A challenge for social work: workforce reform and retention

Join social work leaders from across the sector to reflect on key issues of the last year, with a focus on workforce and retention and the future of the social work workforce.

Over the past few years, with the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and numerous political and legislative changes, we have never seen a greater need for social work in society. We have also never seen such pressure on the workforce. This session will consider some of those pressures – the role of agency workers, the relationship between social work and social care, and how the next generation of social workers are entering the profession. We will also look at how, as a whole system, we can make changes now that will have a positive impact of the future of the profession.

Presenters

• Sarah Blackmore – Executive Director for Professional Practice and External Engagement, Social Work England
• Tricia Pereira – Director of Operations, Skills for Care
• Ade Adetosoye - Chief Executive, The London Borough of Bromley

Illustration drawn during the session