-into-childs-death-highlights-social-work-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113576/report-into-childs-death-highlights-social-work-failings.htmlThe family of a five-year-old killed by her mother found their involvement with social services to be a "bruising and disenchanting encounter", according to a new report on the case.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:18:00 GMTBASW to join national college group after allhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113561/basw-to-join-national-college-group-after-all.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/15/113561/basw-to-join-national-college-group-after-all.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers will join the development group for a national college of social work despite its initial concerns about government interference.Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:09:00 GMTPCTs 'must be required to deliver on dementia strategy'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113557/pcts-must-be-required-to-deliver-on-dementia-strategy.htmlPrimary care trusts should be required to deliver on the government's national dementia strategy, sector leaders said today, after a critical National Audit Office report found the strategy was at risk of failure.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:50:00 GMTSocial worker dragged boy with autism across floorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113552/social-worker-dragged-boy-with-autism-across-floor.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113552/social-worker-dragged-boy-with-autism-across-floor.html A senior social worker has been warned about his conduct after assaulting an autistic boy he was trying to encourage back to school during a home visit. Stephen...Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:31:00 GMTChildren's chief 'told colleague to have an abortion'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113546/childrens-chief-told-colleague-to-have-an-abortion.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113546/childrens-chief-told-colleague-to-have-an-abortion.htmlAn assistant director of children's services who allegedly told a pregnant colleague to have an abortion and asked another woman if she enjoyed anal sex is facing removal from the register.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:40:00 GMTNational dementia strategy at risk of failure, says NAOhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/14/113542/national-dementia-strategy-at-risk-of-failure-says-nao.htmlThe government's national dementia strategy for England is at risk of failure because of a lack of leadership and mechanisms to deliver on change, a National Audit Office report warned today.Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:27:00 GMTJRF: UK governments fail to learn from each other on social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113543/jrf-uk-governments-fail-to-learn-from-each-other-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113543/jrf-uk-governments-fail-to-learn-from-each-other-on-social-care.html Governments across the UK have done little to learn from each others approaches to adult social care since devolution, a Joseph...Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:57:00 GMTDerbyshire social care staff face sack over pay cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113538/derbyshire-social-care-staff-face-sack-over-pay-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113538/derbyshire-social-care-staff-face-sack-over-pay-cuts.htmlNearly 400 social care staff at Derbyshire Council have been threatened with the sack after refusing to accept pay cuts of up to £4,000. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:56:00 GMTBASW chair Tim Chittleburgh steps aside after allegationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113534/basw-chair-tim-chittleburgh-steps-aside-after-allegation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113534/basw-chair-tim-chittleburgh-steps-aside-after-allegation.htmlTim Chittleburgh has stepped aside as chair of the British Association of Social Workers after a complaint about his private business affairs.Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:30:00 GMTNews round up: Louise Casey; Pensioner deaths; Cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/13/113536/news-round-up-louise-casey-pensioner-deaths-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Public service cuts to target middle classes; It's none of your business: What Age Concern told neighbour who phoned fearing for older couple later found dead in their home; 'Problem' families should be put into care, says crime adviserWed, 13 Jan 2010 09:22:00 GMTNews round up: Parky; Bridgend suicides; Cold deaths probehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/12/113528/news-round-up-parky-bridgend-suicides-cold-deaths-probe.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Michael Parkinson says care of elderly downright unacceptable; Pensioners found dead in their own home at peak of UK's Big Freeze spark inquiry; Bridgend: Double hanging in town rocked by young suicidesTue, 12 Jan 2010 09:03:00 GMTNorthumberland backs down on pay freeze planhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113520/northumberland-backs-down-on-pay-freeze-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113520/northumberland-backs-down-on-pay-freeze-plan.htmlNorthumberland Council has withdrawn a plan to freeze pay for social care staff from April because of pressure from trade unions. Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:27:00 GMTUnison's priority is to cut staff workload not the new collegehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113523/unisons-priority-is-to-cut-staff-workload-not-the-new-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113523/unisons-priority-is-to-cut-staff-workload-not-the-new-college.htmlSeveral national organisations have received invitations to join the Social Work Reform Board, which will oversee implementation of the Social Work Task...Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:04:00 GMTNews round up: neglect; secret child punishment manual; forced marriage http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113516/news-round-up-neglect-secret-child-punishment-manual-forced-marriage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/11/113516/news-round-up-neglect-secret-child-punishment-manual-forced-marriage.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- More children at risk as cases of neglect soar, charity warns; Release of secret child punishment manual ordered; Social workers failing women facing forced marriage, says reportMon, 11 Jan 2010 09:39:00 GMTNews round up 8 January 2010http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/08/113508/news-round-up-8-january-2010.html ‘Unless we sound the alarm, what little we have will disappear’ Councils across the country are already facing tough decisions as the pressure on budgets takes its toll, even before the arrival of the Personal Care at Home Bill. In Liverpool, children’s services are reported to be the first victims of the proposed £11m budget cuts. Grants for disadvantaged households are due to be scrapped, and a children’s respite home is threatened with closure. Read more on this story in The Times Plans for elderly care put essential services ‘at risk’ Frontline services such as social work, meals on wheels and road maintenance may have to be cut to cover the cost of controversial plans for elderly care at home, local authority leaders have warned. The £670 million required to provide free care for those most in need in their own homes — a key government policy — will add pressure to councils already trying to find multimillion-pound savings. A rise in council tax of between...Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:28:00 GMTSocial worker who shouted homophobic abuse at boy struck offhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113496/social-worker-who-shouted-homophobic-abuse-at-boy-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113496/social-worker-who-shouted-homophobic-abuse-at-boy-struck-off.htmlA senior social worker who shouted homophobic abuse at a cross-dressing teenager and threatened to have him put in care has become the fiftieth practitioner...Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:39:00 GMTNews round up: Gary McKinnon; vetting and barring; cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/07/113492/news-round-up-gary-mckinnon-vetting-and-barring-cuts.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Abusers could slip through, admits vetting scheme boss; Extradition of Gary McKinnon 'breaches Bill of Rights'; The Saga manifesto: Over-50s tell party leaders what they want from the governmentThu, 07 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMTBASW ponders its role in social work college talkshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113486/basw-ponders-its-role-in-social-work-college-talks.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113486/basw-ponders-its-role-in-social-work-college-talks.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers is considering pulling out of efforts to develop a national college of social work because of fears over government interference. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:19:00 GMTHampshire closes day centres in face of heavy snowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113483/hampshire-closes-day-centres-in-face-of-heavy-snow.htmlHampshire Council has closed its 22 day centres for older people, people with learning disabilities and those with physical disabilities because of the heavy snow.Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:30:00 GMTAcademics press for protected social work training fundshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113484/academics-press-for-protected-social-work-training-funds.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113484/academics-press-for-protected-social-work-training-funds.htmlAcademics are urging the social work sector to press for protected training resources in the face of higher education funding cuts of more than £700m. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:27:00 GMTBirmingham councillor slams director Tucker on staff absenceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113485/birmingham-councillor-slams-director-tucker-on-staff-absences.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/06/113485/birmingham-councillor-slams-director-tucker-on-staff-absences.htmlThe man brought in to fix Birmingham Council's troubled children's services has been told to "stop making excuses" after blaming stress levels for high absence rates among social workers. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:27:00 GMTLabour: Tory spending plans have £34bn black holehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113471/labour-tory-spending-plans-have-34bn-black-hole.htmlLabour today accused the Conservatives of having a £34bn hole in their spending plans as the Tories outlined their election platform for health and social care.Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:29:00 GMTNews round up: Public spending; Brian Moore abuse; Recessionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/01/04/113469/news-round-up-public-spending-brian-moore-abuse-recession.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown insists big cuts are not inevitable; Recession will lead to 'lost generation' of young people; Why I told about my abuse, by England rugby star Brian MooreMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:28:00 GMTCash constraints threaten taskforce proposals, say academicshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113465/cash-constraints-threaten-taskforce-proposals-say-academics.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/22/113465/cash-constraints-threaten-taskforce-proposals-say-academics.htmlThe New Year will see the government publish its detailed action plan on how the Social Work Task Force reforms will be implemented. But already academics are warning that cash constraints could threaten the taskforce’s proposals. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:34:00 GMTUnison claims Doncaster is to axe jobs in children's serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113464/unison-claims-doncaster-is-to-axe-jobs-in-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/21/113464/unison-claims-doncaster-is-to-axe-jobs-in-childrens-services.htmlA spat has broken out between Unison and Doncaster Council after the union claimed the local authority was about to cut 70 jobs in children and young people's services.Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:23:00 GMTSocial worker left colleague in tears after kissing herhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113445/social-worker-left-colleague-in-tears-after-kissing-her.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113445/social-worker-left-colleague-in-tears-after-kissing-her.htmlAn approved social worker has been warned about his conduct for leaving a female colleague in tears after kissing her on the cheek.Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:36:00 GMTTaskforce report: We're not out of touch, say lecturershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113422/taskforce-report-were-not-out-of-touch-say-lecturers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/17/113422/taskforce-report-were-not-out-of-touch-say-lecturers.htmlSocial work lecturers have rejected claims made in the Social Work Task Force's final report that they are out of touch with the realities of frontline practice. (Picture: Alamy)Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:23:00 GMTFoster: Equality Bill will pass before an electionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113440/foster-equality-bill-will-pass-before-an-election.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113440/foster-equality-bill-will-pass-before-an-election.htmlMinister for equality Michael Foster has said he is confident that the bill, which received its second reading in the House of Lords, would pass the Lords "broadly" in its current form by March or April. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:43:00 GMTNational Academy for Parenting Practitioners to close in Aprilhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113437/national-academy-for-parenting-practitioners-to-close-in-april.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113437/national-academy-for-parenting-practitioners-to-close-in-april.htmlThe National Academy for Parenting Practitioners will close in April 2010 after coming to the end of its three-year funding cycle. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:44:00 GMTVulnerable adults social worker removed from registerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113431/vulnerable-adults-social-worker-removed-from-register.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/16/113431/vulnerable-adults-social-worker-removed-from-register.htmlA social worker from Dundee who repeatedly failed to follow procedures in assessments of vulnerable adults has been removed from the register for misconduct. Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:33:00 GMTElisabeth Hoodless warns over vetting scheme form-fillinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113427/elisabeth-hoodless-warns-over-vetting-scheme-form-filling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113427/elisabeth-hoodless-warns-over-vetting-scheme-form-filling.htmlThe head of the Independent Safeguarding Authority was wrong to conclude that additional paperwork and background checks attached to the new vetting and...Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:18:00 GMTNews round up: children in asylum; vetting and barring; female prisoners; abusehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113424/news-round-up-children-in-asylum-vetting-and-barring-female-prisoners-abuse.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/15/113424/news-round-up-children-in-asylum-vetting-and-barring-female-prisoners-abuse.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Brown attacked for not scrapping asylum policy; Child protection worries over lack of powers to vet foreigners; Female prisoner numbers to be cut by 400Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:20:00 GMTScotland: social care dishonesty conduct cases risinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/14/113420/scotland-social-care-dishonesty-conduct-cases-rising.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/14/113420/scotland-social-care-dishonesty-conduct-cases-rising.htmlA growing proportion of cases involving dishonest behaviour by social care workers in Scotland are coming before the Scottish Social Services Council.Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:38:00 GMTVetting: safeguarding registration rules scaled downhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/14/113419/vetting-safeguarding-registration-rules-scaled-down.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/14/113419/vetting-safeguarding-registration-rules-scaled-down.htmlSocial care staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will only have to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority if they come into contact with service users at least once a week, ministers said today.Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:54:00 GMTCap on public sector pay fails to plug financial holehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113413/cap-on-public-sector-pay-fails-to-plug-financial-hole.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113413/cap-on-public-sector-pay-fails-to-plug-financial-hole.htmlThe 1% pay rise cap for social workers and other public sector staff will save the government £3.4bn, but it will still leave a £15bn gap to be filled by further cuts, the Institute of Fiscal Studies revealed today.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:14:00 GMTChild protection certificate launched to aid recruitmenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113411/child-protection-certificate-launched-to-aid-recruitment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113411/child-protection-certificate-launched-to-aid-recruitment.htmlBath Spa University is tackling recruitment and retention issues with a new child protection qualification for non-graduate social care workers.Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:06:00 GMTNews round up: Salford DCS sacked; pre-budget report; immigration centreshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113406/news-round-up-salford-dcs-sacked-pre-budget-report-immigration-centres.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/10/113406/news-round-up-salford-dcs-sacked-pre-budget-report-immigration-centres.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Head of Salford council children's services sacked for failings over murder of toddler Demi Leigh Mahon; Public sector pays with fiercest cuts; Move children out of migrant centres, say medical expertsThu, 10 Dec 2009 10:48:00 GMTPay increases for social workers to be capped at 1%http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113402/pay-increases-for-social-workers-to-be-capped-at-1.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113402/pay-increases-for-social-workers-to-be-capped-at-1.htmlSocial care workers in the public sector will see pay and pension increases capped at 1%, the chancellor announced today. Meanwhile, national insurance contributions by employers and employees are set to rise by 0.5% for those earning £20,000. (Picture credit: Rex Features)Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:14:00 GMTUnions angry over social worker 'pay freeze'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113405/unions-angry-over-social-worker-pay-freeze.