Debate Summary for 13-Dec-2011 on Social Work and Social Care Employment in Times of Austerity

Last Tuesday, there was another exciting @SWSCmedia debate with social workers and social care workers from around the global participating. In fact, we had participants from 6 different countries who were keen to engage in discussion and exchange ideas, views and thoughts with regards to our rather timely topic; “Social Work and Social Care Employment in Times of Austerity”.

Thank you to all our wonderful participants who contributed to the discussion and who made the evening such a rich, exciting and fun experience.  The discussions were dynamic, lively and fast paced, raising many important points and questions.

@BASW_UK and @CollegeofSW, two of the leading Social Work organisations in UK, contributed to the debate; we thank Nushra and Daisy for sharing their views.

It’s the season to be merry and therefore, we wish you all the best for the festive season but wherever you are and whatever you do, don’t forget about our #TwitteRama #TwitteRamba #TwitterParty…. Once again, it will be Fun and Learning combined… and we will also have a couple of Special Gifts… So,  Stay Tuned for more Announcements… and book the date in your agenda  ;-)

Event:  @SWSCmedia #TwitteRama #TwitteRamba #TwitterParty
Date:    20 December 2011
Time:    8:00 PM (GMT) / 3:00 PM (EST)
Debate Hashtag is  #SWSCmedia

Please see the summary of the debate below and we look forward to seeing you next week…  :-)

SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Good Evening Everyone… & A Warm Welcome to our Expert Panel members, Tweeteraties & Twitter Ambassadors & our Wonderful Tweeps… #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Next Tues 20 Dec. will be our last session for this week and after that we’ll be back on 10 Jan. w/ lots of new & exciting stuff. #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
So next Tues we’ll have a #TwitteRama TwitteRamba #TwitterParty… What’s sure is It’ll be Fun+Learning combined #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
For tonight’s debate our topic is #SocialWork & #SocialCare Employment in Times of Austerity. #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
The rhetoric of better government services and increased support for vulnerable individuals and their families >>> #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
is contrasted with the harsh reality of significant budget cuts, reduction &/or closure of services & various reorganisations >>> #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
ranging from merger of services and/or departments to retrenchment of social work and social care workers, >>> #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
to unification of middle and top level management, &/or reduction/elimination of supervisory/line-management positions. >>> #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
The job losses in local authorities are only aggravated by the shrinkage and/or closures of various charities >>> #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
while, there are entire cohorts of new graduates that are still struggling to find their first employment. So our 1st Q is >>> #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Based on your actual experience: What are the prospects of employment for newly qualified social workers? #SWSCmedia
intlsocialwork Karen Adshead
Good evening #SWSCmedia I think that prospects for newly qualified social workers vary greatly across regions and sectors.
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@SWSCmedia good Q & based on my actual exp it seems that NQSW have mountains 2 climb w/ little support from their orgs & unis #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@SWSCmedia I think it depends on the area you are in geographically for a start. Some employers more willing to encourage NQSWs #SWSCmedia
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
#SWSCmedia 2 staff members at placement are ma social work graduates, doing agency housing support work as unable to get sw jobs
gemma1981 Gemma Tate
#swscmedia well i’m concerned about emp’t even after a Child protection placement
jaxrafferty Jackie Rafferty
Thanx sounds like am going to miss a great night. Have fun @SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia Expecting mass unfollows. Will catch up later
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@SWSCmedia Although I’m not a #SW grad, with constant budget cuts in social service agencies it can be difficult to find work #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Ermintrude2 @SWSCmedia I agree. We certainly found this talking to various people. Nushra #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@swscmedia Depends on client group as well as location #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DaisyatTCSW @swscmedia at the mo even Child Protection SWers are struggling. Many LA’s are merging teams & cutting staff #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@DaisyatTCSW yes, that too. #SWSCmedia
vickydixon SW Student
Evening All – don’t forget to add #SWSCmedia to your comments then they are seen by all and just get stuck in :o )
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia going off my locality extremely hard for NQSW the posts i see r asking for experience but there are some jobs
intlsocialwork Karen Adshead
Good evening #SWSCmedia I think that prospects for newly qualified social workers vary greatly across regions and sectors.
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@SWSCmedia some areas worse than others however no-one can deny that generally it is bleak with all areas being badly affected #swscmedia
StuartSorensen caretraining
#swscmedia If managers & experienced SWs are being pared down is there a cynical process of employing nqsws as they’re cheaper?
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia Oh dear. These are not the kind of choices we want to be faced with. Latter one unthinkable but realisable. #swscmedia
missclairsws Clair Fraser
@SWSCmedia there seems to be a fair few vacancies out there. However how many of these be willing to take on NQSWs i’m not sure #SWSCmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Demand 4 s/ws is large n growin n employment prospects r,therefore,excellent locally n nationally. Via Uni of Sussex! #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@StuartSorensen I think you’re on to something. In our trust everyone is being ‘downgraded’ so Band 3/4s employed – NQ nurses/SW? #swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
Varies.. Found out a lot of #SW posts in glasgow encourage those in their final year of study to begin their social work career #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Theresauno our LA has cut all recruitment except for social workers – #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@keriduffin and some people find posts from their final placements.. #SWSCmedia
CllrMc CllrSarahMcStravick
#SWSCmedia, 2 many RSW’s are underemployed or unemployed. Work in 3rd Sector at moment, threat of loss of funding whilst referrals increase!
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@iendrina It is but usually it will only be after some experience ‘in the field’ #swscmedia
JimmySW Jimmy Young
Jumping in for a chat. Please excuse my many tweets :D Thanks. #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DaisyatTCSW @swscmedia at the mo even Child Protection SWers are struggling. Many LA’s are merging teams & cutting staff #swscmedia
StuartSorensen caretraining
#swscmedia It does seem to vary geographically
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@iendrina usually people will get experience in an organisation and then go ‘independent’ #swscmedia
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
@ProfSocialWork @SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia Are those struggling members of Trades Unions or not?
