Joe Hanley
@joehanley.bsky.social
š¤ 2603
š„ 943
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Lecturer in social work at The Open University.
https://research.open.ac.uk/people/jh35572
Matt Hood appointed Professor of Practice at University of Cumbria: "Drawing on my experience and expertise in education, health & public service reform, I look forward to equipping students, academics & public sector leaders with the insight and tools..."
news.cumbria.ac.uk/news/nationa...
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National education expert joins University of Cumbria as Professor of Practice (Public Sector) | University of Cumbria News
Matt Hood OBE, currently aĀ SeniorĀ Advisor to theĀ SecretaryĀ of StateĀ for Health and Social Care, has been appointed a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria.
https://news.cumbria.ac.uk/news/national-education-expert-joins-university-of-cumbria-as-professor-of-practice-public-sector
about 7 hours ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Pam Jarvis
1 day ago
āHow I destroyed Englandās state education system 2010 to 2024ā by Nick Gibb. Ummm⦠think Iāll give it a miss. But the article is a great read
#EduSky
.
@joehanley.bsky.social
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
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Gibb it a rest! A review of Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons
Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons aims to defend his ministerial legacy, but instead reads like a desperate attempt to rewrite Englandās education failures
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/education/gibb-it-a-rest-a-review-of-nick-gibbs-reforming-lessons/?utm_source=Bylines+Network&utm_campaign=f6dd2abafe-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_10_31_12_52&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-f6dd2abafe-504470714
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"As of 30 September 2025 [Social Work England] projected that it would underspend the full-year budget by £969,000, 5.7% of the total" - via
@community-care.bsky.social
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/11/11/d...
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DfE cuts Social Work England funding - Community Care
Department had increased Social Work England's funding by £5.2m this year, but rise has now been reduced because of projected underspend
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/11/11/dfe-cuts-social-work-englands-funding-for-2025-26-due-to-predicted-underspend/
about 17 hours ago
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Great experience being invited to talk at UC Berkeley about my work on policy networks and governance. Fitting ground to explore resistance and dissent.
2 days ago
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Good that the overdue review of Social Work England has finally been launched. Always sceptical of these types of reviews/consultations, but still hope as many social workers as possible give their honest assessment of the regulator's performance.
consult.education.gov.uk/independent-...
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Independent review for social work regulation: call for evidence - Department for Education - Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education
https://consult.education.gov.uk/independent-review-of-social-work-regulation/independent-review-for-social-work-regulation/
7 days ago
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In honour of Halloween, I'm conjuring up this 2020 (open access) article where we analysed the role of 'hauntology' šin neoliberalism and social work. Beware: the ghosts of policies past still lingerā¦ šŖ¦š§š»
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
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Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1468017320956750
12 days ago
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Interesting to look back at this article from 2019 when Social Work England launched & the CEO argued their novel approach to Fitness to Practice could prevent fee rises. Fast forward to 2025 & persistent failures in this area now being used to justify fee rises
#fromthearchives
14 days ago
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"Charting a Path for Disaster-Informed Social Work". New article from our research team on disaster social work CPD. With
@dr-nashwa-ismail.bsky.social
,
@bekahpierre.bsky.social
,
@gavinmoorghen.bsky.social
, Maris Stratulis, Mariam Raja, and Lena Dominelli.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
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Charting a Path for Disaster-Informed Social Work: Developing a Free Online CPD Course in England
This article documents the development of a free-to-access online social work in disasters continuing professional development (CPD) training course in England. The training is contextualized withi...
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10437797.2025.2563576
17 days ago
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Interesting article in
@community-care.bsky.social
from Robert Templeton arguing that social workers should/would pay more for regulation if Social Work England would just stay in their lane.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/10/16/s...
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'Social work regulation should be independent of government - even if that means higher fees' - Community Care
Social work regulation should not be subject to political priorities, nor should it be involved in promoting the profession, writes Robert Templeton
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/10/16/social-work-regulation-should-be-independent-of-government-even-if-that-means-higher-fees
27 days ago
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Former Conservative MP Edward Timpson to become next chair of Frontline. Timpson was children's minister when Frontline launched and has been a vocal supporter since. John Timpson previously sat on Frontline board and Timpson Group are a supporter of Frontline.
thefrontline.org.uk/press-releas...
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Former childrenās minister, Edward Timpson CBE KC, announced as new Frontline chair
Former childrenās minister Edward Timpson will take on the role of chair of Frontlineās board of trustees in January 2026.
https://thefrontline.org.uk/press-release/former-childrens-minister-edward-timpson-cbe-kc-announced-as-new-frontline-chair/
29 days ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Dr Helen J Williams šŖšŗšµšø
about 1 month ago
We worth a read āI can wholeheartedly recommend this book (ā¦) for those working in education who have been exasperated by Gibb and his buddies for the past 15 years, it will be tragically vindicating to read how little of substance exists behind the man and his reforms.ā šš¼
@joehanley.bsky.social
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Warwick Mansell
about 1 month ago
"It provides an unparalleled insider account of how the English education system has ended up in such a mess."Very interesting counter-balance by
@joehanley.bsky.social
to hagiography around Nick Gibb and Cons ed policymaking, urging you to read Mr Gibb's book.
