Social work: on the frontline
As new children's minister I want to empower social workers Robert Goodwill With a new regulator and an assessment system for social workers we will be able to improve the lives of vulnerable children
Why social workers are marching 100 miles in protest against austerity Rory Truell It’s not incongruous to see social workers protesting. We want to transform society for the most vulnerable
Programme prepares to nurture future children's services leaders Isabelle Trowler, chief social worker for children and families, says 20 candidates with ‘a joy of leadership’ will be selected
We need to engage and motivate social workers – let's get creative David MacFarlane The average career lifespan of a social worker is eight years, but we must think beyond money to motivate the workforce
It's time to put social work regulation where it belongs – with employers Lel Meleyal Employers are best-placed to establish frameworks for good practice, something successive regulators have failed to do
Christmas gift guide: the best presents to buy a social worker Our guide to what to get the social worker in your life
'We want social workers to do real social work': the councils cutting caseloads Some councils are making efforts to tackle the strain of high caseloads – and they say they are already starting to see a difference in staff retention
It is time to focus on the rights at the heart of social work International Human Rights Day enables social workers to consider a broader framework of rights that recognises the contexts in which we live
'I've returned older and wiser': the social workers coming back to practice Councils are running courses to encourage and support experienced professionals back into employment to stem nationwide shortage
Has hotdesking had its day for social workers? Many frontline professionals feel social work and hotdesking are incompatible, and councils are now introducing other models
We social workers are more than just cogs in the system Gerry Nosowska Our code of ethics states we have an ‘obligation to challenge social conditions that contribute to social exclusion’. Here’s how we can do that
Social workers' verdict on Jo Brand's new sitcom, Damned The Channel 4 comedy received a mixed reception from social workers, students and those with experience of social work
Damned: Jo Brand's new sitcom finds the humour in social work Channel 4 show aims to portray social workers in a refreshing and realistic way, although the writers admit some scenarios had to be toned down
What I wish I'd known at the start of my social work career Be patient with yourself, get emotional support, and stay faithful to your ethics: senior social workers share advice for those starting out in their careers
How can social work find a sustainable solution to its recruitment crisis? The profession is expanding at a time when other public services are being stripped back – but concerted action is need to make the role more attractive to young people
