social workers

Public knowledge of and attitudes to social work in Scotland

In June 2004, Scottish Ministers initiated the first fundamental review of Social Work since the Social Work (Scotland) Act in 1968.

To inform the work of the review, the Scottish Executive Education Department ( SEED) commissioned MORI Scotland to conduct a programme of public opinion research. The over-arching aim of the programme of public opinion research described in this report was to provide the 21 st Century Social Work Review Group with an understanding of public knowledge of, and attitudes towards, social workers and social work services.

The law and social work in Scotland (OU podcasts)

This album tackles the complex relationships social workers experience in the wide spectrum of their work, from those with families affected by social deprivation to those with judges, lawyers and other members of the legal system. The tracks analyse the role of the family in Scottish life in relation to the many voluntary bodies that exist to assist and inform them, and the legal obligations of social workers. Participants from single mothers to solicitors presented their perspectives in a series of frank, informative interviews.

Managing risks and minimising mistakes in services to children and families

This report focuses specifically on reducing risk in services to children and families by identifying and learning from near misses in children's services. It aims to start a debate about the management of risk at an organisational level and to support the introduction of the Children Act 2004 in England and Wales and the development of Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs).

Statistics Publication Notice Health and Care Series: Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2008

Scotland’s Chief Statistician published the Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2008. This publication contains statistics obtained from the staffing census held across all local authorities on 06 October 2008. It presents findings from a range of statistics to provide an overall picture of demand for, supply of, and outcomes from the social care workforce.

How do I get help?

Factsheet providing information and advice on sources of help available to all those caring for family members or friends in Scotland. Topics covered include carers' assessments, emotional support, financial matters and making a complaint.

The impact of integrated children's services on the scope, delivery and quality of social care services for deaf children and families: phase 1 report

This study used five in depth case studies using documentary analysis, interviews and structured case response methods. The study aimed to consider the impact of the move towards integrated children's service arrangements on how social care services for deaf children and their families are delivered and whether these arrangements create opportunities or threats to identify, assess and meet social care needs. Although good practice was identified, there were concerns about the quality, availability and appropriateness of social care services.

SCIE Position paper 3: Has service user participation made a difference to social care services?

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) wants to bring together a lot of knowledge about social care, so that information on what works best is available to everyone. This Position paper is about how social care services can be made better by the people who use them - that is, the service users themselves. It brings together the main findings from six reviews that looked at whether service user participation made a difference to changing and improving social care services.

Creating positive outcomes through social work services

Pamphlet containing a collection of essays which acknowledge and celebrate the important part social work services play in supporting individuals and communities. The contributions approach the subject from various perspectives including the impact of the 1968 Social Work (Scotland) Act, the wider responsibilities which underlie standards and service delivery and the social context in which services are delivered.

The Body of Law

This learning object is suitable especially for an opening module, enabling discussion of the legal system. The Body of Law will make students aware of: how law is made; how social issues may be reflected in the legal rules; how the legal rules reflect the society of which they are a part; the relationship between national and international jurisdictions; the role of the judiciary and of case law; the separation of powers.