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/educati...
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Gibb it a rest! A review of Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons
Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons aims to defend his ministerial legacy, but instead reads like a desperate attempt to rewrite Englandās education failures
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/education/gibb-it-a-rest-a-review-of-nick-gibbs-reforming-lessons/
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"Gibbās apparent Pavlovian response to hearing his favourite words and authors led him to swiftly appoint (often highly inexperienced) people to key positions of influence over the education of Englandās millions of children"
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Cara Maree
about 1 month ago
Thanks to Joe for reading Reforming Lessons, so I don't have to!
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My review of Nick Gibb's Reforming Lessons is now available on
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
: "This book unavoidably feels like a desperate attempt by a long-standing minister to safeguard his legacy from the reality of the education system he left behind"
yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/educati...
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Gibb it a rest! A review of Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons
Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons aims to defend his ministerial legacy, but instead reads like a desperate attempt to rewrite Englandās education failures
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/education/gibb-it-a-rest-a-review-of-nick-gibbs-reforming-lessons/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Yorkshire Bylines
about 1 month ago
āļø Gibb it a rest! Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons aims to defend his ministerial legacy, but instead reads like a desperate attempt to rewrite Englandās education failures By Joe Hanley
@joehanley.bsky.social
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Gibb it a rest! A review of Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons
Nick Gibbās Reforming Lessons aims to defend his ministerial legacy, but instead reads like a desperate attempt to rewrite Englandās education failures
https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/education/gibb-it-a-rest-a-review-of-nick-gibbs-reforming-lessons/
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Matt Hood, husband of newly appointed Children's Minister Josh MacAlister, will lead a new ādelivery unitā for the Department of Health and Social Care under Wes Streeting. Hood has no experience in the sector as far as I can tell.
schoolsweek.co.uk/matt-hood-to...
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Matt Hood to lead new health reforms ādelivery unitā
Oak National Academy founder Matt Hood to run new team under health secretary Wes Streeting to cut hospital waiting times and improve GP access
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/matt-hood-to-lead-new-health-reforms-delivery-unit/
about 1 month ago
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"Only 16% of respondents thought [Josh MacAlister] would have a positive impact..."
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/10/03/s...
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Social workers doubt Josh MacAlister will have positive impact as children's minister - Community Care
As Josh MacAlister assumes responsibility for the care reforms, most social workers report negative or no expectations of his influence
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/10/03/social-workers-doubt-josh-macalister-will-have-positive-impact-as-childrens-minister/
about 1 month ago
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Our research team are still looking to interview more social work academics and people involved in employing social workers, with a focus on coastal communities. If that sounds like you it would be great to hear from you. Please contact
[email protected]
. More details:
about 1 month ago
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Iām presenting at this event at 2pm in London on Thursday with
@socwkhistory.bsky.social
Time travelers have already been, said it was great. Come along... or came along??
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about 2 months ago
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Josh MacAlisterās appointment as Childrenās Minister isnāt landing well with practitioners, per this @CommunityCare poll.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/09/17/o...
about 2 months ago
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'One in seven practitioners say they will leave social work over registration fee hike' - even if this doesn't come to fruition, that so many SWs are even thinking about giving up their registration and livelihood shows extent of anger at the regulator.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/09/17/o...
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One in seven practitioners say they will leave social work over registration fee hike, poll finds - Community Care
Following Social Work England's 33% increase in the annual registration renewal fee, 14% of practitioners say they plan to boycott paying it
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/09/17/one-in-seven-social-workers-leave-registration-fee-readers-take/
about 2 months ago
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Barclays CEO on Ā£10.5m salary wants public sector pay capped, while the bank collaborates with charities like Teach First and Frontline that claim to be supporting those same workers š
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
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Barclays boss urges UK ministers to limit public sector pay rises
TUC says CS Venkatakrishnan has ābrass neckā calling for curbs when his pay packet has doubled to Ā£10.5m
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/12/barclays-boss-urges-uk-ministers-limit-public-sector-pay-rises
2 months ago
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Great Scott! Iām pleased to be contributing to an event on 25th September at 2pm in London, exploring social work policy networks through a historical lens and with a view towards the future... Dust off your DeLorean and come along!
add a skeleton here at some point
2 months ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Social Work History Network
2 months ago
Notification of upcoming event from our network: 'Social Work Networks: Past, Present and Future'. Speakers: Joe Hanley, Jane Tunstill, James Blewett and June Thoburn. All the Js! 25 September 2025 14:00 to 16:00 in London. All welcome!
www.kcl.ac.uk/events/socia...