444blackcat bc
@StuartSorensen #swscmedia havent seen that myself think its been a case of redundancy or no new posts so far anyway
vickydixon SW Student
@Ermintrude2 @StuartSorensen #SWSCmedia My vol agency is making 3 posts into 2, making them business not care focused – its cheaper :/
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@sunbubbles28 @SWSCmedia big prob in UK at the moment so many are loosing jobs with more cuts after Xmas #swscmedia very concerning
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@444blackcat @stuartsorensen seems very much dependent on geography #swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
@PaulaChin3 click on this Paula #SWSCmedia and keep following through that for now. X
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
RT @iendrina – @SWSCmedia Not well here in Spain not at all if we do the same things #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@Sazzle35uk That doesn’t bode well for either social workers or potential support workers! :/ #SWSCmedia
StuartSorensen caretraining
#swscmedia @Ermintrude2 since you ask – nursing jobs are getting scarcer than hens teeth
copperbird copperbird
I see more emphasis on being able to move to find work, but many of us are mature students and settled and moving is harder #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Sazzle35uk Yes, i have spoken to a number of people doing non-social work worried about how to evidence their learning #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@444blackcat @StuartSorensen Yes, important my LA’s are no employment Freeze at the mo so some teams very thin on the ground #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@StuartSorensen yeah, in our Trust they are cutting more nursing/ot posts than SW posts #swscmedia
JimmySW Jimmy Young
Can someone retweet the question/issue. Thank you. #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@ProfSocialWork ours is still employing Social workers – only recruitment in the LA #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
#swscmedia sorry forgot the hashtag in my excitement!
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
Do you think the type of #SW one has concentrated on in school (ie: aging) may help in getting a job as a new SW grad? @SWSCmedia #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Andrew_S_Hatton @SWSCmedia All trade union, there was a meeting between service manager+Swer+TU & she still lost her job. #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@iendrina remember to use the hashtag #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Great answers… Some have mentioned Geographically it may be different. Is that your experience? #SWSCmedia
vickydixon SW Student
I have accepted that despite having a close support network where I am there is a need to be geographically mobile 4 employment #SWSCmedia
444blackcat bc
@Ermintrude2 #swscmedia agreed our Trusts have been rebanding staff but not La’s
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@sunbubbles28 generally, it can, yes. It might be a differentiating factor between one person and another #SW #swscmedia
gemma1981 Gemma Tate
#swscmedia i get the sense that here there is a reluctance to take on nqsw’s until reorganisations and full impact of cuts have worked thru
mgoat73 Martin Webber
My experience is that very experienced social workers previously working for agencies are also struggling to find work now in UK #swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
@vickydixon yes, same across most industries I suspect, experienced, qualified workers taking lower skilled jobs #SWSCmedia
karenzgoda Karen Zgoda
Come join in at #SWSCmedia ! RT @SWSCmedia: Tonight’s debate our topic is #SocialWork & #SocialCare Employment in Times of Austerity #swtech
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@mgoat73 Agency staff definitely cut #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
Looks like fewer vacancies will be the norm. How do ppl see the ‘industry’ shaping up over the next 5 yrs? Fewer stat esp AdSvs? #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
@JimmySW The Question is: Based on ur actual experience: What are the prospects of employment for newly qualified social workers? #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 my LA plus neighbouring all on freeze and agency workers are banned also cut all social care staff & no PQ training #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 I see a growth in third sector/social enterprises etc #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@ProfSocialWork yeah, we’ve had PQ training cut in adult services (but not in C+F) #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@Ermintrude2 good point. that’s always a concern since I’m applying to MSW program. I see how that has happened in other fields. #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@gemma1981 I have also heard that it depends where employers are in their financial year and willing to invest. #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia we all have to bear in mind theres a shortage of jobs of every kind in public sector SW no different
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@sunbubbles28 I think it can help, yes. I work in the areas I specialised in #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
Geography may be an issue currently, but overall trend towards fewer vancancies; no region likely to buck trend in long-term #swscmedia
JimmySW Jimmy Young
@SWSCmedia thanks. How bad is it over there? #SWSCmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@Ermintrude2 @Keet84. I am sure… this is the way #swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
@BASW_UK yes I worry that I will not be able to do post qual cert because I won’t be able to gain sw role #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@mgoat73 Agree, really exp friends w/ yrs of CP & mental health & no work. It’s bad when even Child Protection SW cutting staff #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@BASW_UK If the outlook is so grim why did only 35 ppl from ‘all over the country’ turned up 2 yr info/support day? #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 yes, and it’s the same in all industries at the moment. SW suffers as many jobs in local authorities #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
I only say this as an economic/sector marker, but interim work has decreased to almost nothing. No tears for us but of note #SWSCmedia
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
@mgoat73 Maybe UK Swers will need 2 go abroad like others came to UK in times past. #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@Ermintrude2 @tashawhitstable bit concerned about soc enterprises. See some real benefits but real threats too #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@444blackcat I agree #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 I agree, I don’t think they are a panacea. Depends on set up – heard some horror stories #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 with us and neighbouring LA’s all are on the freeze & poor NQSW have no chance with these LA’s #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Keet84 Really obvious when you go to job fairs and employers thin on the ground. Nushra #swscmedia
intlsocialwork Karen Adshead
#SWSCmedia there are alternative opportunities if social workers are prepared to go abroad or take on more unconventional roles
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@intlsocialwork True, but complex social work licensing arrangments in other countries make it a difficult transition to achieve #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@intlsocialwork this is the point. I agree
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@intlsocialwork Interesting, esp about unconventional roles – others said similar. What kind of roles do you envisage? #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@intlsocialwork yes v interesting what do you propose. This will be so helpful #swscmedia
intlsocialwork Karen Adshead
#SWSCmedia these roles can include humanitarian work, international and community development work, advocacy and policy work
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Theresauno @BASW_UK Depression ? #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@JimmySW Why bad. It is just a new time with new ways. #SWSCmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@Ermintrude2 that’s great! Hopefully by the time I get my MSW, job market will be better, one can only hope. #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@intlsocialwork I think the sector needs to find more ‘unconventional’ roles to fill – community work for example #SWSCmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@444blackcat Agree! As I’ve sed a few times #allinthesameboat re; unemployment-difference is the community’s need for the service #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@Keet84 & the effects of prioritizing childrens over adult services will be disastrous #SWSCmedia
tashawhitstable natasha
#swscmedia @SWSCmedia I think we need to be innovative and creative, there’s an ability to create roles.
