Social Work Issues Pages
Supporting
Scotland's Social Work Services Workforce
UNISON is by far the largest union representing most Social
Work and Social Care staff in Scotland. We represent Social Workers
in all specialisms, residential workers, social care workers,
OTs, home care staff and professional, admin and clerical support
staff. We have a Social Work Issues Group (SWIG) with reps
from branches across Scotland, specifically addressing Social
Work issues.
UNISON Scotland campaigns actively on a range of issues relevant
to our social work members. We have just issued a Manifesto
for Social Work in Scotland, which we produced jointly with
the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and we have taken
the lead on issues such as direct
payments. At a UK level, UNISON has issued a publication,
"Cash
or Care?" with 10 key questions to ask councils about
the personalisation agenda.
UNISON Scotland responds to consultations
on social work matters, and we meet regularly with Scottish Government
Ministers and with key civil servants. We have made our voice
heard on the new draft
Children's Hearing Bill, and it is very likely that changes
will be made as a result of this.
UNISON Scotland also promotes the important role of our members
in social work in the media and we challenge negative press and
media reporting. We believe that we have had some success in improving
the profile of social work in the media and in promoting a better
understanding of the work done by social work members and the
pressures faced.
At present, Kate Ramsden and Inez Teece are the branch's representatives
on SWIG but we would be pleased to hear from any other members
who may be interested. SWIG meets four times a year, usually in
Glasgow.
For
more information on UNISON Scotland's work on social work issues,
click here.
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