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113405/unions-angry-over-social-worker-pay-freeze.htmlSocial workers feel "angry and betrayed" by plans to cap public sector pay rises to 1% from 2011-13, said the general secretary of Unison today. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:22:00 GMTAgency social worker jailed for burglary in Wiganhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113401/agency-social-worker-jailed-for-burglary-in-wigan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113401/agency-social-worker-jailed-for-burglary-in-wigan.htmlA social worker who stole furniture and cash from the home of a pensioner while she was in respite care has been jailed for four years.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:46:00 GMTGreenwich social workers ready to strike over pay cuthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113399/greenwich-social-workers-ready-to-strike-over-pay-cut.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113399/greenwich-social-workers-ready-to-strike-over-pay-cut.htmlSocial care workers in Greenwich Council's adults' services may strike over plans to cut their pay by £5,000 a year.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:53:00 GMTNews round up: Haringey social services; Whitehall cuts; Oneplacehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/09/113396/news-round-up-haringey-social-services-whitehall-cuts-oneplace.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Haringey social services still 'poor', says Ofsted a year after Baby P; Chancellor warns Whitehall of ‘real cuts’; Councils named and shamed by online audit of public services from bins to jails; Prison ministers accused over action on heroin; Darling is forced to delay pension boost.Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:09:00 GMTDoctors at Baby P hospital faced 'excessive workloads'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113388/doctors-at-baby-p-hospital-faced-excessive-workloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113388/doctors-at-baby-p-hospital-faced-excessive-workloads.htmlDoctors at the hospital where Baby Peter was seen two days before he died were struggling with excessive workloads, management difficulties and budget cuts at the time, according to NHS London. Picture: Rex FeaturesTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:35:00 GMTSocial workers have their say on the taskforce proposalshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113389/social-workers-have-their-say-on-the-taskforce-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113389/social-workers-have-their-say-on-the-taskforce-proposals.htmlThe taskforce found social workers in England suffered from staff shortages, inconsistent training, poor support from employers, weak leadership and a lack of understanding from the public and media. Here, we ask social workers from several local authorities what they think of the taskforce proposalsTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:21:00 GMTFree care funding threat to taskforce reformshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113382/free-care-funding-threat-to-taskforce-reforms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113382/free-care-funding-threat-to-taskforce-reforms.htmlCouncils have raised concerns about the difficulty of implementing the Social Work Task Force reforms while being asked to raise £250m a year to fund free personal care for adults. Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:16:00 GMTBromley-Derry: taskforce's national career structure is vitalhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113384/bromley-derry-taskforces-national-career-structure-is-vital.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/08/113384/bromley-derry-taskforces-national-career-structure-is-vital.html New career structure essential to ease staffing crisis but unions angry over pay ADCS chief says incentives needed to keep experienced practitioners...Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:22:00 GMTNapo threatens industrial action over Cafcass crisishttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113379/napo-threatens-industrial-action-over-cafcass-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113379/napo-threatens-industrial-action-over-cafcass-crisis.htmlFamily court union Napo has threatened industrial action unless Cafcass resolves issues of "soaring workloads, management bullying and low morale". Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:58:00 GMTGovernment launches 10-year mental health strategyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113374/government-launches-10-year-mental-health-strategy.htmlA 10-year mental health strategy centring on depression has been launched by the government today. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:33:00 GMTNews round up: CQC head to resign; at-risk children; CRB checks; welfare services stretchedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113372/news-round-up-cqc-head-to-resign-at-risk-children-crb-checks-welfare-services-stretched.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/07/113372/news-round-up-cqc-head-to-resign-at-risk-children-crb-checks-welfare-services-stretched.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Baroness Young to resign from CQC; Nearly 127,000 children forced to have criminal record checks each year; Welfare services will struggle to cope with ‘epidemic’ of stress and loneliness Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:51:00 GMTAdass's Owen attacks CQC over treatment of eight councilshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/04/113366/adasss-owen-attacks-cqc-over-treatment-of-eight-councils.htmlThe Association of Directors of Adult Social Services' president has lambasted the Care Quality Commission over its treatment of the eight councils rated 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment. Jenny Owen said most of the eight did not know that they were going to be categorised as "priority for improvement" following yesterday's assessment until Owen informed them earlier this week. Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMTCQC ratings: Reactions from the sectorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113333/cqc-ratings-reactions-from-the-sector.htmlThe Care Quality Commission published its annual performance assessment of local authority adult social care today, along with a report looking at how care providers are doing against CQC's quality ratings system and the national minimum standards. Here are some of the reactions from sector bodies.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:23:00 GMTEight councils face CQC scrutiny after adequate ratinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113354/eight-councils-face-cqc-scrutiny-after-adequate-rating.htmlEight councils will face added scrutiny from the Care Quality Commission over the coming year after receiving an adequate rating in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:23:00 GMTDropped memo reveals Phil Hope’s views on social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113361/dropped-memo-reveals-phil-hopes-views-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113361/dropped-memo-reveals-phil-hopes-views-on-social-care.html Care services minister Phil Hope thinks that social work regulation is not as rigorous as health regulation, a memo seen by Community Care reveals. The...Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:25:00 GMTSouthwark lambasts CQC ratings after downgradehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113347/southwark-lambasts-cqc-ratings-after-downgrade.htmlSouthwark Council has demanded an urgent parliamentary review of the Care Quality Commission after the regulator downgraded the London borough from 'excellent' to 'adequate' in this year's annual performance assessment.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:18:00 GMTTaskforce: Pay social workers to reflect their standinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113337/taskforce-pay-social-workers-to-reflect-their-standing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113337/taskforce-pay-social-workers-to-reflect-their-standing.htmlA new national career structure for social workers in England will ensure their pay more accurately reflects their skills and experience, under plans laid out by the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:18:00 GMTTaskforce proposals leave current students 'no worse off'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113352/taskforce-proposals-leave-current-students-no-worse-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113352/taskforce-proposals-leave-current-students-no-worse-off.htmlA leading academic is seeking to allay social work students' fears over changes to training proposed in the social work taskforce report.Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:14:00 GMTCare ratings; hate crime probe; poverty up; child protection rowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113344/care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113344/care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Nearly 4,000 adult social services criticised over level of care provided; Boy, two, is snatched by social workers after refusing doctor's advice to feed him junk food; Action on disability hate crimesThu, 03 Dec 2009 08:28:00 GMTNews round up: Care ratings; hate crime probe; poverty up; child protection rowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/03/113343/news-round-up-care-ratings-hate-crime-probe-poverty-up-child-protection-row.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Nearly 4,000 adult social services criticised over level of care provided; Boy, two, is snatched by social workers after refusing doctor's advice to feed him junk food; Action on disability hate crimesThu, 03 Dec 2009 08:25:00 GMTFunding doubts raised at Social Work Task Force proposalshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113328/funding-doubts-raised-at-social-work-task-force-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113328/funding-doubts-raised-at-social-work-task-force-proposals.htmlThe Social Work Task Force's recommendations on a probationary year, a college of social work and a binding standard for employers on caseloads and continuing professional development (CPD) have been welcomed by academics, charities and social workers. But there are concerns about how the recommendations will be funded.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:47:00 GMTResources barrier to taskforce's practice-based masters planhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113345/resources-barrier-to-taskforces-practice-based-masters-plan.htmlThe practice-based masters degree proposed in the taskforce will need dedicated time and money from local authorities if it is to materialise, a member of...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:45:00 GMTTaskforce: case complexity should decide caseload capshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113331/taskforce-case-complexity-should-decide-caseload-caps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113331/taskforce-case-complexity-should-decide-caseload-caps.htmlIndividual employers should be responsible for capping social workers' caseloads according to the complexity of cases, the chair of the Social Work Task...Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:20:00 GMTTaskforce calls for 'health check' on workloadshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113336/taskforce-calls-for-health-check-on-workloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113336/taskforce-calls-for-health-check-on-workloads.htmlSocial workers in England will be able to gauge employers' performance on caseloads and support for frontline practitioners under plans laid out by the Social Work Task Force. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:16:00 GMTTaskforce plans 'may neglect adults' services and mental health'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113335/taskforce-plans-may-neglect-adults-services-and-mental-health.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113335/taskforce-plans-may-neglect-adults-services-and-mental-health.htmlReforms introduced on the back of the Social Work Task Force's final report must not neglect the specific needs of practitioners in adults' services and mental health, experts have warned.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:12:00 GMTTaskforce calls for media drive to boost image of social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113310/taskforce-calls-for-media-drive-to-boost-image-of-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Task Force has called on the sector to launch media campaigns to improve public understanding and highlight the importance of the social work role. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:10:00 GMTTaskforce: Tories and Lib Dems 'would go further'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113340/taskforce-tories-and-lib-dems-would-go-further.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113340/taskforce-tories-and-lib-dems-would-go-further.htmlThe main opposition parties have backed the Social Work Task Force's recommendations, but say they would go even further if they win next year's general election. However, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats remain vague as to how the recommendations should be funded. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:08:00 GMTWelsh social services directors told to boost joint workinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/02/113330/welsh-social-services-directors-told-to-boost-joint-working.htmlWelsh social services directors have been challenged to improve collaboration both between councils and with health partners by Welsh deputy minister for social services Gwenda Thomas.Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:59:00 GMTHaringey recruits US social workers to children's serviceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113326/haringey-recruits-us-social-workers-to-childrens-services.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113326/haringey-recruits-us-social-workers-to-childrens-services.htmlHaringey Council has recruited social workers from America to boost the quality of children's services and rely less on agency staff.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:59:00 GMTNews round-up: Skunk risk of psychosis; Marriage policy clashhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113325/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlSacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:25:00 GMTNews round-up: Skunk risk of psychosis; Marriage policy clashhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113324/news-round-up-skunk-risk-of-psychosis-marriage-policy-clash.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Sacked for fighting...the expert in handling aggressive children; Tories and Labour clash over marriage policy and Cash-strapped council lavishes £100,000 on 'bin police' to make sure people recycle correctly Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:24:00 GMTMinisters back taskforce plan to overhaul social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113307/ministers-back-taskforce-plan-to-overhaul-social-work.htmlSocial workers will gain a stronger collective voice through the first ever national college for the profession, after the government accepted all of the recommendations in a 10-year reform programme proposed by the Social Work Task Force today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:20:00 GMTCouncils plan training and recruitment cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113300/councils-plan-training-and-recruitment-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113300/councils-plan-training-and-recruitment-cuts.htmlCouncils are cutting recruitment and training budgets for social work and other social care roles as they grapple with recessionary pressures, an exclusive Community Care survey has found.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:18:00 GMTADCS and Adass: Social Work Task Force plan must be resourcedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113309/adcs-and-adass-social-work-task-force-plan-must-be-resourced.htmlFunding the Social Work Task Force's reforms will not be possible from current budgets the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) have warned.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:50:00 GMTEd Balls: no ringfenced cash for taskforce proposalshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113327/ed-balls-no-ringfenced-cash-for-taskforce-proposals.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113327/ed-balls-no-ringfenced-cash-for-taskforce-proposals.htmlAdditional public funding to implement the recommendations outlined by the Social Work Task Force will not be ring-fenced, children's secretary Ed Balls told a press conference today.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:49:00 GMTSocial work Task Force: Career progression and developmenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113315/social-work-task-force-career-progression-and-development.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on continuing professional development.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:37:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Initial traininghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113318/social-work-task-force-initial-training.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on initial training.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:35:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Employer support for practitionershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113317/social-work-task-force-employer-support-for-practitioners.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on employer support for social workers, supervision and workload management.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:34:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Payhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113311/social-work-task-force-pay.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on pay.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:32:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Past reviews of the professionhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113312/social-work-task-force-past-reviews-of-the-profession.htmlThe social work profession has been subject to many wide-ranging reviews over the past 40 years but, after landing on ministers' desks, they do not always have the impact on policy intended by the reports' authors. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:31:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: How would a licence to practise work?http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113308/social-work-task-force-how-would-a-licence-to-practise-work.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's to require social workers to obtain a licence to practise, drawing on experience from the medical profession.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: Workforce planninghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113313/social-work-task-force-workforce-planning.htmlBackground to the Social Work Task Force's recommendations on workforce planning.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:28:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: National college of social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113314/social-work-task-force-national-college-of-social-work.htmlBackground on Social Work Task Force's proposal to create a national college of social work.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force timelinehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/12/01/113319/social-work-task-force-timeline.htmlTimeline of key events leading up to the final report of the Social Work Task Force.Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:24:00 GMTNews round up: Baby P latest; Family courts cuts; Ed Balls; GSCChttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113292/news-round-up-baby-p-latest-family-courts-cuts-ed-balls-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/30/113292/news-round-up-baby-p-latest-family-courts-cuts-ed-balls-gscc.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Cuts warning over family courts; Stable relationships are key to tackling family breakdown, says Ed Balls; Ofsted ‘destroyed Baby P files’ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:55:00 GMTGSCC wants to link funding to quality of traininghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113286/gscc-wants-to-link-funding-to-quality-of-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/27/113286/gscc-wants-to-link-funding-to-quality-of-training.htmlUniversities and employers in England which provide high-quality placements for social work students could be rewarded with extra funding from next year.Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:35:00 GMTSocial Work Taskforce to unveil plans on Tuesdayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113261/social-work-taskforce-to-unveil-plans-on-tuesday.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113261/social-work-taskforce-to-unveil-plans-on-tuesday.htmlThe Social Work Task Force will announce on Tuesday its recommendations for building a stronger future for the profession in England.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:46:00 GMT'Take pay cut or leave' demand angers Derbyshire care staffhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113264/take-pay-cut-or-leave-demand-angers-derbyshire-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113264/take-pay-cut-or-leave-demand-angers-derbyshire-care-staff.htmlSocial care staff at Derbyshire Council feel "devalued and angry" at being told to accept pay cuts of up to £3,000 or leave their jobs, according to union...Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:01:00 GMT'Grow your own' training schemes to tackle recruitment crisishttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113262/grow-your-own-training-schemes-to-tackle-recruitment-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/26/113262/grow-your-own-training-schemes-to-tackle-recruitment-crisis.htmlEmployers should hire dedicated co-ordinators to oversee "grow your own" training schemes to help tackle the recruitment crisis in social work, according to new guidance from the General Social Care Council.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:45:00 GMT'UK social workers have most responsibility in Europe'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113251/uk-social-workers-have-most-responsibility-in-europe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113251/uk-social-workers-have-most-responsibility-in-europe.htmlChildren's social workers in England have more responsibility and a wider remit than many of their European counterparts, according to a report published...Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:12:00 GMTNews round up: Care bill; child death probe; domestic violencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/25/113246/news-round-up-care-bill-child-death-probe-domestic-violence.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Cancer research at risk in scramble for care funds; Domestic violence victims need targeted support; Fuel bills blamed for 50% rise in deaths; MPs back calls to scrap short prison terms for young adultsWed, 25 Nov 2009 10:01:00 GMTDomestic violence: Independent advisers help cut abuse levelshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113243/domestic-violence-independent-advisers-help-cut-abuse-levels.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113243/domestic-violence-independent-advisers-help-cut-abuse-levels.htmlLevels of severe domestic violence can be cut significantly and big savings made in public resources through investment in independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs), research has found.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:46:00 GMTOfsted rejects 'tick-box' view of caseload limitshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113242/ofsted-rejects-tick-box-view-of-caseload-limits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113242/ofsted-rejects-tick-box-view-of-caseload-limits.html Ofsted does not intend to do any work around setting limits on social worker caseloads according to its new director of development for social care. Speaking...Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:18:00 GMTNews round up: Ofsted under fire; Baby P latesthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113233/news-round-up-ofsted-under-fire-baby-p-latest.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113233/news-round-up-ofsted-under-fire-baby-p-latest.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Ofsted attacked over child protection; Baby P pair face more 'charges'; Tim Loughton: Ticking boxes doesn't protect childrenTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:11:00 GMTDH backs calls to tackle mental health problems among staff http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113232/dh-backs-calls-to-tackle-mental-health-problems-among-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/24/113232/dh-backs-calls-to-tackle-mental-health-problems-among-staff.html The government has accepted in full the recommendations of an NHS occupational health review that found staff were suffering from high levels of mental ill-health. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:43:00 GMTSkills experts welcome idea for mandatory training yearhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113228/skills-experts-welcome-idea-for-mandatory-training-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113228/skills-experts-welcome-idea-for-mandatory-training-year.html Social work trainers have welcomed a proposal for a mandatory year of supervised practice and continued learning for all newly qualified practitioners in...Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:49:00 GMTRow between directors and Ofsted escalates http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113222/row-between-directors-and-ofsted-escalates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113222/row-between-directors-and-ofsted-escalates.htmlThe row between directors and Ofsted escalated today, with directors (led by Kim Bromley-Derry, pictured) challenging the watchdog to radically change its inspection models. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:59:00 GMTSkills for Care chief to retire next yearhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113223/skills-for-care-chief-to-retire-next-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/23/113223/skills-for-care-chief-to-retire-next-year.htmlThe chief executive of Skills for Care, Andrea Rowe, is retiring in 2010 after 10 years of leading the skills council and its predecessor body, Topss England. David...Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:18:00 GMTRosie Varley: 'my first year at the GSCC has been a tough one'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113217/rosie-varley-my-first-year-at-the-gscc-has-been-a-tough-one.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113217/rosie-varley-my-first-year-at-the-gscc-has-been-a-tough-one.htmlRosie Varley has had a turbulent first year as chair of the General Social Care Council. In an exclusive interview she tells Community Care how the GSCC is coping under special measures imposed by government, two weeks after a report by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence slammed the organisation's performance in the regulation of social workers' conduct.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:49:00 GMTSenior social workers' pay falls shorthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113211/senior-social-workers-pay-falls-short.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/20/113211/senior-social-workers-pay-falls-short.htmlSenior social workers are paid nearly 3% less on average than teachers and 11% less than police officers with equivalent levels of experience, a Unison study has found. Picture: AlamyFri, 20 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT'Voyeur' social worker who filmed up women's skirts is barredhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113200/voyeur-social-worker-who-filmed-up-womens-skirts-is-barred.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113200/voyeur-social-worker-who-filmed-up-womens-skirts-is-barred.htmlMichael Bird, a senior social worker who used a hidden camera to film up women’s skirts for "his own sexual gratification" while employed by North Tyneside Council has been struck off.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:15:00 GMTTaskforce wants a probationary year for social work graduateshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113199/taskforce-wants-a-probationary-year-for-social-work-graduates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113199/taskforce-wants-a-probationary-year-for-social-work-graduates.htmlSocial work graduates in England will be required to complete a probationary year of supervised practice before being allowed to register, under recommendations due to be included in the final report of the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:59:00 GMTSocial worker who lied about her child's injuries is struck offhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113196/social-worker-who-lied-about-her-childs-injuries-is-struck-off.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113196/social-worker-who-lied-about-her-childs-injuries-is-struck-off.html A heroin-addicted social worker who placed her 13-month-old daughter's life at risk by lying to doctors about injuries caused by the girl's father has been struck offThu, 19 Nov 2009 13:42:00 GMTNews round-up: Free care; swine flu; youth unemploymenthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113193/news-round-up-free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMTFree care; swine flu; youth unemployment; social enterprisehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/19/113194/free-care-swine-flu-youth-unemployment-social-enterprise.htmlHeadlines in today's papers include:- Gordon Brown's bid to defuse youth unemployment timebomb; Swine flu surge among UK children may lead to intensive care bed shortage; Labour peers savage Brown's free care planThu, 19 Nov 2009 08:18:00 GMTGovernment pledges swift response to taskforce reporthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113190/government-pledges-swift-response-to-taskforce-report.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113190/government-pledges-swift-response-to-taskforce-report.htmlThe government has pledged to respond to the Social Work Task Force's report in a similar manner to its swift response to Lord Laming's report on child protection. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:07:00 GMTCare UK profits up 25%http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113188/care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113188/care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Queen's speech 2009: child poverty bill; Facebook 'fails to protect children'; Free care at home for 'all who need it': Brown pledges £670million Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMTNews round up: Care UK profits up 25%http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113187/news-round-up-care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/18/113187/news-round-up-care-uk-profits-up-25.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Queen's speech 2009: child poverty bill; Facebook 'fails to protect children'; Free care at home for 'all who need it': Brown pledges £670million Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:59:00 GMTNigel Clarke: GSCC conduct system should be standardisedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113185/nigel-clarke-gscc-conduct-system-should-be-standardised.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113185/nigel-clarke-gscc-conduct-system-should-be-standardised.htmlNigel Clarke, who spoke at the GSCC's annual conference last month, reiterated the need for conduct functions across different regulatory bodies to be "harmonised", to improve public understanding.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:17:00 GMTSocial worker 'practised while on heroin'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113184/social-worker-practised-while-on-heroin.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/17/113184/social-worker-practised-while-on-heroin.htmlA social worker who allegedly practised for nearly two years while using heroin is facing removal from the register. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:18:00 GMTCouncils asked to report impact of swine flu on social carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113178/councils-asked-to-report-impact-of-swine-flu-on-social-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113178/councils-asked-to-report-impact-of-swine-flu-on-social-care.htmlEnglish councils are being asked to provide weekly reports on how social services in their areas are coping with pandemic flu.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:06:00 GMTBaby P social workers: GSCC yet to decide on conduct proceedingshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113172/baby-p-social-workers-gscc-yet-to-decide-on-conduct-proceedings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/16/113172/baby-p-social-workers-gscc-yet-to-decide-on-conduct-proceedings.htmlThe General Social Care Council is yet to decide whether to bring conduct proceedings against social workers involved in the baby Peter case, one year after...Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:43:00 GMTSocial workers gather for BASW rally: video highlightshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113164/social-workers-gather-for-basw-rally-video-highlights.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113164/social-workers-gather-for-basw-rally-video-highlights.htmlPoliticians from the three major parties joined social workers and service users at a rally in London in defence of the social work profession this week.Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:52:00 GMTChildren's social workers can be recruited from outside Europehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113166/childrens-social-workers-can-be-recruited-from-outside-europe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113166/childrens-social-workers-can-be-recruited-from-outside-europe.html Children's social workers can be recruited from outside Europe for the second year running after the government accepted recommendations from the Migration...Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:58:00 GMTBASW to devolve more central power to the four UK regionshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113165/basw-to-devolve-more-central-power-to-the-four-uk-regions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/13/113165/basw-to-devolve-more-central-power-to-the-four-uk-regions.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers is to devolve more power and resources to committees representing the four UK regions. The move was decided...Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:36:00 GMTLGA: Baby Peter case hits social worker retention rateshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113121/lga-baby-peter-case-hits-social-worker-retention-rates.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/12/113121/lga-baby-peter-case-hits-social-worker-retention-rates.htmlCouncils are finding it increasingly difficult to hold on to children's social workers in the wake of the baby Peter case, according to a Local Government Association survey.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:03:00 GMTCWDC: adverts cue for surge in applicationshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/11/113124/cwdc-adverts-cue-for-surge-in-applications.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/11/113124/cwdc-adverts-cue-for-surge-in-applications.htmlMore than 30,000 people have registered interest in becoming children's social workers following the launch of the...Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:21:00 GMTSocial worker struck off for offering whisky to alcoholic clienthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/10/113118/social-worker-struck-off-for-offering-whisky-to-alcoholic-client.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/10/113118/social-worker-struck-off-for-offering-whisky-to-alcoholic-client.htmlA social worker who offered whisky to a client he helped through detox for alcohol dependency has been struck off.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:31:00 GMTSwansea social worker wins compensation after conduct reversalhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113113/swansea-social-worker-wins-compensation-after-conduct-reversal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113113/swansea-social-worker-wins-compensation-after-conduct-reversal.htmlA social worker sacked after being wrongly struck off the register for misconduct has accepted £8,800 in compensation from the council that employed her. Swansea...Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:32:00 GMTGSCC dismisses chief executive Mike Wardlehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113111/gscc-dismisses-chief-executive-mike-wardle.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113111/gscc-dismisses-chief-executive-mike-wardle.htmlThe General Social Care Council has sacked its chief executive, Mike Wardle, in the wake of a damning review of the organisation's conduct system.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:02:00 GMTUnison: Scottish children's home workers face training crisishttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113105/unison-scottish-childrens-home-workers-face-training-crisis.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/09/113105/unison-scottish-childrens-home-workers-face-training-crisis.htmlScottish children's home workers may struggle to meet new minimum qualification requirements because of possible cuts in training budgets caused by the recession, Unison has warned.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:02:00 GMTPlans for reform of GSCC's role spark debate and discordhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/07/113094/plans-for-reform-of-gsccs-role-spark-debate-and-discord.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/07/113094/plans-for-reform-of-gsccs-role-spark-debate-and-discord.htmlThe exposure of the parlous state of the General Social Care Council's conduct system, which hands out judgements against social workers for poor standards,...Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:38:00 GMTCHRE proposals for reform in the GSCC conduct hearing systemhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113080/chre-proposals-for-reform-in-the-gscc-conduct-hearing-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113080/chre-proposals-for-reform-in-the-gscc-conduct-hearing-system.htmlThe Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence has made 20 recommendations in its report into the General Social Care Council's conduct function, ordered by the Department of Health after a backlog of around 200 unallocated cases was discovered earlier this year. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:24:00 GMTChildren's services directors' leadership course under wayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113069/childrens-services-directors-leadership-course-under-way.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113069/childrens-services-directors-leadership-course-under-way.html Balls' bid to sharpen leaders' skills under way daniel.lombard@rbi.co.uk A training programme to develop the leadership skills of England's directors...Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:44:00 GMTEx-GSCC member blames government for conduct messhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113073/ex-gscc-member-blames-government-for-conduct-mess.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113073/ex-gscc-member-blames-government-for-conduct-mess.htmlBill McClimont has accused the government of instructing the GSCC to ignore all but the most serious conduct cases to avoid overspending its budget.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:02:00 GMTSector leaders react to CHRE report on GSCC conduct flawshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113071/sector-leaders-react-to-chre-report-on-gscc-conduct-flaws.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113071/sector-leaders-react-to-chre-report-on-gscc-conduct-flaws.htmlThe Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence's review of the General Social Care Council's conduct department, revealed a long history of failings. Social work leaders are already debating how the regulator should move forward from such a critical assessment - including some who said they were not surprised at the seriousness of the revelations. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:31:00 GMTNews round up: Social work row parents reunited with babyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113068/news-round-up-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113068/news-round-up-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter of couple who committed suicide calls for assisted dying debate; Managers 'one of the biggest threats to workers’ mental health' Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:27:00 GMTGSCC given six months by DH to improve conduct system http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113074/gscc-given-six-months-by-dh-to-improve-conduct-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113074/gscc-given-six-months-by-dh-to-improve-conduct-system.htmlThe General Social Care Council has been given six months to turn its performance around in the wake of a damning report into its regulation of social workers'...Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:56:00 GMT'Too fat' social work row parents reunited with babyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113070/too-fat-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113070/too-fat-social-work-row-parents-reunited-with-baby.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter of couple who committed suicide calls for assisted dying debate; Managers 'one of the biggest threats to workers’ mental health' Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:56:00 GMTNice: Employers must tackle mental health stigmahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113067/nice-employers-must-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/05/113067/nice-employers-must-tackle-mental-health-stigma.htmlEmployers must combat the stigma around mental health in the workplace and encourage flexible working as part of measures to improve mental wellbeing for employees.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:16:00 GMTDH accepts need for GSCC flexibility with conduct sanctionshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113064/dh-accepts-need-for-gscc-flexibility-with-conduct-sanctions.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113064/dh-accepts-need-for-gscc-flexibility-with-conduct-sanctions.htmlThe Department of Health has accepted the need for a major overhaul of the General Social Care Council's conduct system after a damning...Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:42:00 GMTSocial care regulator slammed over conduct failingshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113058/social-care-regulator-slammed-over-conduct-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113058/social-care-regulator-slammed-over-conduct-failings.htmlThe General Social Care Council failed to ensure public safety by deliberately holding up conduct cases in order to save money, according to a shocking assessment by a government watchdog.Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:23:00 GMTCharity says 9% of disabled people have been victims of hate crimehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113060/charity-says-9-of-disabled-people-have-been-victims-of-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113060/charity-says-9-of-disabled-people-have-been-victims-of-hate-crime.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Final hammer blow for social care pledge; Crass public sector cuts would wreak lasting social and economic damage, warns union leaderWed, 04 Nov 2009 07:38:00 GMTNews round up: '9% of disabled people victims of hate crime'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113059/news-round-up-9-of-disabled-people-victims-of-hate-crime.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/11/04/113059/news-round-up-9-of-disabled-people-victims-of-hate-crime.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Final hammer blow for social care pledge; Crass public sector cuts would wreak lasting social and economic damage, warns union leaderWed, 04 Nov 2009 07:37:00 GMTGovernment 'must improve pay' to raise quality in home carehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113011/government-must-improve-pay-to-raise-quality-in-home-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/30/113011/government-must-improve-pay-to-raise-quality-in-home-care.htmlPay and conditions are crucial to the government’s attempts to professionalise England’s 300,000 home care workers through registration, a sector leader has said.Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:54:00 GMTSocial worker struck off for sexually abusing stepdaughterhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113006/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexually-abusing-stepdaughter.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113006/social-worker-struck-off-for-sexually-abusing-stepdaughter.htmlA social worker who subjected his stepdaughter to years of sexual abuse has been struck off.Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:41:00 GMTSocial worker struck off for stealing £50,000 from charityhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113002/social-worker-struck-off-for-stealing-50000-from-charity.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/29/113002/social-worker-struck-off-for-stealing-50000-from-charity.htmlA shopaholic service director who stole over £50,000 in cash from the charity she worked for has been struck off. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:52:00 GMTNew centre pledges to drive up standards of case inquirieshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112998/new-centre-pledges-to-drive-up-standards-of-case-inquiries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112998/new-centre-pledges-to-drive-up-standards-of-case-inquiries.htmlA new centre for inquiries into the deaths of children and vulnerable adults is being launched by two universities to help services learn lessons from serious cases.Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:14:00 GMTUnison members vote for industrial action in Birminghamhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112993/unison-members-vote-for-industrial-action-in-birmingham.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/28/112993/unison-members-vote-for-industrial-action-in-birmingham.html Unison members at Birmingham Council have voted to take industrial action after 47 of its members in adult services were made redundant. The job losses will come into effect next month and are caused by the closure of nine council-owned care homes. They have “traumatised a whole lot of people”, said Graeme Horn, joint branch secretary of Unison’s Birmingham branch. The 47 members include care assistants and managers. There will be a total of 180 redundancies in the council's adult care services. Work to rule Horn said a ballot of members had showed “strong support” for taking some form of action, such as working to rule. Unison is aggrieved at the decision to issue compulsory rather than voluntary redundancies, and the lack of support offered to people hoping to find alternative jobs elsewhere in the council after being made redundant. Union wants more support for members “In our learning disability services we have four or five homes and two day centres, which have been...Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:08:00 GMTSocial workers gather to debate bureaucratic burdenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/113026/social-workers-gather-to-debate-bureaucratic-burden.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/113026/social-workers-gather-to-debate-bureaucratic-burden.htmlSocial workers have organised a special conference to share their concerns about the state of the profession.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:36:00 GMTUnions lodge claim for 2.5% local government pay deal in 2010http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112990/unions-lodge-claim-for-2.5-local-government-pay-deal-in-2010.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112990/unions-lodge-claim-for-2.5-local-government-pay-deal-in-2010.htmlPublic sector unions are lobbying for a 2.5% pay increase for local government staff across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 2010-11.Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:34:00 GMTBaby P's mother drops appeal against sentencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112986/baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112986/baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Children of prisoners not considered by 90% of local authorities; Jail release 'cover-up' as 48 criminals are freed to murder and rape in a single yearTue, 27 Oct 2009 09:56:00 GMTNews round up: Baby P's mother drops appeal against sentencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112985/news-round-up-baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/27/112985/news-round-up-baby-ps-mother-drops-appeal-against-sentence.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Children of prisoners not considered by 90% of local authorities; Jail release 'cover-up' as 48 criminals are freed to murder and rape in a single yearTue, 27 Oct 2009 09:55:00 GMTDH considers national social worker of the year awardhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/26/112984/dh-considers-national-social-worker-of-the-year-award.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/26/112984/dh-considers-national-social-worker-of-the-year-award.htmlThe Department of Health is considering the case for a government-sponsored social worker of the year award in England.Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:34:00 GMTEd Balls and Hilton Dawson lock horns at national conferencehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/23/112960/ed-balls-and-hilton-dawson-lock-horns-at-national-conference.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/23/112960/ed-balls-and-hilton-dawson-lock-horns-at-national-conference.htmlSparks fly at the National Social Services conference between Ed Balls and Hilton Dawson as Balls claims social workers are “barking up the wrong tree” when they blame child protection failures on too much bureaucracy.Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:04:00 GMTSocial care data service launched to boost performance managementhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112939/social-care-data-service-launched-to-boost-performance-management.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112939/social-care-data-service-launched-to-boost-performance-management.htmlAn adult social care information system designed to boost performance management within local authorities is being formally launched today at the National Children and Adult Services Conference.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:39:00 GMTNews digest: NHS bans ageismhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/22/112938/news-digest-nhs-bans-ageism.htmlAgeism in the NHS, which turns elderly patients into second-class citizens, is to be outlawed.Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:32:00 GMTSocial workers stretched and overburdened http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112926/social-workers-stretched-and-overburdened.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112926/social-workers-stretched-and-overburdened.htmlChildren's social workers are dealing with up to 60 cases at a time while half of staff and managers in both children's and adult care work more than their contracted hours. (Pic: Rex Features) Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:49:00 GMTNews round up: Thousands more children put in care as staff fear another Baby Phttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112921/news-round-up-thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112921/news-round-up-thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Girl, 16, died from heroin overdose despite mother's pleas for social services to save her daughter; Labour drive to make services more efficient Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMTThousands more children put in care as staff fear another Baby Phttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112922/thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/21/112922/thousands-more-children-put-in-care-as-staff-fear-another-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Girl, 16, died from heroin overdose despite mother's pleas for social services to save her daughter; Labour drive to make services more efficient Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:02:00 GMTBASW membership numbers 'hit record levels'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/20/112917/basw-membership-numbers-hit-record-levels.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/20/112917/basw-membership-numbers-hit-record-levels.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has announced record membership levels with 12,100 practitioners, or one in every eight, represented by the organisation.Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:13:00 GMTGSCC: Registration delay not solely down to conduct issuehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112912/gscc-registration-delay-not-solely-down-to-conduct-issue.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112912/gscc-registration-delay-not-solely-down-to-conduct-issue.htmlThe General Social Care Council has endorsed claims that the latest delay to the registration of home care workers was influenced by a debate over what form regulation of the workforce should take.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:38:00 GMTDH tells adult care directors to get ready for swine flu vaccinehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/19/112906/dh-tells-adult-care-directors-to-get-ready-for-swine-flu-vaccine.htmlThe Department of Health has written to adult social care directors urging them to finalise plans to vaccinate frontline social care staff against swine flu, with the inoculation programme due to begin this month.Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:33:00 GMTUKHCA vice-chair: DH 'misleading' over home care registrationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112870/ukhca-vice-chair-dh-misleading-over-home-care-registration.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112870/ukhca-vice-chair-dh-misleading-over-home-care-registration.htmlUnited Kingdom Homecare Association vice-chair Bill McClimont has accused the Department of Health of disingenuousness and putting users at risk by delaying the registration of home care workers.Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:42:00 GMTSocial worker: 'God told me to give cash to vulnerable mother'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112880/social-worker-god-told-me-to-give-cash-to-vulnerable-mother.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/16/112880/social-worker-god-told-me-to-give-cash-to-vulnerable-mother.htmlA social worker has told a conduct committee that God told him to give cash to a vulnerable mother so she could visit a Nigerian 'prophet'.Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:16:00 GMTSCRs: Boards driving improvements and learning lessonshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112875/scrs-boards-driving-improvements-and-learning-lessons.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112875/scrs-boards-driving-improvements-and-learning-lessons.htmlLocal safeguarding children's boards (LSCBs) are driving improvements in serious case reviews Ofsted's second report, ‘Learning lessons from serious case reviews: Year 2’, has found. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:36:00 GMTDeidre Sanders tells GSCC conference 'tide has turned'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112878/deidre-sanders-tells-gscc-conference-tide-has-turned.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112878/deidre-sanders-tells-gscc-conference-tide-has-turned.htmlThe “tide has turned” in media reporting of social work, according to The Sun’s agony aunt Deidre Sanders.Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:04:00 GMTConduct: Social worker gave mother cash to visit 'prophet'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112877/conduct-social-worker-gave-mother-cash-to-visit-prophet.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112877/conduct-social-worker-gave-mother-cash-to-visit-prophet.htmlA social worker has admitted giving a vulnerable mother cash to visit a Nigerian 'prophet', telling her she needed "a miracle". Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:24:00 GMTGSCC head Paul Snell: Social work 'on verge of renaissance'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112871/gscc-head-paul-snell-social-work-on-verge-of-renaissance.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/15/112871/gscc-head-paul-snell-social-work-on-verge-of-renaissance.htmlThe new boss of the General Social Care Council said social work was “on the verge of a renaissance” after a proposed national college won the backing of the regulator and almost all delegates at its annual conference yesterday.Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:44:00 GMTGSCC: investigators hired to strengthen conduct systemhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/14/112856/gscc-investigators-hired-to-strengthen-conduct-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/14/112856/gscc-investigators-hired-to-strengthen-conduct-system.htmlThe General Social Care Council has pledged to tackle weaknesses in its problem-hit conduct department with the appointment of 63 freelance investigators, Community Care has learned.Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:54:00 GMTMorale among social workers at a five year low http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112843/morale-among-social-workers-at-a-five-year-low.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112843/morale-among-social-workers-at-a-five-year-low.htmlMorale among social workers is at a five year low and the government should appoint a chief social worker, according to a group of social work employment agencies. (Pic credit: Alamy) Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:34:00 GMTNAS says job centres are failing autistic adultshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112847/nas-says-job-centres-are-failing-autistic-adults.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112847/nas-says-job-centres-are-failing-autistic-adults.htmlThe employment and benefits system is consigning many adults with autism to poverty due to a lack of specialist support, a National Autistic Society report said today.