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 Yes, what’s next how can we help #socialworkers & students & NQSW? #swscmedia swers r scared & sad & worried abt the profession
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia Employment of NQSW not captured in Scotland. Role for regulatory bodies9 #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Theresauno The facility was designed for that number and we have many others wanting to come so will do more. Nushra #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@vickydixon Yeah totally agre – a lecturer described a poss split between qual SW doing just children, and non-qual owning Ad Srv #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@ProfSocialWork @Theresauno @BASW_UK what do u think about social entrepreneurs? #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 oh dear. That’s quite terrifying :( (as someone who has always worked in adult services!) #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Keet84 @intlsocialwork yes v interesting what do you propose. This will be so helpful #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia Tweeting on the move. Apologies for poor quality #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
I would be happy to work outside of traditional SW role if I was still working with SU group that interests me #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@bonklesoul always high quality, sir :) #swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
Agree that there’s probs going to be a rise in voluntary & private sector in #SW #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@Ermintrude2 Have to say always planned on working with adults, but now prepared to be flexible #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@ProfSocialWork @BASW_UK Really?Fed-up or clinical?Lot of ppl in same boat bt @BASW was givin opportunity 4 support n advice #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 I think there may be a greater role in advocacy with adults – I see a real social work function there! #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia 2 submisue services taken over by private orgs near me offering cheap n nasty service hope thats not the future
BASW_UK BASW
@Sazzle35uk That is something that need creativity as non social work posts can still be used as evidence but needs working out. #swscmedia
3 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 IMCA/IMHA etc, statutory advocates. #swscmedia
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
#SWSCmedia A Coordinated well publicised lobby of UK Parliament is needed to make ‘Joe Public’ aware of stupidity of wasted training & lives
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@iendrina @Theresauno @BASW_UK yes this is a good idea but I wonder if SWers have the confidence to go it alone #swscmedia esp. NQSW
vickydixon SW Student
@Ermintrude2 @Keet84 Oh jeez – maybe it will be time to leave the country then! #SWSCmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@intlsocialwork True, but complex social work licensing arrangments in other countries make it a difficult transition to achieve #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@vickydixon no, I think there’s a very strong role for stat social work with adults. Safeguarding for example #SWSCmedia
StuartSorensen caretraining
#swscmedia a split betweem C&F (qualified) & adult (unqualified)? That seems awful to me.
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@keriduffin yes good point there Voluntary Sector is also being hit hard at the mo maybe even worse than stat sector #swscmedia I’m not vol.
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
There seems to be problems across the sector… Are there areas that suffer more than others? #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@Ermintrude2 Def roles appropriate for SWKrs, wonder which other services will dev mature advocacy frameworks #swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
Hoping the situation’s a bit better in 4yrs time! #SWSCmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia also need to remember SWs in post, my GP reporting general inc in people suffering with WR stress due to mgt cuts #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@BASW_UK Ah I see – so in yr opinion 35 was a large turn out. That’s fair. :) #swscmedia
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
#SWSCmedia higher need su will be dealt with by non sw roles. Mh an example locally. Su who were high risk r now with low risk #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 I believe it is a way forward for promoting personalisation agenda #swscmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@ProfSocialWork selfconfidence it is a aim for SW #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
with tag! #SWSCmedia – @lillieputian Me too. Thoug I would be grumpy paying back tuition fees on un-qual wage of say £16k rather than £20k+
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@StuartSorensen Yeah a lecturer said something sim to me recently #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia More diversity in employers but how do we guarantee quality. Also ethical issues re private sector #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Theresauno @ProfSocialWork @BASW Peer support was particularly important and many were inspirational to others. Nushra #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@Ermintrude2 Interesting to look at how other industries have floating experts/consultants/advocates #swscmedia
StuartSorensen caretraining
@Keet84 #swscmedia excuse me – parental duties call (bedtime)
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 this is what i mean by thinking more creatively.. the amended MHA and MCA created these roles. #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@Ermintrude2 Aye, perhaps the SWer will have to become the manager and leader of non-quals – is that the future? #swscmedia
Jollercoaster Jo!
I’m a newly qualified sw and have just started a job as a care asst in a different LA after months of searching #SWSCMedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@ProfSocialWork @mgoat73 there is def something about where people are looking too as well tho, jobs moving from LAs to non-stat #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@vickydixon personally, no, the SW can also become the educator.. #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@iendrina @ProfSocialWork @BASW_UK In what capacity? Vol n NFPs play large part in #socialcare #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia perhaps a role for SW’s in being this single champion who Pickles thinks will sort out the “problem” families
SPatronski Stefan Patronski
#SWSCmedia have people found it difficulty to look at the issues of our current society and find grants to work for a few years?
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@vickydixon proposals to have expert practitioners/educators as parallel careeer routes to management. #swscmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@StuartSorensen @SWSCmedia employing NQSW in my LA not bec cheaper but exp SWs not wanting to take risks and leave jobs #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@iendrina yes I agree and important in these times & I do think that SW will move to a social enterprise model #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@ProfSocialWork @iendrinaSocial work practice pilots are certainly a step towards social enterprises #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@mgoat73 @iendrina Yes, wld like 2 learn more, have heard of pilots but no feedback re pilots & whether its working or needs work #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@ProfSocialWork @iendrinaEvaluations are underway, but they’re in a very early stage to draw any conclusions yet #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@mgoat73 @ProfSocialWork@iendrina This is interesting; do you have a link to any public information or too soon? #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@Keet84 Please see my previous tweets containing links to evaluations of social work practice pilots currently underway
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@mgoat73 Prob with following so many ppl I miss things. Have bookmarked your blog instead!
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@Keet84 Yes, there’s too much going on to keep up with! I haven’t put these links on my blog but search here: bit.ly/uOi0oZ
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@mgoat73 That is MASSIVELY useful, thanks a lot!

Thank you for Great Debate and See you Next Time:

intlsocialworkKaren Adshead
#SWSCmedia thank you for the twitter debate, unfortunately i missed out on rest of discussion last night due to dropped connection.
TheresaunoTheresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Another gr8 debate! Gaining more participants every wk – lots of knowledge/experience n support out there! Thanks! T* #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@Keet84 @Ermintrude2 Sometimes I think as we complain about our service users, without seeing alternatives #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@vickydixon @Ermintrude2 @Keet84 Was surprised to hear recruitment of some UK swers to Australia. Nushra #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Great points. But: Does the area of specialization matter? Does the area of specialization affect candidate’s job prospects? #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
Looks like fewer vacancies will be the norm. How do ppl see the ‘industry’ shaping up over the next 5 yrs? Fewer stat esp AdSvs? #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@Keet84 & the effects of prioritizing childrens over adult services will be disastrous #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@vickydixon Yeah totally agre – a lecturer described a poss split between qual SW doing just children, and non-qual owning Ad Srv #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Keet84 @vickydixon yes, been told that this is the future and more social enterprises is the way forward as gov wants 2 reduce services
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@ProfSocialWork @vickydixonand consequently costs – that’s my res with SEs. Just don’t htink long-term they’re sustainable #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@hiljoyh @SWSCmedia yes the stress that this is causing and the mental strain is huge & not good for the sector #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@444blackcat there are some really good charities providing drug services tho, don’t forget them #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@iendrina I think we must keep open minds.. #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@intlsocialwork Yes, I agree, but many difficult to get without ID degree – eg UNICEF and what they want from applicants #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@BASW_UK @Theresauno @BASW yes this is very true as ppl can feel isolated and alienated. #solidarity is needed #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@PetNev together. We need a strong professional voice. We need to politicise (in my opinion) #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@BASW_UK @vickydixon @Ermintrude2 Are Oz still crying out for nurses and SWKrs? A few years ago they were desperate #swscmedia
ProfJScourfield Jonathan Scourfield
@SWSCmedia surely there are still more jobs in children’s services than in adult SW aren’t there? #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@ProfJScourfield @SWSCmediaIsn’t this representative of the trend going forward anyway? #swscmedia ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@ProfJScourfield @Keet84Exactly right Prof S – CP work always been most diff 2 get Swers into as it’s so tough & lots of blame#swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@ProfSocialWork@ProfJScourfield Bullseye, blame on one hand recruitment on the other. #swscmedia
ProfJScourfield Jonathan Scourfield
@Keet84 yes but part of reason for govt emphasis on children’s SW is that those jobs have been difficult to fill for some time #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@ProfJScourfield Emph on recruitment with right hand,villifying SWrs publicly with the left.Accountant in me aghast at profligacy #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia contradiction: society needs more SW (ageing pop etc) yet opps for employment less. Hard to avoid cuts agenda here #swscmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia specialisation shouldn’t matter but C&F generally prefer NQSW with strategic exp so placements are crucial #SWSCmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@PetNev Dont forget the #swscmedia tag else it doesnt come up on the feed :) Sadly I think you are right! @Ermintrude2 @stuartsorensen
444blackcat bc
@DaisyatTCSW #swscmedia agreed i work with them as DD lead the ones i was referring too were private rather than third sector
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia Many including NQSWs worried about threats to sw with adults and less opps. Nushra #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@SPatronski Yes, grants could be a possible way forward but gov likely to be holding that purse string tight 2 the chest #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@BASW_UK and u took that wrong -prob wen not face2face.Meant if venue was for 35 then was full turn out which is actually sad :) #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@ProfSocialWork @iendrina Social work practice pilots are certainly a step towards social enterprises #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@SWSCmedia Always more difficult to find Adult work & C+F does receive more attention and funding but at the mo even CF has cuts #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@mgoat73 @profsocialwork @iendrina there are some examples of sw being delivered as cic too #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@Keet84 @vickydixon @Ermintrude2 It seems strange as so many sws from Oz came here to find work so bit of a change. Nushra #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
@mgoat73 #swscmedia my fear is they are also a step towards privatisation in the longer term
vickydixon SW Student
@BASW_UK @Ermintrude2 @Keet84 …whilst we are training years to do jobs that are undervalued and underfunded. SO frustrating #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@gemma1981 @444blackcat Totally agree!Need 2 give mre power 2 service users/voluntary agencies/communities 2 voice needs for s/ws #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
Already a split in fostering-LA’s & IFPs only recruiting qualified swkrs…new NMS the reason. #swscmedia :-(
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@BASW_UK Yes, I’ve worked with lots of US/NZ/SA social workers and still do! #swscmedia
SPatronski Stefan Patronski
#SWSCmedia and have people had luck with non-governmental grants?
lillieputian Lillieputian
@Jollercoaster That’s my fall back, return to residential/community LD work three years and 15K later #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@BASW_UK @keet84 @vickydixon @ermintrude2 we also have the ones that come and can’t register as they need placement time here #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@vickydixon @basw_uk @keet84 why having a strong voice is so important. #swscmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@DaisyatTCSW What is cic? #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@bonklesoul @SWSCmedia SW emp rates will be vulnerable to changes in gment policy.Some talk on here of alternatives.Thoughts?#swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@mgoat73 @iendrina Yes, wld like 2 learn more, have heard of pilots but no feedback re pilots & whether its working or needs work #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia cont So is there a time bomb here. Next time usual suspects get blame remember govt are responsible #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Do U think these changes & budget cuts everywhere may change #SocialWork practice? e.g. more intl SW or more community work etc. #SWSCmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@vickydixon @BASW_UK @Ermintrude2 Yeah moving abroad isn’t on the cards for me.Vested interest in UK Soc Work! #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@SWSCmedia I hope so #SocialWork #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 @vickydixon @basw_uk @keet84 yes strong voice but a collective voice. SW has never had a collective voice #problem #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
Clearly this government can never be accused of being a friend to social work. That is a very impactful issue #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@vickydixon @Ermintrude2 @Keet84 @swscmedia Do you mean returning to country of origin to practice? Nushra #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@SWSCmedia I hope so #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@ProfSocialWork Agree completely #problem #swscmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia always joked that SW meant job for life, never thought I’d see such cuts to public services – time for a change eh? #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 @vickydixon @basw_uk @keet84 it is through sticking together that we have power & can help each other. #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
I moved to a vol org. I feel valued v +ve employer. So many of my ex-colleauges in the LA are disolusioned and fed up #swscmedia Very sad.
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
#swscmedia Don’t Discount Uk Prison service Job, some are specialist AND even Governors start as Basic Prison Officers http://www.prison-service-jobs.co.uk/
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@SWSCmedia Inevitably the landscape must change in the long run if the underlying financial environment is dramatically altered #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@444blackcat Possibly, although most social enterprises in social care rely on statutory funding and not private funding #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@gunnergraeme I think it depends on employer but have heard that before (I work in a great team in stat servcies!) #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia think we will only see changes when we have more SUI’s n they realise human cost of cuts already seeing preventative work going
lillieputian Lillieputian
@hiljoyh #SWSCmedia which makes us dependant on uni, which is a big lottery.. in which students have no control
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
@SWSCmedia maybe more creative funding partnerships? Sw role funded by police/health/education? Project based work #SWSCmedia
anntieup Annie
I’m VERY interested in organizing social workers to protest cuts and advocate for our clients & ourselves #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@444blackcat The challenge is for the statutory sector to adapt and encourage enterprise, inspiration and new ideas #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@SWSCmedia It’s possible because of money,need,and what employers will look for from SWers Changes in communities play a role too #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@gunnergraeme This was my problem. This is why I am so fed up. I need new challenges. #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
please excuse tweets; participating in #SWSCmedia chat
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@anntieup You see -that- is the way to go. I also feel passionately about advocating in broader sense re: social injustice #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@anntieup I see it as a part of my vocation as a social worker #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia Interesting. in whose hands will our fate be decided? Nushra #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@ProfJScourfield Emph on recruitment with right hand,villifying SWrs publicly with the left.Accountant in me aghast at profligacy #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
#swscmedia I really valued my 14 years as a LA swkr and mgr. Had some gr8 colleagues, carers and bosses.
