Social Work Week 2024

Social Work Week offers a chance to celebrate social workers and advocate for the value of social work across society.

Hosted by regulator Social Work England, this year’s week had three key themes to:

• Learn: sharing the breadth of good practice from a diverse profession
• Connect: lived, learned and professional experiences – creating opportunities for the sector to connect
• Influence: understanding challenges and successes in the sector and exploring innovative solutions

Social work as a rewarding career

It was fantastic to see our Practice Specialist Catherine Andrews featured in The Guardian, in a piece discussing why social work is such a rewarding career.

Speaking about her move into social work from working as a benefits adviser, Catherine commented that “I always say I didn’t choose social work – it chose me”.

We know this message resonates with many of our trainees when they begin our programme and hope it reaches people considering becoming a social worker.

The value of peer support

Throughout World Social Work Month and Social Work Week, the British Association of Social Workers have been running Amazing Social Workers Awards, spotlighting inspiring and creative social work practice taking place across the UK.

“Watching her in action in her role in A&E is inspiring and I genuinely hope to be a social worker like her one day”.

Shanice Francis, speaking about Consultant Social Worker Jade Hibberd

We are exceptionally proud to have one of our trainees, Shelly Brierley, and one of our Consultant Social Workers, Jade Hibberd, recognised in these awards.

Shelly was nominated by fellow Think Ahead trainee Ellie. “[Shelly] is always willing to help out and goes above and beyond to help members of the team. She is also very forthcoming in educating other professional about the role of social work and has really made me feel that I am going into a valued profession. She is amazing!”

Reflecting on the nomination, Shelly commented on her wider support system: “I am part of a fantastic cohort whose peer support has been invaluable”.

Nominated twice, Jade reflected that “both nominations included such kind and thoughtful statements” and that this “was also a testament to the great character of both students and the social workers they will become”.

We are very proud of Shelly and Jade and know that they will continue to make a difference to the people they support.

Prioritising long term training and development

Whilst we should continue to celebrate social workers, we must also ensure social workers are supported and invested in, right from the very start of their career.

During Social Work Week, our CEO Philippa spoke to this at the Kings Fund Leadership and Workforce Annual Summit.

When our training programme started 10 years ago it was seen as disruptive. Now, nearly 1,000 trainees later, it’s a well-established training route for mental health social workers.

But it’s not just enough to recruit and train social workers. We need to do more to retain and look after people. Our Workforce Matters Manifesto explores this, calling on the government to grow, invest and connect the mental health workforce.

Changing the script around social work

One of the highlights of Social Work Week is always having the opportunity to learn from the sector – from attending fascinating events to supporting important campaigns.

We’re pleased to support Social Work England’s #ChangeTheScript campaign.  Calling for a more accurate portrayal of social work, it highlights the positive impact that social workers have on people’s lives everyday.

Social workers on our programme and beyond deserve more recognition for the impact they have and a greater awareness of the scope of their roles. We hope this campaign will help to change the narrative around social workers and publicly celebrate the profession.

Thank you to Social Work England for planning an engaging week as always – we look forward to next year!