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:20:00 GMTNational Skills Academy for Social Care launches todayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112848/national-skills-academy-for-social-care-launches-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/13/112848/national-skills-academy-for-social-care-launches-today.htmlThe National Skills Academy for Social Care is being formally launched today with a remit to improve the skills, management, quantity and status of England’s 1.5 million-strong adult social care workforce.Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:03:00 GMTDH suspends long-delayed registration of home care staffhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112838/dh-suspends-long-delayed-registration-of-home-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/12/112838/dh-suspends-long-delayed-registration-of-home-care-staff.htmlThe long-awaited registration of home care workers in England by the General Social Care Council has been put on hold because of the problems identified in its conduct system. (Pic: Alamy) Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:20:00 GMTOne-third of social workers on anti-depressants in South Easthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112836/one-third-of-social-workers-on-anti-depressants-in-south-east.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112836/one-third-of-social-workers-on-anti-depressants-in-south-east.htmlMore than a third of council social workers in south east England are taking anti-depressants or other medication, according to Unison.Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:51:00 GMTShoesmith sent text appeal to Ofsted inspectorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112822/shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112822/shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include:- David Cameron's war on the state; Pre-admission MRSA screening may harm patients, says doctor; Thousands of asylum seekers allowed to stay to clear backlog Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:34:00 GMTNews round-up: Shoesmith sent text appeal to Ofsted inspectorhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112818/news-round-up-shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/09/112818/news-round-up-shoesmith-sent-text-appeal-to-ofsted-inspector.htmlOther headlines in today's paper include:- David Cameron's war on the state; Pre-admission MRSA screening may harm patients, says doctor; Thousands of asylum seekers allowed to stay to clear backlog Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:33:00 GMTTaskforce finalising plan for 'consultant' social workers http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112789/taskforce-finalising-plan-for-consultant-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112789/taskforce-finalising-plan-for-consultant-social-workers.htmlThe Social Work Task Force is finalising proposals for an advanced or "consultant" social worker status as part of a national career structure to keep experienced practitioners on the front- line.Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:35:00 GMTNews round up: Sharon Shoesmith seeks compensationhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112805/news-round-up-sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112805/news-round-up-sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter sees father jailed for three decades of sexual abuse; Scots could get pay rise while England freeze; Mother of suicide girl Neve Lafferty speaks about her lossThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:43:00 GMTSharon Shoesmith seeks compensation for sacking over Baby Phttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112806/sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation-for-sacking-over-baby-p.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/08/112806/sharon-shoesmith-seeks-compensation-for-sacking-over-baby-p.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Daughter sees father jailed for three decades of sexual abuse; Scots could get pay rise while England freeze; Mother of suicide girl Neve Lafferty speaks about her lossThu, 08 Oct 2009 08:42:00 GMTUnions slam Tory proposals to freeze social workers' payhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112804/unions-slam-tory-proposals-to-freeze-social-workers-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112804/unions-slam-tory-proposals-to-freeze-social-workers-pay.htmlTrade unions have slammed Tory proposals to freeze pay for local authority social workers and care staff in 2011. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:08:00 GMTToo many children being taken into care says social services chief http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112802/too-many-children-being-taken-into-care-says-social-services-chief.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112802/too-many-children-being-taken-into-care-says-social-services-chief.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Shoesmith launches legal challenge against Ed Balls; New child safety unit to help social workers; Vaccine may help treatment for cocaine addiction, study findsWed, 07 Oct 2009 13:45:00 GMTNews round-up: 'Too many children being taken into care'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112798/news-round-up-too-many-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/07/112798/news-round-up-too-many-children-being-taken-into-care.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Shoesmith launches legal challenge against Ed Balls; New child safety unit to help social workers; Vaccine may help treatment for cocaine addiction, study findsWed, 07 Oct 2009 13:43:00 GMTDeidre Sanders hits back over GSCC conference rowhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112754/deidre-sanders-hits-back-over-gscc-conference-row.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/02/112754/deidre-sanders-hits-back-over-gscc-conference-row.htmlThe Sun’s agony aunt has challenged her critics to stop “snapping and snarling” at her and the mainstream media and find more constructive ways of tackling the public image crisis in social work.Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:53:00 GMTFostering Network campaign seeks more status for carershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112702/fostering-network-campaign-seeks-more-status-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/01/112702/fostering-network-campaign-seeks-more-status-for-carers.htmlThe Fostering Network today launched a campaign - backed by 12 other children's charities - for more support and recognition for the UK's foster carers to "revive the struggling care system".Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:51:00 GMTAnti-Deidre Sanders petition gets over 350 signatureshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112712/anti-deidre-sanders-petition-gets-over-350-signatures.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112712/anti-deidre-sanders-petition-gets-over-350-signatures.htmlA petition calling on the General Social Care Council to withdraw its invitation to The Sun's problem page editor, Deidre Sanders, to speak at its annual conference this month has secured over 350 signatures.Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:49:00 GMTSocial work masters students lose second year bursarieshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112720/social-work-masters-students-lose-second-year-bursaries.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/30/112720/social-work-masters-students-lose-second-year-bursaries.htmlGraduate students lose second year bursariesWed, 30 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMTProbation officer struck off for downloading porn http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112716/probation-officer-struck-off-for-downloading-porn.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112716/probation-officer-struck-off-for-downloading-porn.htmlA registered social worker from Belfast who repeatedly visited pornographic websites from his work computer has been struck off.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:31:00 GMTSocial worker conduct cases take two years on averagehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112715/social-worker-conduct-cases-take-two-years-on-average.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112715/social-worker-conduct-cases-take-two-years-on-average.htmlActing chief executive of the GSCC Paul Philip tells Community Care that management of information at the regulator is "not anywhere near good enough" Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:04:00 GMTJailed social worker struck off after admitting £25,000 fraudhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112705/jailed-social-worker-struck-off-after-admitting-25000-fraud.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/29/112705/jailed-social-worker-struck-off-after-admitting-25000-fraud.htmlA social worker who defrauded a local authority of £25,000 to pay for a phantom carer for her disabled husband over two and a half years has been struck off.Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:44:00 GMTLiverpool unveils £1.7m restructure of social work teamshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/28/112704/liverpool-unveils-1.7m-restructure-of-social-work-teams.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/28/112704/liverpool-unveils-1.7m-restructure-of-social-work-teams.htmlLiverpool Council has announced plans to recruit 31 more social workers and managers as part of a £1.7m restructure of its children and families teams. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:13:00 GMTHammersmith & Fulham deadline nears on new staff termshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112685/hammersmith-fulham-deadline-nears-on-new-staff-terms.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/25/112685/hammersmith-fulham-deadline-nears-on-new-staff-terms.htmlHammersmith and Fulham Council insists it will be able to deliver all statutory services, including social work and mental health, as a deadline looms for staff to accept reduced terms and conditions.Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:13:00 GMTPanel 'swayed by child's death' in barring social workerhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112675/panel-swayed-by-childs-death-in-barring-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/24/112675/panel-swayed-by-childs-death-in-barring-social-worker.htmlA Care Council for Wales conduct committee has been accused of being overly influenced by a child's death in its decision to bar a Swansea social worker in relation to the case.Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:44:00 GMTBirmingham Council recruits Terry Brownbill to improve PRhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112655/birmingham-council-recruits-terry-brownbill-to-improve-pr.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112655/birmingham-council-recruits-terry-brownbill-to-improve-pr.html Play 'hardball' with media, says PR ace Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:07:00 GMTBASW invites political leaders to pro-social work rallyhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112660/basw-invites-political-leaders-to-pro-social-work-rally.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112660/basw-invites-political-leaders-to-pro-social-work-rally.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has invited the leaders of the three main political parties to attend a rally in defence of the profession in London this November.Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:03:00 GMTDoncaster Council reinstates children's worker Jim Boardhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112653/doncaster-council-reinstates-childrens-worker-jim-board.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/22/112653/doncaster-council-reinstates-childrens-worker-jim-board.htmlDoncaster Council has reinstated a children's services worker it suspended for speaking to the media, as Unison threatened to...Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:14:00 GMTHaringey has lowest social worker sickness ratehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112617/haringey-has-lowest-social-worker-sickness-rate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112617/haringey-has-lowest-social-worker-sickness-rate.htmlSocial workers employed by Haringey Council took fewer sick days over the past year than any other local authority in England, according to figures compiled by the Liberal Democrats.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:43:00 GMTScottish budget hits social care workforce spendinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112633/scottish-budget-hits-social-care-workforce-spending.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/18/112633/scottish-budget-hits-social-care-workforce-spending.htmlDirect Scottish government spending on the development of the country’s social care workforce and capacity will fall next year, finance secretary John Swinney announced yesterday in his draft budget for 2010-11.Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:17:00 GMTHalf of councils bar social workers from talking to presshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112580/half-of-councils-bar-social-workers-from-talking-to-press.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112580/half-of-councils-bar-social-workers-from-talking-to-press.htmlThe UK social work sector is under growing pressure to develop a more open relationship with the public after research by Community Care showed more than half of councils ban practitioners from engaging with the media. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:59:00 GMTNews round-up: 'Heroin clinics would help few addicts'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112606/news-round-up-heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112606/news-round-up-heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts.htmlOther headlines in todays papers include: Internet gambling 'can be 10 times more addictive than other forms'; Attorney General 'hired illegal immigrant'; Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMTHeroin clinics would help few addicts, says agency headhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112613/heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts-says-agency-head.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/17/112613/heroin-clinics-would-help-few-addicts-says-agency-head.htmlOther headlines in todays papers include: Internet gambling 'can be 10 times more addictive than other forms'; Attorney General 'hired illegal immigrant'; Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:29:00 GMT'Shocking' sickness rates in social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112597/shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112597/shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Three brothers arrested over sadistic attack on boys; Dementia may have been caused by the Second World War; Iain Duncan Smith urges welfare reform Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:53:00 GMTNews round up: 'Shocking' sickness rates in social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112596/news-round-up-shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/16/112596/news-round-up-shocking-sickness-rates-in-social-work.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Three brothers arrested over sadistic attack on boys; Dementia may have been caused by the Second World War; Iain Duncan Smith urges welfare reform Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:52:00 GMTAcademic Keith Brown: NQSWs must be consistently ratedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112567/academic-keith-brown-nqsws-must-be-consistently-rated.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112567/academic-keith-brown-nqsws-must-be-consistently-rated.htmlAn academic has raised concerns over whether newly-qualified social workers will be assessed consistently in new support programmes.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:37:00 GMTEd Balls announces review of vetting and barring schemehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112573/ed-balls-announces-review-of-vetting-and-barring-scheme.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/14/112573/ed-balls-announces-review-of-vetting-and-barring-scheme.htmlChildren's secretary Ed Balls has announced a review of the vetting and barring scheme for people working with children and vulnerable adults following widespread concerns that people will have to register unnecessarily.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:33:00 GMTHilton Dawson urges greater status for BASW in workplacehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/11/112551/hilton-dawson-urges-greater-status-for-basw-in-workplace.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/11/112551/hilton-dawson-urges-greater-status-for-basw-in-workplace.html British Association of Social Workers chief executive Hilton Dawson has urged employers to give the professional body greater status in workplaces to help tackle the poor working conditions facing many practitioners. Speaking to the West Midlands Directors of Children’s Services Conference, Dawson outlined a “five-point engagement plan” between employers and BASW, and said he would be writing to every major social work employer in the country this month to ask them to sign up to it. He has urged employers to:- Recognise BASW's advice and representation service so it can represent members in individual cases. Dawson said a "minority" of local authorities do not recognise BASW. Encourage social workers to join BASW, to demonstrate "commitment to the professional development of your social workers". Hold regular meetings with BASW members to learn what's happening on the frontline. Work with BASW on campaigns. Allow staff paid time off to work on BASW committees "to the...Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:27:00 GMTTaskforce: Deadline nears for survey on national collegehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112547/taskforce-deadline-nears-for-survey-on-national-college.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112547/taskforce-deadline-nears-for-survey-on-national-college.htmlPractitioners have just a few more days to respond to a Social Work Task Force questionnaire on the proposed formation of a national college for social work.Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:26:00 GMTUnison/GMB/Unite accept 1% local government pay dealhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112544/unisongmbunite-accept-1-local-government-pay-deal.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/10/112544/unisongmbunite-accept-1-local-government-pay-deal.htmlUnison, GMB and Unite members in English, Welsh and Northern Irish councils have voted to accept a 1% pay increase for 2009-10. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:20:00 GMTEx-CSCI chief Paul Snell to take temporary charge of GSCChttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112536/ex-csci-chief-paul-snell-to-take-temporary-charge-of-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112536/ex-csci-chief-paul-snell-to-take-temporary-charge-of-gscc.htmlFormer Commission for Social Care Inspection chief inspector Paul Snell has been appointed acting chief executive of the General Social Care Council.Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:08:00 GMTHalf of workers say employers fail to act on whistleblowinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112523/half-of-workers-say-employers-fail-to-act-on-whistleblowing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/09/112523/half-of-workers-say-employers-fail-to-act-on-whistleblowing.htmlAlmost half of frontline social workers who have attempted to blow the whistle about poor practice by colleagues or workplace say their employer has failed to address their concerns, according to a GSCC survey.Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:47:00 GMTStaff report safeguarding concerns to Ofsted hotlinehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112501/staff-report-safeguarding-concerns-to-ofsted-hotline.