Ray Jones A decade of austerity has heaped pressure on the profession, but it’s important to celebrate its achievements. Ray Jones A decade of austerity has heaped pressure on the profession, but it’s important to celebrate its achievements Social workers have been at the forefront of a widening understanding about child safety and protection. Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo Published on Fri 7 Aug 2020 08.37 BST A mid the concentration this year on Brexit and coronavirus, and with a focus on the NHS and its 72nd anniversary, another significant anniversary is passing by with little recognition. It is 50 years since a unified profession of social work was established across the United Kingdom, and 50 years since the creation of integrated local authority personal social services in England and Wales. Before 1970 there were eight separate membership organisations for different specialist social workers, including child care officers, mental welfar...
