The Hewitt Review | BASW England Statement
The full report was published on Tuesday 4 April and is available to view here.
BASW England's Response
The review, rightly, also encourages the funding to deliver this and acknowledges the need for transparency within Integrated Care Systems (ICS) if they are to succeed and to deliver meaningful local autonomy and decision-making and streamlined priorities. BASW England has consistently called for sustainable investment in prevention community place-based services and a national social work and social care strategy.
Unfortunately, we believe the review represents a missed opportunity to acknowledge the important role of social work in health and social care.
Feedback from our members and from our consultation with Principal Social Workers confirmed that many have minimal exposure to ICS practices and policies. This reaffirms why a strong social work voice at the decision-making table is crucial to achieving good outcomes for people in health and social care and maintain our call for the membership of local Integrated Care Boards to reflect this.
We also remain concerned that the recent Government announcement on the future of adult social care and funding falls short of what had initially been promised.
BASW is committed to working collaboratively across the health and social care sector to refine integration structures and practice to be more inclusive of social work. Citizens, social work practitioners and leaders are integral to developing and improving truly integrated care and support.
Summary of BASW England key points and responses from the Hewitt Review