The latest statistics on new students entering social work programmes have revealed that there has been an unprecedented increase of over 33% between 2000 and 2003, with indications that demand is outstripping the increase in places available.
The figures on social work degree entrants released this week by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) show a 12% increase on the previous year, following a substantial year-on-year rise in entrants for the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) and its successor qualification.
Lynne Berry, GSCC Chief Executive said:
“I’m delighted to see such a renewed interest in social work as a rewarding career choice. Encouraging the next generation into social work will be key in meeting the future needs of service users and in addressing recruitment difficulties. It is great to see work in this area, including the student bursary to support their studies, bringing such great rewards.
“Together with registration boosting the status of a fully qualified profession, the introduction of the new degree heralds a new, more professional era for social work which students are clearly responding to.”
Students are supported by £40 million in bursaries which are distributed by the GSCC. The social work bursary is part of the Government’s initiative to attract more people into social work and each student receives around £3,000 a year in addition to local authority funding.
The introduction of social work registration means that students can now look forward to professional registration when qualified too. Registration ensures that all social workers are trained, checked and accountable.
17 November 2004 gscc030.04
Notes for Editors
1.The figures released today indicate a steadily rising total of students enrolling onto social work courses (the DipSW or new degree). In 2000-2001 just over 4,000 students enrolled to study, which has risen to 5,382 in 2003-4.
2.The Data Pack 2003-2004: Social work education and training statistics contains full details on the above figures and is now available from the GSCC. If you require a copy of this publication please contact Niamh on the above number. The Data Pack is published on an annual basis.
3.The Social Care Register aims to raise standards and improve protection of the estimated 1.5 million people in England who use social care services. Registered social care workers will have met standards of qualification, good character and health and will agree to abide by the GSCC’s code of practice. Any social worker who does not abide by the code could be removed from the register. Every application will also need to be independently endorsed and validated by an employer. It will prevent unsuitable people from being retained in the profession. Eventually, all social care workers will be registered.
4.The social work bursary offers students in social work a non-means-tested grant of approximately £3,000, depending on where they live or study, £500 to cover the cost of travelling to practical work experience, as well as having their tuition fees paid. The bursary is available on a pro-rata basis for students studying part-time. It was formerly known as the undergraduate bursary.
5.The codes of practice are available free of charge in a variety of formats, including Braille, audio, sign language, pictorial, large print and 30 languages. The codes are available upon request either by calling the information line on 020 7397 5800, by emailing info@gscc.org.uk or via the GSCC website www.gscc.org.uk.
6.The General Social Care Council came into being on 1 October 2001. It was set up in England under the Care Standards Act 2000 to establish codes of practice for social care workers and employers, to set up a register of social care workers and to regulate social work education and training. Similar bodies exist in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.