Sets out fifteen recommendations for improving and reforming social work including better initial education and training with a supported and assessed first year in employment; improved working conditions; stronger leadership and independence; a reliable supply of confident, high quality, adaptable professionals in the workforce; greater understanding among the general public, service users, other professionals and the media of the role and purpose of social work; and making more use of research and continuing professional development to inform frontline practice. It calls for the establishment of an independent national college of social work; clear, universal and binding standards for employers; a dedicated programme of training and support for managers; and a single nationally recognised career structure.
London: Department for Children, Schools and Families. 70pp
