Politicians please note – it’s social work, not social care

Social work is increasingly being diluted by the generic use of the term ‘social care’. This is happening at a national political and place-based level. 

Time and time again, we hear politicians refer to ‘social care’ with hardly ever a mention about ‘social work’. 

Apart from a few notable exceptions, I sometimes wonder whether our elected members, and indeed wider society, understands there is a difference. So it is worth re-emphasising. 

The international definition of social work states: “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. 

“Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing. The above definition may be amplified at national and/or regional levels.” 

Social work is founded on theoretical knowledge and models, values and ethics as embodied in BASW’s Code of Ethics. It is a relationship-based profession governed by regulatory standards and we remain part of a global community of professionals. 

Anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice is fundamental to good social work leadership and practice, as is the promotion of social work as a profession in its own right. 

Social workers are on duty 24/7. We bring a holistic, value-based and person-centred approach to all of our professional responsibilities and we are often advocates, working with people to truly make a difference to their wellbeing. We work within complex environments, sometimes integrated, but not always. 

Social workers are often the lead professional within the context of both ‘prevention’ and ‘safeguarding’ as well as everything else in the middle. Social workers work closely with skilled and experienced social care staff, including non-regulated practitioners.

Within the broad term of social care there are many roles, roles that are integral to supporting people to promote their independence in the community as well as in other contexts – these roles compliment and often work alongside registered professional social workers. But they are not social work, as defined above.

It is vital that we hold onto our professional identity and constructively challenge the drip-drip effect of its dilution by being subsumed into the generic description of social care.

We need to emphasise the unique and integral contribution of social work and social workers across a range of fields including health, the voluntary and community sector, statutory services and the independent sector. 

So next time someone makes reference to your social work role as a ‘social care worker’ or asks: “Do you work for social care?”, constructively challenge and share your experience, knowledge and expertise.

Have the discussion about your work, your responsibilities, the legal framework you practise within and the diverse duties and responsibilities you undertake. 

Let’s change the narrative, individually and collectively. Social work exists in its own right. Our professional identity must not be subsumed into the broad stroke ‘social care’– be that intentional or not.