“We welcome the Taskforce’s practical focus on what is preventing social workers doing the job and the initial observations about areas for reform. We look forward to continuing to contribute to taking this work forward.

We share the view that both initial and post-qualifying training needs strengthening, and are working with partners to develop a range of proposals. Part of getting this right will be ensuring that there are realistic expectations of graduates and that the ongoing training and development for social workers is supported by all employers.

We agree that the introduction of specialist pathways in initial training is needed and we welcome the taskforce’s view that early specialisation must not prevent social workers from gaining the full range of skills they need to work with adults, children and families.

We are pleased that the taskforce is looking at the issue of a ‘voice’ for social work. The GSCC has a role in upholding the value of a committed workforce. We do this by promoting high standards and holding social workers to account for their conduct to ensure public confidence.

We believe there is value in having one code of practice applicable for all social care workers who should all be held to account for the same set of standards. We would be interested in understanding the rationale for a separate code. However, the more critical issue is that, as recommended by Laming, the code for employers should become enforceable.”