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@PetNev I agree. We have to advocate for those who use our services #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
#SWSCmedia what are stat services?
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DorleeM Stat Services basically working for public sector and having legal/statutory rights of intervention and responsibility #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Do U think these changes & budget cuts everywhere may change #SocialWork practice? e.g. more int’l SW or more community work etc. #SWSCmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@mgoat73 @444blackcat I could not agree more strongly. THAT is absolutely crucial for the future #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@anntieup Twitter is a start but broader media/blogs/demonstrations/organising. I don’t know.. #swscmedia but i will think about it!
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Sazzle35uk Agree project work can work along side for eg. social enterprise #swscmedia or independently valuable & can be pitched to LA’s
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@SWSCmedia My research exploring community development work and social capital development suggests this maybe partly true #swscmedia
tashawhitstable natasha
@anntieup @ermintrude2 as Social Workers there are many opportunities, need to help mobilise SU as well. #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@SWSCmedia I am sure more community work. #SWSCmedia
DrElvis Jo Warner
Big change = more grads in temp jobs where we are. Plus structural changes will bite in longer term e.g. MH and contracts w hlth #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 @vickydixon @keet84 Definitely think that’s key together with a shared vision and strategy Nushra #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@tashawhitstable I absolutely agree – that’s why I like social media – making more links with users @annietup – less hierarchical #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@iendrina community interest company #SWSCmedia
anntieup Annie
@tashawhitstable I’m in the US but we are facing similar challenges as the UK #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@ProfSocialWork @iendrina Evaluations are underway, but they’re in a very early stage to draw any conclusions yet #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
in U.S. many new SW jobs in mental health paid for fee, i.e., you are no longer hired full time, but only when seeing clients #SWSCmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@tashawhitstable @ProfSocialWork @ermintrude2 @basw_uk @keet84 Erm…’Stop ruining everything. You get what you pay for!’? #swscmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@mgoat73 @444blackcat @ProfSocialWork agree need 2 adapt but SWs I knw overworked, tired and finding it hard to cope with change #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@DorleeM That sounds really tough – and what is security like with these jobs? I am state-employed (stat) in MH #SWSCmedia
anntieup Annie
@Ermintrude2 the Nurses Unions here in the US do really amazing social justice/advocacy work. I’ve been very inspired by them #swscmedia
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
@DorleeM ‘Stat Services’ are Statutory ones provided in accordance with the Law of the land #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
@Ermintrude2 thanks #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@anntieup for me, that’s absolutely a way I want to go #swscmedia
iendrina Inés Sánchez Endrina
@mgoat73 this is may research as well… this is the way I am sure. #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
@anntieup #swscmedia most likely still CP
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@ProfSocialWork Think practice pilots have only really started this yr so no full evaluations yet. #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Does it make a difference whehter U R statutory, voluntary, 3rd sector, agency worker, independent/private, or own your own firm? #SWSCmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@Keet84 We need to reimagine SW and see it as an opp for not only individual change but also societal change #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@BASW_UK @SWSCmedia The entire history of social work shows that our fate is in our hands ultimately #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@BASW_UK @Ermintrude2 @vickydixon @keet84 key points that I agree with & swers need 2 start talking about vision #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@NickBerbiers @mgoat73 @444blackcat Here, here! #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
@Ermintrude2 very insecure…these are tough times right now #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@vickydixon @Ermintrude2 @Keet84 @swscmedia None of it makes any sense and doesn’t demonstrate good workforce planning. Nushra #swscmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
DrElvis Jo Warner
@SWSCmedia Forget community work. Big Society = volunteers not qualified pracs. *Why pay more?* #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@DorleeM Yes, that seems to be global although there was talk of more need for MH services – here are being cut #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Theresauno yes but not even some hints, SW sector a bit bad with communication and engaging ppl #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@Ermintrude2 usually no benefits as our loan forgiveness only applies if you’re a full time employee #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 @vickydixon @basw_uk @keet84 I believe it is 2 enmeshed in community 2 b strong voice alone #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@NickBerbiers @BASW_UK #swscmedia Sir you are right on the money with that one ;-) but we need 2 get our vision in order & stand 2gether.
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Theresauno why not form a voice WITH the community? #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@BASW_UK @Ermintrude2 @Keet84 @SWSCmedia Is there evidence of any planning at all? I would like to know what it says if there is! #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@vickydixon planning – refer to last weeks debate. Noone seems to think ahead. Short term savings/ long term costs #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@bonklesoul A SWKr told me recently they wouldn’t attend a protest as they feared for losing their job #swscmedia
ProfJScourfield Jonathan Scourfield
@SWSCmedia vol sect under pressure as LAs cut commissioned services and focus on statutory duties. Prevention under threat. #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Theresauno @Ermintrude2 @vickydixon @basw_uk @keet84 we work with ppl but we are still professionals & we must find prof. voice #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@Ermintrude2 really good info here http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/ #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@NickBerbiers @SWSCmedia Others have certainly wrestled our power away but we can also give it away. Nushra #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia our LA is planing a yr zero approach as what services would we have to provide if we started now from scratch
vickydixon SW Student
@Theresauno @ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 @basw_uk @keet84 We need do un-individualise ourselves – we need connection 4 strength #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@Ermintrude2 That is my point! You need the community to support the need for s/w as it is THEIR need! #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
#swscmedia How does this debate work? My first one.
