The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) has published new guidance for employers who are considering employing a social worker for the first time, alongside specific guidance for schools.
Launched today (22 October 2024) at Holy Trinity College, Cookstown, the guidance is to be used by organisations to help them understand that when employing a social worker in Northern Ireland, they are subject to a number of regulatory responsibilities and what that means.
The launch event celebrated the increasingly diverse and growing areas of social work practice across Northern Ireland, and recognised the growing number of employers seeking to recruit a social worker for the first time. There was also a focus on the experience of the growing practice area of social workers working in schools.
Children and young people have diverse abilities and needs, and have the right to positive and successful learning experiences.
Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health said:
“School social workers work closely with the students, their family members/carers, as well as the school and statutory services to promote participation and achievement.
“This guidance helps to support the conditions for social workers to carry out this important work, while also allowing them to thrive professionally.”
Social Care Council, Interim Chief Executive, Declan McAlister believes that as a regulator of the social work workforce, it is important that when guidance is needed, it is put in place.
“As the needs of our community change, new areas of social work practice are emerging. As a workforce regulator, we have a duty to ensure all registered social workers are supported in employment to achieve their full potential and meet their professional Standards of Conduct and Practice. This guidance provides a one-stop source of essential information for organisations thinking about employing a social worker to ensure this is happening.”
A key aim of the guidance is to ensure employers understand their responsibilities and invest in the support and processes which need to be in place to provide the right conditions for safe and effective social work practice that in turn contributes to positive societal change.
Carolyn Ewart, National Director BASW(NI), added:
“Employers need to be supported to understand what employing a social worker involves so professional practice is appropriately supported. The decision to employ a social worker cannot be taken lightly. Employers need to consider what professional development opportunities, regulatory requirements and safeguarding pathways, policies and procedures need to be considered. This guidance helps to them do just that.”
Colin Reid, Head of Safeguarding, Pupil Welfare and Inclusion, EA welcomed the specific guidance for school as an essential tool for any school thinking of employing a social worker.
“School social workers are at the forefront of helping schools, individuals and families address complex social issues and have the specialist knowledge and skills necessary to make sure that students are connected and engaged in their learning. This guidance is a great support to schools considering employing a social worker. It provides a single place for employers, specifically schools, to make informed decisions about employing a social worker, whilst maintaining new regulatory responsibilities, and ensuring social workers are supported in their professional progression.”
The guidance is based on collaborative work taken forward by the Social Care Council, BASW Northern Ireland, the Education Authority (EA), Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and members of the Third Sector Social Work Leadership Forum.
Want to know more?
Copies of the new guidance Employing a Social Worker – Guidance for Employers and the School Social Work Guidance – for schools employing social workers, are available under the Standards and guidance section of the Social Care Council’s website, or check out our special Care to chat podcast episode on social work in education.
For more information:
Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net
07874682049