An independent regulator?

The proposals describe Social Work England as an “independent body” which will replace the Health and Care Professionals Council in September 2018.

We would welcome a new independent regulator which can raise the standard of social work and provide better support for foster carers and looked after children and young people.  We feel that a regulator that was independent not only from the industry but also from government would be able to drive up standards in social work through constructive criticism while also being free to challenge and oppose planned legislation from government detrimental to children, young people, foster carers and the social work profession. It would also ensure that these standards are not unnecessarily redefined when a new government was elected. 

We believe such a body would support our mission of improving the lives and life chances of children in foster care.

However, we are concerned that the proposals in the bill would not set up such a truly independent body, but instead are a clear step towards closer government involvement. The plans, which include the head of the regulator being appointed and answerable to the secretary of state for education and the secretary of state for health, are very similar to those for a regulator directly controlled by the Government, which have already been rejected by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ACDS) and the Local Government Association (LGA). It could be argued the new plans appear to be an attempt by the Government to repackage the same ideas under a new “independent” guise. 

We really do need to be reassured that Social Work England will be completely independent and dedicated to improving professional standards, practice and ultimately service delivery to those who social workers serve.