BASW in the media: responding to launch of Government national review into Arthur Labinjo-Hughes tragedy

Several BASW staff have spoken to media outlets about the Arthur Labinjo-Hughes case - and what social workers want to see from the Government's national review, which was launched this week.

Yesterday, BASW UK CEO Ruth Allen spoke to Channel 4 News about the tragedy and the Government national review.

"What we do know is that during lockdown, there were a lot of pressures on social workers and other colleagues in getting access and making really strong assessments."

She added that the resources social workers needed to keep in touch with families were greatly reduced during the first lockdown.

BASW England National Director Maris Stratulis told ITV News: "It's really important that the review focuses on learning - that it is not about punity, that it is not about blame.

"We shouldn't negate the impact of the pandemic. Children became invisible - and while social workers continued to engage with families, it was harder to see children both in terms of the school setting and the national lockdown processes too, and the implications for families."

BASW England Professional Officer Paul Shuttleworth spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about the horrific murder and what we hope the national review will focus on - as well as the pressures on social workers and his passion for the profession.

BASW UK's statement, released after the Government launched a national review into the case, was read on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday morning.  (starts at 15:00mins)