(While servicing the organisational needs)

Source Authorities International Definition of Social Work “Changing Lives” definition of role of Social Worker Codes of Ethics and codes of Practice “Changing Lives” Practice Governance Framework Personal professional registration and accountability

Where are Managers Today? Gradual historic shift from SW & Team supervision to being part of the organisations management team. Many delegated and co-opted roles Responsibility for collection and submission of a range of P.I. and Q.A. data returns monthly Required to submit urgent report or information upon on request from any corporate or chief executive office Often de-facto “HR Officer” for team, with only demands/instructions from HR department. Constant change management role

Increased workload demand Increase covering for sick/absent colleagues &vacant posts Increased multi-agency/interdepartmental information- sharing actions & recording for each case Increased range of forms, templates, standard frameworks and performance indicator administration for each case E-technology has increased the speed and volume of daily correspondence to a level which contains risks. Increased fear of investigation, discipline and SSSC conduct hearings Displacement of effective casework time by combined effects of above Where Are Social Workers Today?

Requirements to be jointly achieved? Requirement to receive and deliver professional supervision and continuous personal development plan Requirement to work within a practical, fair and transparent workload management system Shared responsibility and accountability for workloads within the above structures Shared accountability/responsibility for workplace safety and mental wellbeing Shared responsibility for the quality and prominence of individual professional casework

What do we aspire to ensure? Open, realistic, safe, supportive, and effective practice governance Professional Social Work rather than “Case Management” Social Workers working with and using; Relationships Analysis and hypothesis testing Reflection Use of self Engagement with clients in self-examination and redefinition

What are the questions? (suggestions) How do we free Social Workers up to practice in the way the role is defined? Can/should we quantify the maximum volume of work that can be done to a professional standard within a teams resources and defend it? How do we engage appropriate senior management assistance in managing and taking account of a team’s work absorption capacity and protecting professional standards?

How do we do it? What are some of the challenges you specifically face as a middle manager in social work services and how do you deal with these challenges on a day to day basis How do we build positively on your current leadership and management abilities? What can this project do for you as a group of managers or at an organisational or national level?