MWC annual meeting

The Mental Welfare Commission held their annual day with Social Work Lead Officers for mental health, learning disability and related services on 20 February.  George Kappler, Executive Director (Social Work) at the MWC announced his successor, Mike Diamond, who will take up post in April. George is moving on to new opportunities, after making a very impressive and successful contribution to the MWC and indeed services in Scotland for many years. The day hosted some eminent speakers who provided insight into the work of the MWC, the Office of the Public Guardian, the Civil Law Reform Unit at the Justice Directorate Scottish Government, the Mental Health Tribunal, and the Chief Social Work Advisor.

Neil McLeod, Policy Coordinator at the SSSC, introduced a report on a small scale project he was commissioned to undertake by the Office of the Chief SW Adviser to the Scottish Government: “The Mental Health Officer Role in Scotland, current capacity and landscape”.  SASW have informed and supported this work. There will be important activity following on from the report, and we will try to represent MHO’s views as best we can. Tim Parkinson, Professional Officer and Peter Clarke, who chairs the MHO Forum, met with a group of MHO’s from nearby authorities in Dundee on 26 February. SASW is writing to the Scottish Government to express our concerns about the funding for the MHO Newsletter being withdrawn, as well as our Annual Study Day sponsorship being at risk. We appreciate the current financial restraints, but these are essential tools to inform MHO’s in their challenging tasks. For further info please contact t.hall@basw.co.uk.