As I write, the UK House of Commons is having the second reading of the Coronavirus Bill 2019–21: you can track the further progress of… — As I write, the UK House of Commons is having the second reading of the Coronavirus Bill 2019–21: you can track the further progress of the Bill here. I’m listening to it as I type. The Bill proposes a series of measures relevant to social workers in England, and to…

One of the highlights of last year for me was the Social Care Future (SCF) event in Birmingham. Held at the University, the discussions… — One of the highlights of last year for me was the Social Care Future (SCF) event in Birmingham. Held at the University, the discussions nevertheless included a wide range of people from some very different backgrounds, ranging from service providers and commissioners to people who use personal budgets. …

The recent Conservative Party General Election Manifesto caused consternation among those interested in adult social care, mainly because… — The recent Conservative Party General Election Manifesto caused consternation among those interested in adult social care, mainly because it seemed to abandon a previous commitment to a cap on adult social care costs, replacing it with a commitment to allow people to retain at least £100K. The Manifesto also proposed…

Everyone knows English social care is in trouble financially. This BBC story sets out the background, and we made a short video which… — Everyone knows English social care is in trouble financially. This BBC story sets out the background, and we made a short video which explains it in more detail. In a nutshell, Councils are caught in a pincer movement between growing needs and reducing resources. …

Sharon Shoesmith is back in the press again, after publishing a detailed account of how she was deliberately scapegoated for the tragic… — Sharon Shoesmith is back in the press again, after publishing a detailed account of how she was deliberately scapegoated for the tragic death of a child in the Borough for which she was head of Children’s Services. Through her own efforts and those of fellow social work professionals and academics…