Safeguarding the future of social work with adults to ensure person-centred support/personalisation and co-production

Blog by Peter Beresford Professor of Social Policy, Brunel University

This year the new College of Social Work has had its official launch with Care and Children's Ministers Paul Burstow and Tim Loughton present to give their official support. It was a really positive occasion. Two days later, earlier this month, the College held a major national summit on social work with adults. I am pleased to say that not only did Glen Mason, Department of Health Director for People, Communities and Local Government, have some positive words to offer on Think Local, Act Personal but also both Sue Bott and I from the Partnership and the National Co-Production Advisory Group were there. We had been invited to contribute from a service users' perspective and to talk about what service users value from social work with adults.

We both drew on evidence to highlight what service users value from social work. Sue talked about the findings from a consultation she had undertaken on behalf of the College and I drew on a range of research projects and consultations with service users that Shaping Our Lives, the organization I am involved in and other organisations have carried out.

What was particularly interesting was how similar the story that the two of us had to tell was. Service users repeatedly highlight the same things that they value from social work. They value being treated with equality and respect and being listened to. They value workers who show warmth and empathy, are reliable, well informed, non-judgemental and who understand and address issues of equality and diversity. They particularly value the relationship that good practitioners offer, which is the starting point for both practical and emotional support. They particularly welcome the social approach of social workers - which sees the whole person in the context of their family, friends and communities.

This in a nutshell is the true meaning of person-centred support or personalisation - making sure that the services and support that people receive match their individual needs and common rights. Social workers have a key part to play in this through the support they can offer in a co-produced way through their relationship with service users, to support the service user's self empowerment.

The Summit for Social Work with Adults, was inspired by the value the new College of Social Work places on this area of work. But it was also prompted by increasing concerns about the loss of social work posts in this field and reports from service users that they are losing much valued contact with qualified social workers which offers them vital advocacy and support. There is no doubt that social work with adults has been hard bit by recent economic developments. However, if we are to move into the future based on integration between health, social care and other services, called for by both government and service users, then the social approach of social work and its contribution towards holistic person-centred practice must be protected. The forthcoming care white paper will have valuable messages to offer in this regard. It has to be the way ahead.

Background

Peter Beresford OBE is Professor of Social Policy, Brunel University and Chair of Shaping Our Lives, the national service users and disabled people's organization and network. He is a member of the National Co-Production Advisory Group and the TLAP partnership.