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112501/staff-report-safeguarding-concerns-to-ofsted-hotline.htmlRegulator Ofsted received 27 calls from staff blowing the whistle on problems around the safeguarding of children in the four months since the launch of a new hotline for reporting concerns.Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:34:00 GMTUnison set for strike ballot of Surrey child social workers http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112488/unison-set-for-strike-ballot-of-surrey-child-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/04/112488/unison-set-for-strike-ballot-of-surrey-child-social-workers.htmlUnison looks set to ballot children's social workers at Surrey Council for strike action over claims of excessive workloads and management bullying at the struggling authority.Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:01:00 GMTUnison warns removal of NVQ target will hit adult care traininghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/02/112484/unison-warns-removal-of-nvq-target-will-hit-adult-care-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/02/112484/unison-warns-removal-of-nvq-target-will-hit-adult-care-training.htmlImprovements in the skills of adult social care staff could be halted by the removal of a "modest" qualifications target for providers, Unison has warned.Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:15:00 GMTCelebrities back latest social worker recruitment drivehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/02/112483/celebrities-back-latest-social-worker-recruitment-drive.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/02/112483/celebrities-back-latest-social-worker-recruitment-drive.htmlCelebrities back latest recruitment driveWed, 02 Sep 2009 14:19:00 GMTCelebrities back social work in government recruitment pushhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/01/112474/celebrities-back-social-work-in-government-recruitment-push.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/09/01/112474/celebrities-back-social-work-in-government-recruitment-push.htmlOscar-nominated actor and former looked-after child Samantha Morton today launched a government recruitment campaign to tackle the chronic shortages of social workers across England.Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:50:00 GMTAlcohol Concern quizzes social workers about parental drinkinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112438/alcohol-concern-quizzes-social-workers-about-parental-drinking.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112438/alcohol-concern-quizzes-social-workers-about-parental-drinking.htmlSocial workers are being asked to give their views on how parental alcohol misuse affects child protection in a survey launched today by Alcohol Concern.Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:28:00 GMTMurdered toddler Sanam Navsarka failed by care staffhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112443/murdered-toddler-sanam-navsarka-failed-by-care-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/27/112443/murdered-toddler-sanam-navsarka-failed-by-care-staff.htmlThe murder of two-year-old toddler Sanam Navsarka may have been prevented if not for the failure of Kirklees looked-after children's staff to refer concerns received four weeks before her death to child protection colleagues. (Pic: Rex Features)Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:26:00 GMTConduct: BASW lambasts GSCC over right to fair hearinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112437/conduct-basw-lambasts-gscc-over-right-to-fair-hearing.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112437/conduct-basw-lambasts-gscc-over-right-to-fair-hearing.htmlThe British Association of Social Workers has accused the General Social Care Council of undermining the right to a fair hearing of social workers accused of misconduct.Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:16:00 GMTGSCC probes West Midlands universities over placement gapshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112430/gscc-probes-west-midlands-universities-over-placement-gaps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112430/gscc-probes-west-midlands-universities-over-placement-gaps.htmlUniversities in the West Midlands may undergo urgent inspections by the General Social Care Council of their arrangements for allocating placements for social work students amid reports of shortages in the region. (OJO Images/Rex Features) Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:06:00 GMTBankers least likely to employ mentally ill peoplehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112434/bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill-people.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112434/bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill-people.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tories step up 'broken Britain' attack on Labour Party; Crunch time for council workers' golden pensionsWed, 26 Aug 2009 09:22:00 GMTNews round up: Bankers least likely to employ mentally ill http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112433/news-round-up-bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112433/news-round-up-bankers-least-likely-to-employ-mentally-ill.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Tories step up 'broken Britain' attack on Labour Party; Crunch time for council workers' golden pensionsWed, 26 Aug 2009 09:21:00 GMTCouncils miss equal pay deadline by more than two yearshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112426/councils-miss-equal-pay-deadline-by-more-than-two-years.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/26/112426/councils-miss-equal-pay-deadline-by-more-than-two-years.html comcare.news@rbi.co.uk A third of councils in England and Wales have not concluded equal pay reviews, more than two years after a deadline to do so,...Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:01:00 GMTExperts criticise CWDC roles and tasks statementhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112427/experts-criticise-cwdc-roles-and-tasks-statement.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/25/112427/experts-criticise-cwdc-roles-and-tasks-statement.html A draft statement on the roles and tasks of children's social workers fails to reflect the social factors affecting communities, experts have said. The...Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:16:00 GMTWelsh government selects family support team pilotshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112418/welsh-government-selects-family-support-team-pilots.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/24/112418/welsh-government-selects-family-support-team-pilots.htmlThe Welsh government has selected three councils to pilot a scheme to provide integrated support to families where parents have complex needs and children are at potential risk, through multi-agency teams.Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:40:00 GMTCWDC seeks views on role of children's social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112403/cwdc-seeks-views-on-role-of-childrens-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/20/112403/cwdc-seeks-views-on-role-of-childrens-social-workers.htmlSocial workers in England are being asked to spell out the unique skills, knowledge and overall contribution they bring to children and families in a major consultation on the roles and tasks of the profession. (Pic: Martin Lee/Rex Features)Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:24:00 GMTNHS staff suffering mental illness due to bullying, finds probehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112395/nhs-staff-suffering-mental-illness-due-to-bullying-finds-probe.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/19/112395/nhs-staff-suffering-mental-illness-due-to-bullying-finds-probe.htmlA major occupational health review of the NHS has warned that staff are suffering from high levels of mental ill-health because of work stress, bullying and harassment. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:32:00 GMTUnison: Adult social workers under strain putting clients at riskhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112385/unison-adult-social-workers-under-strain-putting-clients-at-risk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112385/unison-adult-social-workers-under-strain-putting-clients-at-risk.htmlUnison today called on the government to take urgent action to support overworked and under-funded adult social workers in order to prevent a tragedy involving a vulnerable adult on the scale of the baby Peter case.Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:56:00 GMTGSCC warns universities to ensure sufficient placementshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112383/gscc-warns-universities-to-ensure-sufficient-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/18/112383/gscc-warns-universities-to-ensure-sufficient-placements.htmlThe General Social Care Council is warning universities they will face losing their accreditation for social work degree programmes if they fail to ensure the supply of suitable placements for all students. (Pic: OJO Images / Rex Features)Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMTSocial worker barred for repeated child protection failingshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/17/112376/social-worker-barred-for-repeated-child-protection-failings.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/17/112376/social-worker-barred-for-repeated-child-protection-failings.htmlA social worker from Aberdeen whose repeated failure to follow procedures allegedly placed vulnerable children at risk has been struck off. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:19:00 GMTBritish Institute of Learning Disabilities bids to cut restraint http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/17/112369/british-institute-of-learning-disabilities-bids-to-cut-restraint.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/17/112369/british-institute-of-learning-disabilities-bids-to-cut-restraint.htmlThe British Institute of Learning Disabilities has published a book it hopes will lead to less physical restraint being used on people with challenging behaviour. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:11:00 GMTSurvey reveals media ignorance about social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112345/survey-reveals-media-ignorance-about-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112345/survey-reveals-media-ignorance-about-social-work.htmlFewer than half of journalists surveyed by Community Care know that social workers must have a degree in order to practise. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:33:00 GMTGSCC took six months to seek suspension of abuse suspecthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112358/gscc-took-six-months-to-seek-suspension-of-abuse-suspect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/13/112358/gscc-took-six-months-to-seek-suspension-of-abuse-suspect.htmlThe General Social Care Council has been criticised for taking six months to apply to have a social worker facing child sexual abuse allegations suspended. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:18:00 GMTBonuses for social workers who help looked-after childrenhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112333/bonuses-for-social-workers-who-help-looked-after-children.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112333/bonuses-for-social-workers-who-help-looked-after-children.htmlSocial workers will receive ­bonuses for helping looked-after children reach goals linked to educational attainment, stability of placements and finding jobs, in one of the government's social work practice pilots.Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:29:00 GMTBonus culture arrives in social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112334/bonus-culture-arrives-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/11/112334/bonus-culture-arrives-in-social-work.htmlSocial workers look set to join GPs and bankers as members of the bonus culture with the arrival of social work practices in the autumn. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:02:00 GMTConservatives aim to freeze town hall pay amid concerns over 1% risehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112322/conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay-amid-concerns-over-1-rise.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112322/conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay-amid-concerns-over-1-rise.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 500 children a year abducted from UKMon, 10 Aug 2009 07:28:00 GMTNews round up: Conservatives aim to freeze town hall pay http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112321/news-round-up-conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/10/112321/news-round-up-conservatives-aim-to-freeze-town-hall-pay.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- 500 children a year abducted from UKMon, 10 Aug 2009 07:27:00 GMTTories: Many social workers want to become party MPshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112302/tories-many-social-workers-want-to-become-party-mps.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/07/112302/tories-many-social-workers-want-to-become-party-mps.htmlThe Conservative Party has confirmed that "lots of social workers" have applied to stand as Tory candidates in the next election, but has been unable to give details of how many.Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:47:00 GMTUnison and Glen Care in row over secure home redundacieshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/06/112285/unison-and-glen-care-in-row-over-secure-home-redundacies.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/06/112285/unison-and-glen-care-in-row-over-secure-home-redundacies.htmlUnison and Glen Care Group are in dispute over redundancy payments for staff at Orchard Lodge, London’s last secure children’s home, which closed last week.Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:29:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force's announces new description of social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112278/social-work-task-forces-announces-new-description-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112278/social-work-task-forces-announces-new-description-of-social-work.html workforce Description of social work wins support for simplicity Taskforce says statement will be foundation stone of reform programme mithran.samuel@rbi.co.uk There...Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:24:00 GMTProbationary year for newly qualified social workers on the cardshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112279/probationary-year-for-newly-qualified-social-workers-on-the-cards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112279/probationary-year-for-newly-qualified-social-workers-on-the-cards.htmlTwo reports recommend pre-registration period for social work graduatesWed, 05 Aug 2009 14:24:00 GMTChief social worker proposal divides sector leadershiphttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112280/chief-social-worker-proposal-divides-sector-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112280/chief-social-worker-proposal-divides-sector-leadership.html leadership Chief social worker proposal divides sector's leadership mithran.samuel@rbi.co.uk Proposals from MPs for councils to...Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:24:00 GMTMPs want funding review to exclude social work degree students who are not up to scratchhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112281/mps-want-funding-review-to-exclude-social-work-degree-students-who-are-not-up-to-scratch.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112281/mps-want-funding-review-to-exclude-social-work-degree-students-who-are-not-up-to-scratch.html training 'Time to reject failing students' The children,...Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:24:00 GMTSupport for pay structure for social workers in England growshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112282/support-for-pay-structure-for-social-workers-in-england-grows.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112282/support-for-pay-structure-for-social-workers-in-england-grows.html Support for national pay structure gathers momentum maria.ahmed@rbi.co.uk A national pay structure for social workers in England moved a step...Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:24:00 GMTProfile of social work quangos and models for new organisationshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112275/profile-of-social-work-quangos-and-models-for-new-organisations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112275/profile-of-social-work-quangos-and-models-for-new-organisations.htmlProposals from the Social Work Task Force and the children, schools and families select committee issued in July 2009 would result in a significant shake-up in the landscape of national bodies in social care and social work in England. Here we profile two bodies that provide a model for the taskforce and select committee's proposals, along with the four existing national social care workforce agencies.Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:57:00 GMTSocial worker barred for conning girls into posing toplesshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112271/social-worker-barred-for-conning-girls-into-posing-topless.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/08/05/112271/social-worker-barred-for-conning-girls-into-posing-topless.htmlA social worker has been barred for conning young women known to the youth offending team he worked for into posing topless.Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:37:00 GMTExpert endorses MPs' proposal for chief social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/31/112222/expert-endorses-mps-proposal-for-chief-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/31/112222/expert-endorses-mps-proposal-for-chief-social-workers.htmlAn expert has backed calls from MPs this week for chief social workers to be appointed within local authorities to provide professional leadership to practitioners.Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:55:00 GMTGSCC backs new roles and tasks of social workers projecthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/31/112221/gscc-backs-new-roles-and-tasks-of-social-workers-project.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/31/112221/gscc-backs-new-roles-and-tasks-of-social-workers-project.htmlThe General Social Care Council has backed a new project to define the roles and tasks of social workers, 16 months after it produced a similar statement on the profession.Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:12:00 GMTExclusive research: Ageing workforce threatens staff shortagehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112203/exclusive-research-ageing-workforce-threatens-staff-shortage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112203/exclusive-research-ageing-workforce-threatens-staff-shortage.htmlSocial work could face a major staff shortage in the future unless there is a "fundamental improvement" to working conditions and the profession's status, Unison has warned.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:23:00 GMTSocial workers say 'we are underpaid and over-worked'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112201/social-workers-say-we-are-underpaid-and-over-worked.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112201/social-workers-say-we-are-underpaid-and-over-worked.htmlSocial workers in the UK are over-worked, under-supported but mostly satisfied with their jobs, according to exclusive research carried out by Community Care in association with Unison.