Social Work Taskforce calls for training overhaul

Published today, the taskforce's final report, Building a Safe, Confident Future, sets out plans for a licensing system that will require all social work graduates to complete a probationary year in which they are assessed before becoming fully licensed.

As well as the establishment of a College of Social Work, the report recommends a clear career structure for social workers so experienced practitioners can progress in frontline roles as well as in management.

Janet Foulds, social work manager and member of the British Association of Social Workers, said: "There are a lot of good recommendations but there were lots of recommendations calling on employers to make the changes. We are working in extremely difficult conditions, so how realistic is this? It is almost as if they are saying that employers are not trying now."

Among the 15 recommendations the taskforce has also called for a national registration or "kitemark" for employers to ensure they provide conditions that allow social workers to practice effectively.