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Social Work Snapshot

In 2021 we asked social workers how they work and whether they are able to achieve their ambition to change children’s lives for the better.

70%

of respondents feel valued by the families they support

59%

would recommend a career in social work to their peers

16%

feel their work is valued by the public

I love being a social worker. I love that my work has enabled families to stay together and for parents to make meaningful changes that have a positive impact on them and their children.”

Changing the system

Our research found an appetite for real change in the social work system. The pandemic showed it is possible to do things differently, to adapt and be creative.

Social workers have the insight to identify the solutions that enable them to have more impact on the lives of children and families. We want to grasp this opportunity and the enormous potential for change it represents.

Vast amounts of repetitive paperwork (panel referrals, pre-meetings reports for every meeting, minutes of every meeting, referrals to support agencies, case notes) are prioritised over meaningful visits and direct work.

87%

feel they are able to carry out the duties of their social work role effectively

85%

feel they are able to carry out the duties of their social work role effectively

69%

feel their local authority is open to new ideas and innovative ways of working

Read the full report