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Social Work Networks: Past, Present and Future | King's College London
Joe Hanley; James Blewett; Jane Tunstill; June Thoburn
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/social-work-networks-past-present-and-future
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Curious about Josh MacAlister, the new Junior Minister at the Department for Education, and why his appointment is concerning? Here's a piece I wrote for
@northwestbylines.co.uk
last year. It's a good place to start:
northwestbylines.co.uk/politics/gov...
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The Govian Candidate: Josh MacAlister for Whitehaven and Workington
Joe Hanley exposes the impact of soul mates Conservative Michael Gove and Labour high flyer Josh MacAlister, on governmentās social policies
https://northwestbylines.co.uk/politics/govian-candidate-josh-macalister-whitehaven-workington/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Social Workers Union
2 months ago
At the
#SWUConference
Dr
@joehanley.bsky.social
reflects on issues that social workers are experiencing, looks at social work workplace activism as it exists in 2025, and asks the fundamental question: should social workers just give up, or can they stand up to the challenges they face?
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Great day at the
#SWUConference
2025. Lots of solidarity and hope shared from the varied speakers. Thanks to
@swu-uk.bsky.social
for the invitation to be a lil part of it.
2 months ago
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I (& basically everyone) agree that a company like Serco getting the cut-down Teach First contract would be terrible, but they only have the opportunity to bid because Teach First have systematically opened up ITE to private sector for decades. Can't ignore that.
www.tes.com/magazine/new...
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DfE cuts £74m from offer to bidders for Teach First contract
The DfE has also reduced the recruitment target for the Future High Potential Initial Teacher Training scheme by 750 trainees a year
https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/dfe-cuts-74m-teach-first-contract
2 months ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Social Workers Union
3 months ago
Thrilled to announce the brilliant keynote speakers for our upcoming SWU Conference - Vivian Okeze-Tirado, Neil Thompson, Tricia Pereira & Godfred Boahen, Gawain Little, and Joe Hanley. All from the world of social work are welcome! Book your FREE place today:
swu-union.org.uk/2025/08/swu-...
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Not long now! This Saturday I'll be speaking as part of the
@swu-uk.bsky.social
Conference 2025 in Manchester on solidarity and activism in the social work workplace. Register (free) and come along:
swu-union.org.uk/swu-conferen...
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SWU Conference 2025: Solidarity at Work - SWU Social Workers Union
Saturday 6th September 20259:30am to 4:30pmat the historicMechanics Institute, 103 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD The Social Workers Union (SWU) invites all of our members and social work colleagu...
https://swu-union.org.uk/swu-conference/
2 months ago
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I reckon I am biased but I think this list of speakers for the upcoming
@swu-uk.bsky.social
. Conference on 6th September in Manchester is really superb. Looking forward to the opportunity to talk all things solidarity & activism. More details and booking (free) here:
swu-union.org.uk/swu-conference
3 months ago
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Really enjoyed being part of the Festival of Politics at the Scottish Parliament last week, talking about how social work can help build stronger communities and a healthier democracy w/ Caroline MacDonald, Vivien Thomson & Fulton McGregor et al. Great to catch a bit of my first Fringe too!
3 months ago
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Interesting/important article from Paul Michael Garrett analysing the multiple censures of the Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW) by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
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Hegemony and settler colonial subjectivities: The censure of the Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW) by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) - Paul Michael Garrett, 2025
In March 2018, and again in January 2025, the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) censured the Israeli Union of Social Workers (IUSW) for its fail...
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02610183251365192
3 months ago
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Scottish Social Services Council who, like Social Work England, saw a rise in Fitness to Practice referrals, still managed to reduce the length they take to resolve (although still too long). Fees also lower in Scotland.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/15/f...
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Fitness to practise case timeframes cut in Scotland - Community Care
Despite rising number of fitness to practise referrals, Scottish Social Services Council has cut the time taken to close cases
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/15/fitness-to-practise-case-timeframes-cut-in-scotland/
3 months ago
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Interesting stats from
@community-care.bsky.social
. Just 3 out of 730 referrals to Social Work England by the public end up with removal from the register (0.4%). Compared to 14 of 228 referrals from employers (6%). Those 17 removals equate to 0.016% of SWs.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/14/h...
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Huge rise in fitness to practise concerns about social workers - Community Care
Rise driven by concerns from members of the public, the overwhelming majority of which are rejected by regulator at initial stage
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/14/huge-rise-in-fitness-to-practise-concerns-about-social-workers/
3 months ago
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There have been strong critical sentiments expressed about the Social Worker Awards previously. But I think this is the first time that I have seen someone actually refuse a nomination. I would have thought people would be asked prior to being listed?
