Role of the registered social worker in statutory interventions: guidance for local authorities

The Scottish Government
Riaghltas na h-Alba
Ministear airson Cloinne agus Bliadhnaichean Tràtha
Minister for Children and Early Years
Adhamh Ingram BPA
Adam Ingram MSP

F/T: 0845 774 1741
E: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Local Authority Chief Executives
Directors of Social Work/Chief Social Work Officers
ADSW
BASW
COSLA
UNISON
SOLACE
SWIA
HMIE
Members of the Practice Governance Group

2 March 2010

Dear Colleague

THE ROLE OF THE REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER IN STATUTORY INTERVENTIONS: GUIDANCE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Please find attached Guidance on The Role of the Registered Social Worker in Statutory Interventions. This is one of the key products developed by the Practice Governance Group, one of the five change programmes set up as part of the Government's response to Changing Lives, the 21st Century Social Work Review.

This Guidance complements that issued in February 2009 on the Role of the Chief Social Work Officer and has been subject to a full formal consultation and agreed with Cabinet colleagues and COSLA. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to contribute.

It is important to note that this Guidance focuses on the role of the registered social worker in formal statutory interventions. This is where decisions have a particularly significant effect on people's lives and it is important that you, and the public, are confident that accountability for these rests with a suitably qualified social worker. It does not reflect every aspect of the important contribution social workers make to improving outcomes for children, families and communities. Nor does it constrain creative of use of social work skills or joint working with other disciplines and agencies in early intervention and prevention.

I would like to thank the Practice Governance Group for all their work in bringing this guidance together.

I would be grateful if you would cascade this Guidance as appropriate to support your internal governance arrangements to foster safe and effective practice.

ADAM INGRAM