21 June 2007
The General Social Care Council (GSCC) has welcomed the White Paper, ‘Care Matters: Time for Change’ as a significant contribution to the debate about the future of social care and the workforce.
Chief Executive, Lynne Berry said:
“I very much welcome the ambitions of this White Paper. Its intention is to ensure children and young people who experience the care system have better futures, greater stability and more support. The social care sector needs to do things better and in new ways, so that children and young peoples’ voices are at the heart of its reforms. I particularly welcome the recognition of social workers’ passion and commitment, and the crucial role they can play in delivering stability and support.
"The GSCC looks forward to working with the Children’s Workforce Development Council on the development of pilots to support new ways of working. Social workers should be freed up to take on more responsibility. Care Matters: Time for Change encourages them to use their expertise on the front line. I am glad to see its emphasis on children and young people being firmly linked to their communities. Who better than social workers to make those links, grounded as they are in these communities.”
The GSCC continues to work with the Children’s Workforce Development Council and other partners across the social care sector to explore new training routes. A new set of post-qualifying awards will be introduced in September 2007, which will include a focus on improving the skills of the children’s social care workforce.