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/07/s...
3 months ago
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On 22nd August I will be taking part in a panel event at the Scottish Parliament as part of the Festival of Politics on the topic of: 'Can social work save communities and democracy?'. Details and booking:
festivalofpolitics.citizenticket.co.uk/events/festi...
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Can social work save communities and democracy? - Buy tickets
Join the panel to explore how social work can help communities overcome the barriers of poverty, disability and discrimination that exclude many from participating fully in the decisions that affect t...
https://festivalofpolitics.citizenticket.co.uk/events/festival-of-politics/can-social-work-save-communities-and-democracy/
3 months ago
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Grateful and proud to have been asked to present as part of the
@swu-uk.bsky.social
Conference in Manchester on 6th September (free to attend). The theme is vitally important for the future of social work: Solidarity. Details and booking here:
basw.co.uk/events/swu-c...
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SWU Conference 2025: Solidarity at Work
https://basw.co.uk/events/swu-conference-2025-solidarity-work
3 months ago
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Labour MP and Teach First ambassador Mark Sewards creates AI version of himself to engage with constituents on his behalf. I'm sure that'll work out well...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
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MP creates an AI version of himself and encourages constituents to āembraceā it
Labour politician Mark Sewards has unveiled what he says is the UKās āfirst virtual MPā
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mp-ai-politician-labour-artificial-intelligence-b2802392.html
3 months ago
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COASTAL SOCIAL WORKERS WANTED! šļøāµļø We are still looking for social workers (or former SWs) with experience of working in coastal communities in England for our research project. If that's you, please get in touch (or pass on to colleagues).
[email protected]
3 months ago
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More clear opposition to Social Work England and their fee rise, this time from Principal Social Work (PSW) Networks. The cost of the loss of faith in the regulator will be far greater than anything gained from the fee increase.
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/07/29/p...
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PSW networks sound alarm over Social Work England fee rise - Community Care
Practice leaders say they are 'deeply concerned about potential impact' of Social Work England's 33% rise in charges on practitioners
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/07/29/psw-networks-sound-alarm-over-social-work-england-fee-rise/
4 months ago
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By ignoring the 96% of respondents against the fee increase, Social Work England has shown what has always been true, its approach to consultation is performative at best. I wrote about this in 2022 (full article open access @AotearoaJ):
anzswjournal.nz/anzsw/articl...
4 months ago
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Social Work England (justifying the now confirmed fee increase) revert to their usual refrain that silly social workers just don't understand their remit. Making it worse, they say this, and then immediately list a load of ways they step outside that remit when it suits them!
4 months ago
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To the surprise of no one, Social Work England have confirmed they are increasing social worker fees to £120. Remind me what was the purpose of the consultation, and the 8,000 respondents who took the time, 96% of whom were against the increase??
www.socialworkengland.org.uk/about/public...
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Consultation response on proposals to make changes to our fees - Social Work England
https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/about/publications/consultation-response-on-proposals-to-make-changes-to-our-fees/
4 months ago
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Frontline practitioners, managers & leaders describe ongoing reforms in children's social care, proposed by
#MacAlisterReview
: "risk laden", "unlikely to work", "risk doing more harm than good" & lack "sufficient grounding in the realities of practice".
www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/07/17/o...
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'Over ambitious and risk laden': social workers share concerns about children's social care reforms - Community Care
In response to Eileen Munro's critique of the government's children's social care reforms, a group of social workers and managers have their say
https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/07/17/over-ambitious-and-risk-laden-social-workers-share-concerns-about-childrens-social-care-reforms/
4 months ago
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Great way to start the day with this discussion from Revolutionary Social Work Podcast and Paul Michael Garrett on dissenting social work, AI and more.
youtu.be/8DaNTasoBmk?...
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Dissenting Social Work with Dr. Paul Michael Garrett | RSW Ep 19 | Live from NASW Chicago
YouTube video by Revolutionary Social Work
https://youtu.be/8DaNTasoBmk?si=lztuJSa_XjyjaxUp
4 months ago
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Pays to have friends in high places... "Ministers step in to save Teach First".
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
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Ministers step in to save Teach First | The Observer
Leading brand that trains teachers for most deprived areas of the UK to get reprieve after bureaucrats accused of trying to scrap it
https://observer.co.uk/news/politics/article/teach-first-brand-that-helps-poorest-schools-set-to-be-scrapped
4 months ago
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Social Work History Network
4 months ago
This was a notable decline in attendance since the first annual conference in 1928, a result of the challenges faced by the profession because of the Great Depression that started in 1929.
bsky.app/profile/socw...
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reposted by
Joe Hanley
Social Work History Network
4 months ago
This day in social work history ā³ 11th-14th July 1932: The Second Annual Conference of Social Work held in Frankfurt, Germany, attended by 1200 delegates from 34 countries.
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