The contribution of social workers to multi-disciplinary practice

Ongoing policy developments across the English NHS and adult and children’s social care once again place multi-disciplinary working firmly in the spotlight. BASW believes this is a timely opportunity to highlight the longstanding role of social work within multi-disciplinary contexts, while also recognising the profession’s potential to make an even broader contribution in the future. While a range of resources already address multi-disciplinary and integrated working, there remains a need for a document that specifically articulates the unique contribution of social workers. This publication therefore explores the shared social work values and approaches that span diverse multi-disciplinary settings and challenges common assumptions about the profession.

Social workers have long played a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts of diverse professional groups, community organisations and people with lived experience. Working from a foundation of social justice, ethical practice, person-centred approaches and co-production, social workers bring a distinct and vital perspective to multi-disciplinary work. This document enables us to confidently and proudly communicate to our colleagues and communities the unique value that social work contributes.