Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) today (Wednesday 3rd June) welcomed the announcement by the Wales Assembly Government that it plans to establish a Task Group to explore ways of improving the recruitment and retention of social workers and boost the status of the profession in Wales. The move is a response to BASW research highlighting the challenges facing social workers, including the high turnover of staff, excessive bureaucracy and the personal risks associated with front line social work.

Plaid AM for South Wales West, who sponsored the event in the Senedd said:

‘ I welcome the Deputy Minister for Social Services move in setting up the Task Group. I am sure that its work will pave the way for the reforms necessary to tackle the challenges facing social work practice. Graham Williams, the Director of Social Services Wales is to lead the Group, and I am pleased that members of the National Assembly will be updated on the progress made in the areas highlighted by BASW.”

Addressing the event, BASW Chief Executive Hilton Dawson said the Task Group offered an invaluable opportunity for Wales to take a lead on advancing the status of the social work profession.

Bethan Jenkins AM with Hilton Dawson, Chief Executive of BASW.