Adults social work group position statement on the impact of Covid-19

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the professional association for social work in the UK with offices in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. With over 20,000 members we exist to promote the best possible social work services for all people who may need them, while also securing the well-being of social workers working in all health and social care settings. 

Care Act easements – key issues for social workers 

  1. This statement provides analysis and commentary on the Care Act easements: guidance for local authorities (DHSC 1/4/20) and Responding to Covid-19 – the ethical framework for adult social care (DHSC 19/3/20). 
  2. The DHSC guidance is helpful in how it frames the ‘easements’ within the context of the Care Act, and the ethical framework provides useful principles to assist with implementation. But BASW England thinks that further advice and guidance is needed at a national level to support social workers with implementation. 
  3. As well as providing advice for BASW members, this position statement is intended to contribute to dialogue with the DHSC and adult social care organisations on improving the way that local authorities apply the requirements of the Care Act easements guidance and take into account the ethical framework. 
  4. It should be noted that this position statement does not intend to provide an interpretation of the law. It aims to enable social workers to better understand the legal framework within which they make professional judgements and apply their expertise. However, there are a number of elements of the legal framework that are not yet clear. 
  5. The focus of BASW England activity is on supporting the application of the Government guidance, where local circumstances require it. Further down the line we will press for local authorities to cease exercising the Care Act easements as soon as is feasible and will campaign with others for the restoration of the valuable and long fought-for rights and expectations contained in the Care Act.