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:18:00 GMTDoncaster uses better pay to tempt child social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112212/doncaster-uses-better-pay-to-tempt-child-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112212/doncaster-uses-better-pay-to-tempt-child-social-workers.htmlDoncaster Council has started to tackle its high children's social worker vacancy rate, including through better pay, according to director Gareth Williams. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:01:00 GMTTaskforce survey: Social workers feel 'tied up in bureaucracy'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112213/taskforce-survey-social-workers-feel-tied-up-in-bureaucracy.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/30/112213/taskforce-survey-social-workers-feel-tied-up-in-bureaucracy.htmlAn overwhelming majority of social workers feel overstretched by staff shortages and tied up in bureaucracy, according to an online survey conducted by the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:01:00 GMTTaskforce issues call for national college of social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/29/112205/taskforce-issues-call-for-national-college-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/29/112205/taskforce-issues-call-for-national-college-of-social-work.htmlThe Social Work Task Force, chaired by Moira Gibb, today called for the formation of a national college of social work as a first step towards rebuilding confidence in the profession.Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:49:00 GMTEmployers break deadlock on council payhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/23/112169/employers-break-deadlock-on-council-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/23/112169/employers-break-deadlock-on-council-pay.htmlPublic sector unions have welcomed an improved pay offer after Local Government Employers broke its deadlock on negotiations this week. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:08:00 GMTGSCC suspends chief Mike Wardle over conduct backlog http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112149/gscc-suspends-chief-mike-wardle-over-conduct-backlog.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/21/112149/gscc-suspends-chief-mike-wardle-over-conduct-backlog.htmlThe General Social Care Council has suspended its chief executive Mike Wardle after the discovery of a backlog of more than 200 referrals involving social workers accused of misconduct.Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:30:00 GMTLocal government pay: Unions accuse bosses of 'disrespect'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/17/112136/local-government-pay-unions-accuse-bosses-of-disrespect.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/17/112136/local-government-pay-unions-accuse-bosses-of-disrespect.htmlLocal government union leaders including Unison's Heather Wakefield have accused employers of showing “massive disrespect” to their members by refusing to discuss a proposal to increase their 0.5% offer.Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:39:00 GMTDoncaster sessional childcare worker jailed for indecent imageshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/16/112119/doncaster-sessional-childcare-worker-jailed-for-indecent-images.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/16/112119/doncaster-sessional-childcare-worker-jailed-for-indecent-images.htmlA child care specialist and sessional playworker employed by Doncaster Council was yesterday jailed for six weeks after pleading guilty to five counts of making indecent images of children.Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:01:00 GMTNews round up: Tories 'will cut bureaucracy for carers'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/16/112117/news-round-up-tories-will-cut-bureaucracy-for-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/16/112117/news-round-up-tories-will-cut-bureaucracy-for-carers.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Parent's fury at 'laughable' sentence for social worker who downloaded hundreds of child porn images; Children's authors outraged at school vetting planThu, 16 Jul 2009 08:10:00 GMTCameron: The five lessons I learned as the father of a disabled childhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/16/112118/cameron-the-five-lessons-i-learned-as-the-father-of-a-disabled-child.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/16/112118/cameron-the-five-lessons-i-learned-as-the-father-of-a-disabled-child.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Parent's fury at 'laughable' sentence for social worker who downloaded hundreds of child porn images; Children's authors outraged at school vetting planThu, 16 Jul 2009 08:09:00 GMTDemand outstrips supply for London statutory placementshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/15/112097/demand-outstrips-supply-for-london-statutory-placements.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/15/112097/demand-outstrips-supply-for-london-statutory-placements.htmlThe system for providing statutory learning placements in London is in crisis, with demand outstripping supply and a lack of co-ordination between higher education institutions (HEIs) and councils, according to experts.Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:37:00 GMTGSCC investigates Lynda Barnes child protection casehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/15/112111/gscc-investigates-lynda-barnes-child-protection-case.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/15/112111/gscc-investigates-lynda-barnes-child-protection-case.htmlA social worker convicted of conspiring to murder her husband has been suspended from practice while the General Social Care Council investigates her handling of a child protection case.Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:44:00 GMTGSCC removes social worker for 28 counts of misconducthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/15/112115/gscc-removes-social-worker-for-28-counts-of-misconduct.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/15/112115/gscc-removes-social-worker-for-28-counts-of-misconduct.htmlA social worker found guilty of misconduct on 28 counts has been removed from the social care register after a committee decided her conduct could not be remedied because she had refused to acknowledge any of her failings.Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:34:00 GMTCWDC urges ex-social workers to return to practicehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/14/112092/cwdc-urges-ex-social-workers-to-return-to-practice.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/14/112092/cwdc-urges-ex-social-workers-to-return-to-practice.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council has launched a programme to support former children’s social workers in London and the South East return to practice.Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:36:00 GMTMoira Gibb: Top councils could lead social work training http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/13/112082/moira-gibb-top-councils-could-lead-social-work-training.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/13/112082/moira-gibb-top-councils-could-lead-social-work-training.htmlHigh-performing councils could be given “teaching” status with additional responsibilities for training social workers and students, the chair of the Social Work Task Force has suggested.Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:49:00 GMTEd Balls' career change scheme criticised as a 'quick fix'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112061/ed-balls-career-change-scheme-criticised-as-a-quick-fix.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112061/ed-balls-career-change-scheme-criticised-as-a-quick-fix.htmlSocial care expert Ray Jones has dismissed the government's plan to fund other professionals to retrain as social workers as a "quick fix" and a "cheap option" that will not solve the profession's recruitment problems.Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:01:00 GMTMinister says national college could be 'voice of social work'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112068/minister-says-national-college-could-be-voice-of-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/10/112068/minister-says-national-college-could-be-voice-of-social-work.htmlA professional college for social workers similar to those in the medical profession could be the way to bring about a strong voice for the profession, children’s secretary Ed Balls has said.Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:37:00 GMTAlistair Darling signals pay freeze for public sector workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/06/112018/alistair-darling-signals-pay-freeze-for-public-sector-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/06/112018/alistair-darling-signals-pay-freeze-for-public-sector-workers.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Lone parents to be offered better pay incentives to work; How two strong coffees a day can 'reverse' Alzheimer'sMon, 06 Jul 2009 08:53:00 GMTNews round up: Pay freeze for public sector workers signalledhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/06/112017/news-round-up-pay-freeze-for-public-sector-workers-signalled.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/06/112017/news-round-up-pay-freeze-for-public-sector-workers-signalled.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Lone parents to be offered better pay incentives to work; How two strong coffees a day can 'reverse' Alzheimer'sMon, 06 Jul 2009 07:21:00 GMTNCB chief Paul Ennals appointed chair of CWDChttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/03/112006/ncb-chief-paul-ennals-appointed-chair-of-cwdc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/03/112006/ncb-chief-paul-ennals-appointed-chair-of-cwdc.htmlNational Children's Bureau chief executive Paul Ennals has been appointed chair of the Children's Workforce Development Council.Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:00 GMTSocial workers 'must use GSCC code to challenge workloads'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/03/111974/social-workers-must-use-gscc-code-to-challenge-workloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/03/111974/social-workers-must-use-gscc-code-to-challenge-workloads.htmlSocial care professionals are contractually obliged to challenge their employers over poor working conditions which may prevent them from meeting their duty of care to service users, says Aspect general secretary John ChowcatFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:14:00 GMTBASW chief promises to deliver 'stark message' to Ed Ballshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/02/112001/basw-chief-promises-to-deliver-stark-message-to-ed-balls.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/02/112001/basw-chief-promises-to-deliver-stark-message-to-ed-balls.htmlBritish Association of Social Workers chief executive Hilton Dawson has vowed to present children's secretary Ed Balls with a 'stark message' about the parlous conditions facing child protection social workers at a meeting this Monday.Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:38:00 GMTLGA: Baby P media coverage has damaged social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/01/111978/lga-baby-p-media-coverage-has-damaged-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/07/01/111978/lga-baby-p-media-coverage-has-damaged-social-work.htmlMedia coverage of the baby Peter case has hit social worker morale and worsened the public image of the profession, according to councillors in charge of children's services.Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:01:00 GMTDeputy commissioner urges tougher degree entry standardshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111971/deputy-commissioner-urges-tougher-degree-entry-standards.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111971/deputy-commissioner-urges-tougher-degree-entry-standards.htmlDeputy children's commissioner for England Sue Berelowitz (pictured left) has called for entry requirements to the social work degree to be significantly raised even at the expense of graduate numbers.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:50:00 GMTMigrant staff play vital role but face abuse and pay biashttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111968/migrant-staff-play-vital-role-but-face-abuse-and-pay-bias.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/30/111968/migrant-staff-play-vital-role-but-face-abuse-and-pay-bias.htmlMigrant care workers face pay discrimination, service user hostility and a lack of government recognition, despite the sector's increasing dependence on them.Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:08:00 GMTGovernment rejects national fees for foster carershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/29/111964/government-rejects-national-fees-for-foster-carers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/29/111964/government-rejects-national-fees-for-foster-carers.htmlThe government has rejected a proposal from MPs to introduce national fee levels for foster carers.Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:19:00 GMTPoliticians rally to social workers' cause in Scottish debatehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111945/politicians-rally-to-social-workers-cause-in-scottish-debate.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111945/politicians-rally-to-social-workers-cause-in-scottish-debate.htmlPoliticians rallied to the cause of Scotland’s social workers and attacked the scapegoating of individual practitioners in a special debate at the Scottish Parliament this week.Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMTAdult care: Data barriers hamper council workforce planning http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111936/adult-care-data-barriers-hamper-council-workforce-planning.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/26/111936/adult-care-data-barriers-hamper-council-workforce-planning.htmlData collection barriers are hampering councils' efforts to ensure adult social care workforce plans are in line with their strategies to develop services, according to a report this week.Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:43:00 GMTTake a Break launches Thank God For Social Workers campaignhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/25/111917/take-a-break-launches-thank-god-for-social-workers-campaign.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/25/111917/take-a-break-launches-thank-god-for-social-workers-campaign.htmlThe leading women's real-life magazine today declares its support for the social work profession on its front cover. Take a Break is backing Community Care's Stand Up Now for Social Work campaign with a series of articles and has 500 "Thank God for Social Workers" badges to give away.Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:14:00 GMTUnison/BASW: Scottish social workers need more resourceshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/25/111908/unisonbasw-scottish-social-workers-need-more-resources.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/25/111908/unisonbasw-scottish-social-workers-need-more-resources.htmlUnison and the British Association of Social Workers today urged the Scottish government and employers to boost resources and support for frontline social workers to ensure services improve in line with policy goals.Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:50:00 GMTMigrant care workers facing discrimination and hostilityhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/25/111930/migrant-care-workers-facing-discrimination-and-hostility.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/25/111930/migrant-care-workers-facing-discrimination-and-hostility.htmlMigrant care workers are facing "widespread discrimination in pay and working conditions" and hostility from some older people, despite the sector's increasing dependence on them.Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:01:00 GMTSocial services rapped over response to sexualised behaviourhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111924/social-services-rapped-over-response-to-sexualised-behaviour.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111924/social-services-rapped-over-response-to-sexualised-behaviour.htmlAn Ofsted report into school exclusions of pupils aged four to seven has uncovered a “worrying lack of response” by some social workers after children were referred to them over concerns about their sexualised behaviour. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:12:00 GMTMSPs urged to Stand Up Now for Social Workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111923/msps-urged-to-stand-up-now-for-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111923/msps-urged-to-stand-up-now-for-social-work.htmlA member of the Scottish Parliament has urged fellow MSPs to back Community Care's Stand Up Now for Social Work campaign to improve media coverage of the profession.Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:39:00 GMTSexualised primary pupils worry Ofstedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111922/sexualised-primary-pupils-worry-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111922/sexualised-primary-pupils-worry-ofsted.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Peter Beresford: We need a national social care services; Why isn't telecare being taken up more widely?; Why frontline childcare workers are the unsung heroesWed, 24 Jun 2009 07:56:00 GMTNews round up: Sexualised primary pupils worry Ofstedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111921/news-round-up-sexualised-primary-pupils-worry-ofsted.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111921/news-round-up-sexualised-primary-pupils-worry-ofsted.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Peter Beresford: We need a national social care services; Why isn't telecare being taken up more widely?; Why frontline childcare workers are the unsung heroesWed, 24 Jun 2009 07:55:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force urged to look to Scotland http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111918/social-work-task-force-urged-to-look-to-scotland.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111918/social-work-task-force-urged-to-look-to-scotland.htmlThe Social Work Task Force has said that it should look to Scotland for successful initiatives to boost the profession, after figures revealed job vacancies were far lower north of the border, it has been suggested.Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:37:00 GMTADSS Cymru voices concern over mooted management cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111916/adss-cymru-voices-concern-over-mooted-management-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/24/111916/adss-cymru-voices-concern-over-mooted-management-cuts.htmlThe Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru has voiced concern after Wales's first minister suggested reducing the number of social services senior managers by merging directorates across authorities.departments merging across Wales Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:21:00 GMTSocial worker Lynda Barnes 'devastated' by court rulinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/23/111913/social-worker-lynda-barnes-devastated-by-court-ruling.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/23/111913/social-worker-lynda-barnes-devastated-by-court-ruling.htmlA social worker convicted of conspiring to murder her husband has said her life and health have been "devastated" following a family court judgement criticising her conduct. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:40:00 GMTBarnardo's and ADSS Cymru welcome integrated family supporthttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/23/111915/barnardos-and-adss-cymru-welcome-integrated-family-support.