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia would like to move out of stat sector but risk too great, job at mo ‘fairly’ secure, maybe need to just go for it ? #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Keet84 @bonklesoul Yes this is true, I am a social worker I share that thought #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Does it make a diff. whehter U R statutory, voluntary, 3rd sector, agency worker, independent/private, or own your own firm? #SWSCmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Theresauno Then we are completely agreeing! #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
@SWSCmedia as a student you feel you need a statutory job on your CV as experience & as a way to measure yourself against exp ppl #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
and if yes, what are the prospects of changing your specialisation say from Adults to Children & family or #Mentalhealth? #SWSCmedia
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
@Keet84 @bonklesoul U don’t lose a job if u protest with a hundred others, even ten. Use the media #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
@Ermintrude2 cuts in mental health are likely to happen in U.S. as well :( #SWSCmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@Keet84 @bonklesoul that’s shocking, what has happened to our radicalism and sense of social justice #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@SWSCmedia I changed but I think it depends on employer and opportunities #Mentalhealth #SWSCmedia
anntieup Annie
@Keet84 I would protest. But I am a student, no family to support #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@DorleeM short term savings, long term costs #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@gunnergraeme Hiya just follow the hashtag #swscmedia and jump in and answer threads.
anntieup Annie
@Keet84 I don’t live in a place where a movement would be successful. Needs to start in big cities for attention #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@DaisyatTCSW I think we need to relight the fire of radicalism and join with communities. Fight cuts. Be political. #SWSCmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@gunnergraeme It goes really fast so u just kind of jump on board add #swscmedia tweet n respond and voila! ;)
tashawhitstable natasha
@ProfSocialWork @theresauno @ermintrude2 @vickydixon @basw_uk @keet84 #swscmedia could you define professional voice?
444blackcat bc
@SWSCmedia #swscmedia possible but hard we have a SW who came from 15yrs in CP she has found the switch v hard fields lot more specialized
anntieup Annie
One of the biggest flaws of social workers in my experience:we spend so much time advocating for others that we forget ourselves #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@Ermintrude2 @SWSCmedia Concern about losing expertise there though; sim to replacing exp SWKrs with NQSW for cost saving #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Keet84 That’s quite depressing :( #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DorleeM in the UK we are going to have lots of more cuts in the new year but it has become impossible for nqsw to get jobs in MH #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@Ermintrude2 definitely, my flag is out and waving #SWSCmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@iendrina Great to see you. Please keep coming to the debates and tell your colleagues to come too. Buenas noches #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
@vickydixon Definately! I will go back to SC if necessary but I will be VERY annoyed about repaying loans #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@lillieputian @SWSCmedia Absolutely, if I don’t get a stat placement at the v least I will feel up against it #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Andrew_S_Hatton @Keet84 @bonklesoul I think SM is the way to go but many #SocialWorkers are still a bit scared of Twitter #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@vickydixon @Ermintrude2 @Keet84 @SWSCmedia There is but still long way to go and too many hazards to knock off course. Nushra #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
We also don’t “toot our own horns”. I want to see something (protest/film/article) re what a world w/o SWers would be like #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@ProfSocialWork social media is more than Twitter although it’s easy to forget while you are here! #swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
@444blackcat , do you think we are moving away from the role of the generic social worker in to specialisms? #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@anntieup That’s a really good idea #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@ProfJScourfield #SWSCmedia on placement in End of Life/support older carers we avert minor issues becoming social work interventions…
444blackcat bc
@ProfSocialWork #swscmedia to be honest always been hard for NQSW to get into MH without experience imho
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@BASW_UK @SWSCmedia And we have Nushra, oh dear we most certainly have! My generation worst of all! #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@Ermintrude2 if you want to start talking about this/collaborate DM me #swscmedia
ManishaMahen Manisha Patel
#swscmedia …so do you specialise in something employable or something that you’re passionate about within Social Care/Work?
tashawhitstable natasha
@Ermintrude2 @profsocialwork #swscmedia I think we need to think beyond twitter. We all agree on much, makes it easy.
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@Ermintrude2 @SWSCmedia Seen it happen in other industries; industry experts made redundant with v negative results long-term #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
@ProfSocialWork it has become very hard here the last 6 months or so as well; requirements for nqsw have also gone up #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DaisyatTCSW but 1st we need 2 get a sense of our voice as professionals SW rarely get 2gether 2 do political action always small #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia as a student it is very worrying that so many long serving/experienced people face difficulties
444blackcat bc
@keriduffin #swscmedia think we have already moved been in MH so long now would struggle in C+F
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@SWSCmedia We have many experienced SWrs take our advanced PQ programme to switch specialisms – it can be done! #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@bonklesoul @keet84 how many front line bods know that though, we have got very apathetic as a proffession I think #SWSCmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@tashawhitstable I agree. Social Media and channels must broaden. Main stream media/blogs/articles etc #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@ProfJScourfield #SWSCmedia & so keeping cared for at home and the carer well – otherwise both req SW-er & potential insitutionalisation.
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@ManishaMahen we r debating employment issues within the sector use the hashtag #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
Could SWers in all specialties write a few paragraphs about what your clients/communities would face w/o #socialwork svcs? #swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
It’s hard for NQSW’s to get in to certain specialisms like mental health etc without having prior experience so we are losing out #SWSCmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@Ermintrude2 @Keet84 #swscmedia my last employer lost over 100 years of experience with redundancies in LAC management:-(
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@ManishaMahen sorry misread your tweet :-) good Q depends on the person I suppose #swscmedia and how true 2 yourself u want to be
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
In the last 15 minutes of the debate. We would like to know what you think can be done & what is or should be the way forward? #SWSCmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
anntieup Annie
We can compile and shop to media outlets. Has to be punchy to get attention. Possibly separate pieces for US & UK #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@anntieup sounds really interesting about tooting our own horns some ppl already do this in some capacity #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@Ermintrude2 @tashawhitstable #swscmedia Should how to use socialmedia not be part of the BA in swk?
