Local Government Service Group Conference
14-15 June 2009
Speaking up for Social Work
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Kate Ramsden
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The major focus on the crisis being faced by Social Work members
came to the fore as Local Government delegates backed a range
of measures to campaign against cuts and for more resources.
The composite from seven branches and regions, including Aberdeenshire
and UNISON Scotland, included a call for UNISON to take a key
role in publicising the difficult working conditions for many
social care staff.
But, crucially, UNISON will also highlight all the excellent
work done by its members every day to protect children and other
vulnerable people. Aberdeenshire’s Kate Ramsden spoke of the particular
pressures facing our members working in child protection.
“It is always a tragedy when a child dies and especially when
a child dies at the hands of the people who should have been caring
for and protecting them” she said.
“When this happens though, my heart always sinks because alongside
the individual tragedy, I know that somewhere along the line the
media and politicians will need someone to blame and the moving
finger is most likely to stop and stay at social work”.
Conference heard of the outrageous caseloads and the staffing
crisis in many councils. But speakers also pointed to the great
work done despite these pressures.
Kate said it was time to ‘speak up for social work’. “Conference,
please support your colleagues in social work, not only by passing
this composite, but also by defending social work whenever you
hear it criticised”.
Scotland delegate Lynne Rankin was also due to speak in the
debate but the question was put before she could make her contribution.
Such was the level of interest in the debate and the level of
support from Conference, it is clear that Social Work staff are
at last being heard. All we need to do now is convince the media!
See tomorrow’s briefing for a report on the Speak Up for Social
Work Fringe meeting.
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