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/23/111915/barnardos-and-adss-cymru-welcome-integrated-family-support.htmlDelegates at last week's Welsh National Social Services Conference welcomed plans to establish multi-agency teams to support families where parents have complex needs but raised concerns about how they would be implemented.Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:27:00 GMTPersonnel Today backs Stand Up Now for Social Workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/23/111909/personnel-today-backs-stand-up-now-for-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/23/111909/personnel-today-backs-stand-up-now-for-social-work.htmlCommunity Care’s sister title Personnel Today has signed up to the Stand Up Now for Social Work campaign to improve media portrayals and public perceptions of the profession.Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:38:00 GMTWales: Rhodri Morgan moots social services management cutshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/19/111883/wales-rhodri-morgan-moots-social-services-management-cuts.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/19/111883/wales-rhodri-morgan-moots-social-services-management-cuts.htmlWales' first minister yesterday hinted at reducing the number of senior management teams in social services departments by merging directorates in smaller authorities with larger councils.Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:32:00 GMTAgencies rapped over murder conspiracy social worker http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111871/agencies-rapped-over-murder-conspiracy-social-worker.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111871/agencies-rapped-over-murder-conspiracy-social-worker.htmlThe General Social Care Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council failed to check the criminal file of a social worker who had been convicted of conspiring to murder her husband, a judge has concluded. (pic: Rex Features)Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:05:00 GMTADSS Cymru welcomes guidance on Welsh director rolehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111878/adss-cymru-welcomes-guidance-on-welsh-director-role.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111878/adss-cymru-welcomes-guidance-on-welsh-director-role.htmlNew guidance on the role and accountabilities of directors of social services in Wales has been welcomed by sector leaders.Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:26:00 GMTSocial work vacancies far higher in England than rest of UKhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111864/social-work-vacancies-far-higher-in-england-than-rest-of-uk.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111864/social-work-vacancies-far-higher-in-england-than-rest-of-uk.htmlSocial worker vacancies are far higher in England than in the rest of the UK, Unison revealed today as it continued its campaign for improved support for the profession.Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:56:00 GMTMurder plot social worker's cases reviewedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111870/murder-plot-social-workers-cases-reviewed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111870/murder-plot-social-workers-cases-reviewed.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Starving Khyra mum 'excuses'; Three more arrested in nursery worker case; Catholic mother killed newborn baby from 'shame' after giving birth aloneThu, 18 Jun 2009 08:04:00 GMTNews round up: Murder plot social worker's cases reviewedhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111869/news-round-up-murder-plot-social-workers-cases-reviewed.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/18/111869/news-round-up-murder-plot-social-workers-cases-reviewed.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Starving Khyra mum 'excuses'; Three more arrested in nursery worker case; Catholic mother killed newborn baby from 'shame' after giving birth aloneThu, 18 Jun 2009 08:03:00 GMTNews round up: Agency staff relied on to fill social work shortagehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111861/news-round-up-agency-staff-relied-on-to-fill-social-work-shortage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111861/news-round-up-agency-staff-relied-on-to-fill-social-work-shortage.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Attorney general rejects Baby P appeal; Epidemic of marriage breakdowns overwhelming courtsWed, 17 Jun 2009 07:58:00 GMTAgency staff are being relied upon to fill shortages of qualified social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111862/agency-staff-are-being-relied-upon-to-fill-shortages-of-qualified-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111862/agency-staff-are-being-relied-upon-to-fill-shortages-of-qualified-social-workers.htmlOther headlines in today's papers include:- Attorney general rejects Baby P appeal; Epidemic of marriage breakdowns overwhelming courtsWed, 17 Jun 2009 07:58:00 GMTBaby P's social worker 'set up to fail' by training systemhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111849/baby-ps-social-worker-set-up-to-fail-by-training-system.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111849/baby-ps-social-worker-set-up-to-fail-by-training-system.htmlBaby Peter's social worker was "set up to fail" by the social work education system by having no experience of child protection before taking up her post at Haringey Council, MPs heard last week.Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:23:00 GMTScie head: Social workers must be empowered to talk to mediahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111860/scie-head-social-workers-must-be-empowered-to-talk-to-media.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/17/111860/scie-head-social-workers-must-be-empowered-to-talk-to-media.htmlLocal authorities should do more to empower social workers and service users to tell their stories in the media, according to Social Care Institute for Excellence chief executive Julie Jones.Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:02:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force practitioner group holds first meetinghttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111845/social-work-task-force-practitioner-group-holds-first-meeting.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111845/social-work-task-force-practitioner-group-holds-first-meeting.htmlSixteen social workers from across England are convening today to discuss the future of the profession in the first meeting of the Social Work Task Force practitioners reference group.Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:38:00 GMTNational pay scale for Welsh social workers back on agendahttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111846/national-pay-scale-for-welsh-social-workers-back-on-agenda.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/16/111846/national-pay-scale-for-welsh-social-workers-back-on-agenda.htmlFollowing a 2005 report, experts tried and failed to establish a Wales-wide social worker pay scale to stop practitioners leapfrogging each other in search of better rewards. Now the idea is back on the table.Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:37:00 GMTJohn Couglan warns of employer-university split in social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/111842/john-couglan-warns-of-employer-university-split-in-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/15/111842/john-couglan-warns-of-employer-university-split-in-social-work.htmlA former president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services has warned that there is a developing “dispiriting disconnection” between some social work employers and degree course providers.Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:38:00 GMTLGA chief leaves to head Social Work Task Force unithttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/11/111796/lga-chief-leaves-to-head-social-work-task-force-unit.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/11/111796/lga-chief-leaves-to-head-social-work-task-force-unit.htmlThe Local Government Association's adult social care chief, Anne McDonald, has been appointed to become the lead civil servant for the Social Work Task Force.Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:20:00 GMTScie chief named as social care personality of the yearhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111785/scie-chief-named-as-social-care-personality-of-the-year.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111785/scie-chief-named-as-social-care-personality-of-the-year.htmlSocial Care Institute for Excellence chief executive Julie Jones was awarded the social care personality of the year award at this year’s national home care awards.Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:47:00 GMTCWDC unveils training fund to tempt high-flyers into social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111780/cwdc-unveils-training-fund-to-tempt-high-flyers-into-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111780/cwdc-unveils-training-fund-to-tempt-high-flyers-into-social-work.htmlThe Children’s Workforce Development Council has launched a fund to help high-flying graduates retrain as children and families social workers.Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:13:00 GMT'Welsh social work task group must consider 2005 review'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111772/welsh-social-work-task-group-must-consider-2005-review.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/10/111772/welsh-social-work-task-group-must-consider-2005-review.htmlThe task group set up to examine the future of social work in Wales must take account of the findings of a key review into the profession which reported in 2005, according to its author.Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:00 GMTBaby P: GSCC extends suspensions for ex-Haringey staffhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/08/111758/baby-p-gscc-extends-suspensions-for-ex-haringey-staff.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/08/111758/baby-p-gscc-extends-suspensions-for-ex-haringey-staff.htmlGeneral Social Care Council conduct panels have extended the suspensions of two social workers involved in the baby Peter case, who have already been sacked by Haringey Council.Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:03:00 GMTSupport worker stabbed after helping to take children awayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111745/support-worker-stabbed-after-helping-to-take-children-away.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/05/111745/support-worker-stabbed-after-helping-to-take-children-away.htmlA 19-year-old man has been jailed for stabbing a family support worker who helped to remove several children from a Liverpool family.Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:52:00 GMTWelsh government to set up task group on social workhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111732/welsh-government-to-set-up-task-group-on-social-work.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111732/welsh-government-to-set-up-task-group-on-social-work.htmlThe Welsh government is setting up a task group to look at ways of improving recruitment and retention of social workers and boost the status of the profession.Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:20:00 GMTHughes' departure sparks fears over children's services reformhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111727/hughes-departure-sparks-fears-over-childrens-services-reform.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111727/hughes-departure-sparks-fears-over-childrens-services-reform.htmlBeverley Hughes (pictured) wants reform to continue after her departure from the government but Professor Ray Jones believes the political crisis could see key policies being damagedThu, 04 Jun 2009 13:22:00 GMTHousing 21: Personalisation 'could undermine extra care'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111685/housing-21-personalisation-could-undermine-extra-care.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111685/housing-21-personalisation-could-undermine-extra-care.htmlA leading housing provider has warned that personalisation of care services could “undermine” specialist housing provision for older people.Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:36:00 GMTEdinburgh complains to PCC over Daily Mail coveragehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111723/edinburgh-complains-to-pcc-over-daily-mail-coverage.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/04/111723/edinburgh-complains-to-pcc-over-daily-mail-coverage.htmlEdinburgh Council has formally complained to the Press Complaints Commission about The Daily Mail’s coverage of a row over an adoption case earlier this year.Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:51:00 GMTTackling high caseloads 'is top taskforce priority'http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111698/tackling-high-caseloads-is-top-taskforce-priority.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111698/tackling-high-caseloads-is-top-taskforce-priority.htmlTackling excessive caseloads should be the top priority in the drive to...Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMTCommunity Care tells task force to tackle caseloadshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111703/community-care-tells-task-force-to-tackle-caseloads.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111703/community-care-tells-task-force-to-tackle-caseloads.htmlThe Social Work Task Force must come up with plans to tackle excessive caseloads, ensure social workers have access to adequate supervision and promote a better public image of the profession, Community Care has recommended.Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:31:00 GMTEight recommendations for the Social Work Task Forcehttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111702/eight-recommendations-for-the-social-work-task-force.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111702/eight-recommendations-for-the-social-work-task-force.html In the past few months Community Care has conducted thorough research into vacancy rates in social work, practice placements offered to students, and the quality and levels of supervision and information provided to practitioners. Today we reveal the results of our survey asking social workers about the challenges they face. We have combined these findings with feedback from social workers to produce the following recommendations for the Social Work Task Force. 1 PLACEMENTS Introduce a universal entitlement to statutory placements for all social work students, with a duty of care on local authorities and universities to provide this. 2 SUPERVISION Formulate national guidelines on supervision for social workers, with ring-fenced time for reflective practice (taking into account variations in individuals' experience). 3 CASELOADS Commission a thorough review of caseload limits in adults' and children's service, leading to a set of national, enforceable standards....Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:34:00 GMTNews round up: Suicide couple leap carrying dead sonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111706/news-round-up-suicide-couple-leap-carrying-dead-son.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111706/news-round-up-suicide-couple-leap-carrying-dead-son.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Jon Robin on the Caring Support social care initiative; Therapist Derek Gale struck off over 'unlimited love' suggestion; Show mercy to families taking loved ones to die at Dignitas, says former DPPWed, 03 Jun 2009 08:05:00 GMTSuicide couple leap carrying dead sonhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111707/suicide-couple-leap-carrying-dead-son.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/03/111707/suicide-couple-leap-carrying-dead-son.htmlOther headlines in today's papers:- Jon Robin on the Caring Support social care initiative; Therapist Derek Gale struck off over 'unlimited love' suggestion; Show mercy to families taking loved ones to die at Dignitas, says former DPPWed, 03 Jun 2009 08:04:00 GMTCareSpace debate hots up over age of social workershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/02/111697/carespace-debate-hots-up-over-age-of-social-workers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/02/111697/carespace-debate-hots-up-over-age-of-social-workers.html Contributors to Community Care's CareSpace forum ask at what age new recruits should be allowed to enter social work comcare.news@rbi.co.uk Community...Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:52:00 GMTCQC issues disability discrimination warning over regulationshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111688/cqc-issues-disability-discrimination-warning-over-regulations.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111688/cqc-issues-disability-discrimination-warning-over-regulations.htmlThe Care Quality Commission has warned that disabled people running health and social care services may be discriminated against under new Department of Health regulations.Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:59:00 GMTCouncils unlikely to impose threatened pay freeze todayhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111687/councils-unlikely-to-impose-threatened-pay-freeze-today.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/06/01/111687/councils-unlikely-to-impose-threatened-pay-freeze-today.htmlToday's deadline for unions to accept council employers' 0.5% offer for staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or face a pay freeze looks set to lapse, as talks continue.Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:43:00 GMTTaskforce urged to end victimisation of whistleblowershttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/29/111672/taskforce-urged-to-end-victimisation-of-whistleblowers.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/29/111672/taskforce-urged-to-end-victimisation-of-whistleblowers.htmlTrade union Aspect has urged the Social Work Task Force to ensure that social care staff can blow the whistle on their employers without being victimised. Fri, 29 May 2009 11:38:00 GMTSurge in dishonesty cases sparks vetting call by GSCChttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/27/111652/surge-in-dishonesty-cases-sparks-vetting-call-by-gscc.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/27/111652/surge-in-dishonesty-cases-sparks-vetting-call-by-gscc.htmlGSCC chair Rosie Varley has told employers to tighten vetting procedures to stem the growing number of social workers being disciplined for dishonest behaviour.Wed, 27 May 2009 12:29:00 GMTUnison issues warning on personal assistants' payhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/19/111595/unison-issues-warning-on-personal-assistants-pay.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/19/111595/unison-issues-warning-on-personal-assistants-pay.htmlUnion identifies "massive gap" in personalisation where it concerns PAsTue, 19 May 2009 11:15:00 GMTSocial Work Task Force: workers frustrated at lack of leadershiphttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/12/111530/social-work-task-force-workers-frustrated-at-lack-of-leadership.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/12/111530/social-work-task-force-workers-frustrated-at-lack-of-leadership.htmlStaff are confused and frustrated with role of national social work agencies "We provide a strong voice supporting social workers...Tue, 12 May 2009 15:37:00 GMTMove to delay social work degree split wins plauditshttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/12/111533/move-to-delay-social-work-degree-split-wins-plaudits.htmlhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/05/12/111533/move-to-delay-social-work-degree-split-wins-plaudits.html training Decision on degree split postponed to October The government's decision to put on hold Lord Laming's call to split the social...Tue, 12 May 2009 10:39:00 GMT