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@gunnergraeme @Ermintrude2 There’s literally no way that can be without consequence.I’m all for progress, but that’s a risk #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@gunnergraeme I’m not sure as I don’t know how much can be taught – maybe some of the challenges/dangers should be #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@Ermintrude2 I can write re: domestic violence, foster care, housing and medical/health #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
@Ermintrude2 #swscmedia i would love to move back to generic teams offering SW across all fields all ages as a complete service
lillieputian Lillieputian
@Keet84 @SjClark80 If experienced people r worried where does that leave us, we’re up against really good people & each other!#swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@444blackcat me too, I’m too young to remember generic teams ;) Are your EDTs generic stll? #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia a new government that understood, cared about and was committed to us (please Santa) #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@SWSCmedia from a student perspective, help MSWs prepare for their prospective field/wkforce, offer specialized training perhaps #swscmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@anntieup I can do mental health and older adults #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@gunnergraeme @Ermintrude2 @tashawhitstable social media good for getting ppl talking and moving #swscmedia and building things together
vickydixon SW Student
@gunnergraeme @Ermintrude2 @tashawhitstable Yes it should. There are some academics shouting about it- jst not enuf cc @jonbolton #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
I believe there is a need for a ‘junior social work’ position similar to that of Doctors for NQSW to gain experience? #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@SWSCmedia Sounds like greater differentiation in roles, less exposure to gment spending policy, geo flexibility of SWKrs #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@SWSCmedia We could start by being clearer about the contribution of SW to society and defend our corner, backed up with evidence #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@Ermintrude2 @444blackcat ours is, but some AMHP’s do just AMHP within that #SWSCmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
@Ermintrude2 definitely agree, social work should be kept generic but seems to be moving and becoming more specialised #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@lillieputian @Keet84 @SjClark80 I hate to say it but its true exp ppl are really worried :-( #swscmedia
Andrew_S_Hatton Andrew S Hatton
#swscmedia Is there an Internet Forum/Blog where this campaigning stuff can be continued? I’ve used Yahoo Groups B4 http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/
444blackcat bc
@Ermintrude2 #swscmedia up here yes EDT’s still for any call that comes in
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
tashawhitstable natasha
#SWSCmedia I think as students we must take prerogative to experience everything out there, network, network!
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@SWSCmedia build better links with user groups, communities, people who know SW makes a different #SWSCmedia
ManishaMahen Manisha Patel
@ProfSocialWork #SWSCmedia that’s ok, sorry to clarify I mean that I would love to work within human trafficking, but is it employable?
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@keriduffin Yes, to m e, that loses what is special about the profession #SWSCmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@mgoat73 @swscmedia definitely, although its not what we do is how we do it that is the common thread through us all #SWSCmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia unite to fight and save our profession, force a change in govt #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@Ermintrude2 @anntieup I like the radical tone of this -i have no idea what your planning but if there is a slot for me im there! #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@tashawhitstable as practitioners we should too #SWSCmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@bonklesoul @swscmedia on my Xmas list too :) #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@SWSCmedia We should develop creative options for the future with less reliance on statutory functions to justify our existence #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@vickydixon @anntieup absolutely! #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@SWSCmedia One word – UNITY #swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
@gunnergraeme we are taught about social media & its benefits in social work learning (@bonklesoul), writing an essay on it lol #SWSCmedia
anntieup Annie
I’m running for MSW student representative in my local NASW chapter (professional org in US for SWers) #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
#swscmedia we need to stand together as #socialworker & find our voices & way forward. SW v fragmented not good for anyone esp #socialwork
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@ProfSocialWork especially for service users! #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@bonklesoul both, we’ve sat back and let it happen, need to stand up and take responsibility not just blame the gov #SWSCmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@hiljoyh Trouble is most of this started with the last govt. All political parties have moved right. #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
Continue to advocate for our clients but for us as well. We have to be our own voice. @SWSCmedia #swscmedia
bonklesoul davidmckendrick
@SWSCmedia Two more. Is strength @NickBerbiers #swscmedia
tashawhitstable natasha
@DaisyatTCSW #swscmedia I have offers to shadow outside my placement by discovering links within my placement!
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@vickydixon @Ermintrude2 @anntieup we should support existing orgs. & tell them what we want instead of going all fragmented #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@Ermintrude2 @SWSCmedia As I sed in earlier tweet need 2 give mre power2 S.U/vol orgs/ communities etc to voice their needs 4 SWs #swscmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@mgoat73 @SWSCmedia evidence is coming thick & fast in reports of poor services 4 vulnerable peep, at end of day they r priority #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@tashawhitstable I offer shadowing opportunities from students on placement in other teams (had one in today from adult services) #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@ProfSocialWork Agreed, but I also think media attention and pressure on lawmakers is key #swscmedia get clients to participate
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DaisyatTCSW @mgoat73 @swscmedia exactly, we need 2 pull together it is through #solidarity that we have strength & power #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@sunbubbles28 That’s the key and we can’t advocate for others if we don’t advocate for ourselves #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Theresauno I agree (as you know I hope!) #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@creative_edu yes!! SWers are so needed by police. We have to convince them of that #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@ManishaMahen @ProfSocialWork Yes, many sws working in this field and need to keep doing pioneering work to improve practice. #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Are we not killing the prospect for future by ignoring Newly Qualifieds? & by not giving them the opportunity to learn & grow? #SWSCmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@DaisyatTCSW @swscmedia Yes, agreed, our value base binds us together but that also defines our action #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@Theresauno Like a lot. #swscmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@ProfSocialWork @mgoat73 @swscmedia and activism, we need to stop looking for a solution outside ourselves too and got proactive #SWSCmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@Ermintrude2 exactly!!!! In unity there’s strength #swscmedia
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@sunbubbles28 Yeah! #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action http://tinyurl.com/dykoyc9 #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia unfortunately think out best hope is for coalition to implode n a new gov get in couldnt be any worse could it
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@SWSCmedia The times are tough but we can’t afford to ignore new graduates. #SWSCmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia my LA not ignoring NQSW but just no jobs, we have internal SW training prog still alive & well #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@anntieup yes agree, let use this forum, lets get together, let’s do it!! #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@Ermintrude2 I know – lol! ;) Never gonna happen as lot of S/W seem to b quite selective n exclusive! #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
@anntieup that’s wonderful :) good luck! #SWSCmedia
vickydixon SW Student
#SWSCmedia an underemployed NQSW is not going to be proud of the profession and fight for higher standards – slippery slope?
