Social workers have warned chronic underfunding is putting vulnerable people at risk, with leaders calling for faster government action on long-promised reforms.
A survey by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) – comprised of more than 1,000 professionals – found 73% believe the biggest challenge facing social care is a failure to adequately fund services. This represents a 62% increase from last year.
‘What this clearly emphasises is the pressing need for social care policy reform to kick up a gear, something that has been delayed by successive governments and is currently moving too slow,’ said Professor Sam Baron, interim chief executive of BASW.
The findings, published this morning (8 June), suggest widespread concern among those working with children, families, adults, older people and people with learning disabilities.
One anonymous social work manager said: ‘Without preventative early help for families, we risk them falling deeper into the cracks, making them harder to engage with and help, which will ultimately mean the state will be paying for more costlier intervention further down the road.’
When asked about day-to-day pressures, 55% of respondents said access to resources for the people they support was their biggest challenge.
A further 57% said they were unable to complete all their work within their contracted hours.
The survey comes as the government continues work on reforms linked to the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care in 2022, which was described as a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to reshape the system.
However, BSAW members say progress has been slow. Baron added: ‘We remain focused on building strong relationships with government departments and ministers in Westminster to deliver the reforms we need in social work and social care.
‘We’ve been assured that children’s social care is a top priority for this government, and we stand ready to work with them to ensure the best outcomes for children and families.’
Bullying and workplace culture concerns
The survey also highlights ongoing concerns about workplace culture within the profession. More than a third (37%) said they had experienced, or were aware of, bullying, harassment or discrimination.
‘It is clear from not just this survey, but our previous surveys too, that the sector isn’t tackling the scourge of bullying and discrimination enough,’ Baron continued. ‘Our Advice and Representation team is taking an increasing number of calls from stressed social workers who are reporting these issues, and frankly it is unacceptable.’
Among those affected, 62% said they had personally experienced some form of poor treatment.
Baron said: ”BASW will be seeking answers from local authority leaders and the regulator Social Work England, in a collaborative effort to see how we can stop the behaviours that are leading to good social workers leaving the profession.’
Image: Shutterstock
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