Briefings
The Future of Social Work in Adult Social Services in England
The Department of Health, together with a number of partners in the social work sector and in consultation with the GSCC and others, has produced a statement, ‘The Future of Social Work in Adult Social Services in England’.
In its interim report the Social Work Task Force stressed the need for a clear understanding of the work that we need social workers for, and how their effective practice can improve outcomes. The Task Force developed a description of social work, for the profession to use to explain itself to the public. Building on this description of social work, the statement undertakes to develop a clear articulation of the tasks that social workers should perform in adults’ services and the skills and knowledge they need.
Select Committee on Health – Inquiry into Social Care:
In October 2009 the Health Committee launched its inquiry focused on the future of social care services and funding following the publication of the social care green paper ‘Shaping the Future of Social Care Together’. GSCC evidence focused on personalisation of services and the regulation of the workforce.
Select Committee on Children, Schools and Families – Inquiry into Training of Children’s and Families’ Social Workers:
The Inquiry was established to work in parallel with, and contribute to, the Social Work Task Force. The GSCC provided evidence to the committee on the Social Work Degree and post qualification training. The final report was published 23 July 2009.
Health and Social Care Act 2008:
The Act established the joint health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission, responsible for regulation and registration of certain health and social care service providers. During the passage of the Act the GSCC briefed parliamentarians about the relevant aspects of the Act.
Children and Young Persons Bill 2007:
The Bill will reform the statutory framework for the care system, to ensure that children and young people receive high quality care and support and to drive improvements in the delivery of services focused on the needs of the child. During the passage of the Bill the GSCC is briefing parliamentarians where aspects of the Bill relate to its work.
Parliamentary Enquiries:
GSCC regularly contributes to inquiries led by Select and Joint committee and All-Party Parliamentary Groups. Please read about our recent submissions below:
Select Committee on Children, Schools and Families – Inquiry into Looked-After Children:
The GSCC was invited to submit oral and written evidence to the Committee’s inquiry, which focused on all aspects of care for looked-after children. The GSCC’s interim Director of Strategy gave evidence to the Committee’s inquiry during the Committee’s evidence session on conduct of care and adoption proceedings.
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Social Care – Inquiry into social care workforce:
During 2007-2008, the Group held an inquiry into social care workforce. The GSCC submitted evidence to the inquiry, in which it outlined the work of the GSCC to improve standards in social care through greater regulation. The work on the inquiry was coordinated by the Social Care Institute for Excellence and the report was published in summer 2008.
APPG Social Care - GSCC Submission
Report of Social Care Workforce inquiry, 2007-2008
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Local Government:
During 2007-2008, the Group held an inquiry into the long-term care and wellbeing of older people. The GSCC submitted evidence to the enquiry, in which it outlined the contribution of regulation of care professionals to improving care for older people. The work on the inquiry is led by the Local Government’s Information Unit.