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@DaisyatTCSW @mgoat73 @swscmedia exactly that is the key really #swscmedia well said
Ermintrude2 Ermintrude
@Theresauno they haven’t ‘got’ the values of the profession then to be honest. Our role is to advocate and involve. #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@hiljoyh @SWSCmedia Agreed. We should develop evidence about effective interventions for the most vulnerable in society #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
@ProfSocialWork @anntieup YES! #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@sunbubbles28 @Ermintrude2 exactly right Dara UNITY – well said #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@gunnergraeme I think it’s gud idea n I think employers wud employ – on lower rate of course bt so wot we all start at bottom! ;) #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@SWSCmedia NQSW shouldn’t be ignored.They still have something to contribute to the SW field&can learn alot. They are our future #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@sunbubbles28 @Ermintrude2 High five :) Nushra #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@SWSCmedia NQSW’s are our future. We fail 2 meet their needs at our extreme peril as a profession. Right now we r failing them #swscmedia
mgoat73 Martin Webber
@Andrew_S_Hatton Yes, this seems to be happening, from what I can pick up in this chat! #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
If new SWers aren’t developed and trained what happens in 20 years when all of the old guard is gone? We are the future #swscmedia
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
thank you so much :) @ProfSocialWork @Ermintrude2 @BASW_UK @SWSCmedia #swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
3 minutes to go… Any last thoughts? #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@BASW_UK @sunbubbles28 @Ermintrude2 LOL … Virtual High Five Very Cool Nushra #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
@Ermintrude2 definitely; I haven’t motivated myself to start a blog yet but I want/need to #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
@NickBerbiers #SWSCmedia in what ways are NQSW’s being failed?
anntieup Annie
I know so many young, driven passionate social workers. Don’t let the gov’t waste our talent and drive #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@mgoat73 @hiljoyh @SWSCmedia There is great professional strength available via very strong outcome evidence #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@anntieup @DorleeM Yes we need 2 invest in our future & NQSW r our future #swscmedia without future we have no hope so v important 2 invest
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@swscmedia #swscmedia We are trying to grow our own nqsws and social pegagogues.
anntieup Annie
I chose SW instead of Peace Corps because I want to be a part of the change process in my home. #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
@anntieup feel free to let me know if you ever want to write a guest post on my blog :) #SWSCmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@SWSCmedia need to develop strong links bet unis & employers – we are all in it together! #swscmedia
l_aur_aroberts Laura Roberts
#swscmedia one worried SW student :(
sunbubbles28 Dara K. Fulton
@SWSCmedia Last thought: persevere, advocate, and speak up for yourself and other fellow SWers. #swscmedia
anntieup Annie
I love my country and I deeply care about improving justice for all. Social workers ourselves included. #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
Use spaces like this to mobilise SW to get ppl 2gether & support & help. NQSW & exp SWers feel depressed & isolated without work. #swscmedia
444blackcat bc
#swscmedia last thoughts viva la revolution ne passandra
vickydixon SW Student
#swscmedia I WANT to be the next generation of SWers. And be proud of the profession. But I need investment to provide a return!
keriduffin Keri Duffin
@l_aur_aroberts Agreed! #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@sunbubbles28 @SWSCmedia fully agree with that Dara #swscmedia & in these diff times v important to do :-)
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@lillieputian I go 2 many places where NQSW’s early training, nurturing & support needs r not being met anywhere near well enough #swscmedia
hiljoyh Hil
@swscmedia thnx to all 4 my 1st twitter debate, good to hear from like minded peeps, gives me hope #swscmedia
Theresauno Theresa Gallacher
@SWSCmedia Another gr8 debate! Gaining more participants every wk – lots of knowledge/experience n support out there! Thanks! T* #swscmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@l_aur_aroberts Don’t be worried Laura :-) #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@hiljoyh @SWSCmedia definitely, the two need to be joined up! #SWSCmedia
2 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
@l_aur_aroberts I am too. But go with the outrage & irritation 1st, when that runs out there will be plenty of time for worry :) #swscmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@anntieup . I agree Annie. Social work needs this spirit in all its generations but particularly future one. Nushra #swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@lillieputian Munro also talked about it at length in 1 report – and was rightly critical. SWRB have been too – not just my view #swscmedia
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@mgoat73 having moved to a vol org lots of benefits, but pay less for similar resp. I took promotion for same pay-but happy.#swscmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
Thank You Everyone for another lively & rich #TwitterDebate @SWSCmedia Don’t forget our #TwitteRamba #TwitterParty next week… #SWSCmedia
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
@SWSCmedia thanks #SWSCmedia catch you next time :)
Sazzle35uk Sara student sw
Thank you everyone, again an inspiring eve! #SWSCmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
Lots of very creative #socialworkers and social work students with ideas. Just shows that tough times bring out the best in ppl #swscmedia
vickydixon SW Student
#swscmedia thanks all for a great debate – the more involved you are, the more involved you get! Benefits all of us :o )
gunnergraeme Gunnergraeme
@anntieup we need to keep seeing the changes we make on a daily basis and celebrate each others good practice.#swscmedia
keriduffin Keri Duffin
Another great #SW debate from #SWSCmedia
SWSCmedia SWSCmedia
The debate is now closed. Thank YOU Everyone for another Great #TwitterDebate. Join us next week for our #TwitterParty @SWSCmedia #SWSCmedia
l_aur_aroberts Laura Roberts
@vickydixon Be nice for extreme hard work to result in a job not like previously #nhs #physiotherapy #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@NickBerbiers @lillieputian see Nick’s articles in comcare #swscmedia
SimplySW Simply Social Work
@artesania62 I hope then that you have been following #swscmedia tonight as you may find it useful and interesting about #socialwork
ManishaMahen Manisha Patel
#SWSCmedia ~ thank you to all ~ apologies for any unknown mistakes ~ 1st debate ~ learnt lots ~ enjoyed being ‘virtually’ together with sws
vickydixon SW Student
@l_aur_aroberts We live in hope :o ) If I had time for sleep I might even dream about it! #swscmedia
DorleeM Dorlee M
Thank you @SWSCmedia for hosting yet another terrific #socialwork debate! appreciated exchanging ideas w/you all :) #SWSCmedia
BASW_UK BASW
@SWSCmedia Thank you to our host once again. Goodnight Nushra:)#swscmedia
NickBerbiers Nick Berbiers
@DrElvis @SWSCmedia We means WE. We are all responsible for social work, good, bad, and structural. It’s our profession. #swscmedia
ProfSocialWork From The Gut
@Ermintrude2 @anntieup lots of SM & to use SM in best way possible #swscmedia so lets go it and go for it #socialworkers
vickydixon SW Student
Cant quite believe Twitter has filtered this debate on ‘top tweets’ only – thought I was just unusually confused. #noob #swscmedia
l_aur_aroberts Laura Roberts
@vickydixon sounds very familiar!! #SWstudent #swscmedia
Keet84 Ben Keetley
@SWSCmedia Thanks for the debate, interesting to hear the diff permutations for future SWrk environment from practitioners #swscmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
the big storm is probably about to cut my power off (happens every yr) but glad I had chance to join in this weeks #swscmedia debate
DaisyatTCSW Daisy B
Signing off for the night, thanks all for the debates #SWSCmedia
lillieputian Lillieputian
@FlickReynolds You just missed a great #swscmedia debate about employment prospects, most of UK trying to keep warm & not blow away

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