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Introduction
The 21st Century Social Work Review was an independent review, commissioned in the summer of 2004 to take a fundamental look at all aspects of social work in order to strengthen its contribution to the delivery of integrated services. In particular, to:
- define the role and purpose of social workers and the social work profession;
- identify improvements in the organisation and delivery of social work services;
- develop a strong quality improvement framework and culture, supported by robust inspection;
- strengthen leadership and management giving clear direction to the service;
- ensure a competent and confident workforce; and
- review and if necessary modernise legislation.
This summary draws together the main findings of the review and sets out the 13 recommendations arising from them. Together, the recommendations set a new direction for social work services in Scotland. They will require transformational change in the way services are designed and delivered. To effectively meet people's needs and make best use of the skills of the whole workforce, services and the roles of workers will need to change. A multi-agency approach, driven by committed and imaginative leadership across the public, voluntary and private sectors will be needed to fully implement the recommendations. This will not happen overnight. It will need a long term commitment across government and public services.
From extensive consultation across Scotland and consideration of a wide range of evidence, we draw 3 over-riding conclusions:
Doing more of the same won't work. Increasing demand, greater complexity and rising expectations mean that the current situation is not sustainable:
Tomorrow's solutions will need to engage people as active participants, delivering accessible, responsive services of the highest quality and promoting wellbeing.
Social work services don't have all of the answers. They need to work closely with other universal providers in all sectors to find new ways to design and deliver services across the public sector:
Tomorrow's solutions will involve professionals, services and agencies from across the public, private and voluntary sectors in a concerted and joined-up effort, building new capacity in individuals, families and communities and focusing on preventing problems before they damage people's life chances.
Social workers' skills are highly valued and increasingly relevant to the changing needs of society. Yet we are far from making the best use of these skills:
Tomorrow's solutions will need to make the best use of skills across the public sector workforce, refocusing on the core values of social work and its mission of enabling all people to develop their full potential, enrich their lives and prevent dysfunction. Social workers will need to make effective use of therapeutic relationships and find new ways to manage risk.
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