Social work staff can help shine a light on their profession this month, by taking part in Social Work Watch on 21 September.
The day is the second to be jointly organised by UNISON and Community Care following a similar event in 2014.
Staff will be asked to fill in a survey about the working day on 21 September, creating a snapshot of what the job involves and the daily pressures staff face, including caseload and hours worked.
“In light of the government’s plans to radically reform social work, it is really important that as many social workers take part in Social Work Watch day to help paint a vivid picture of both the challenges they face and the great work they do carrying out their roles,” says UNISON national officer Matthew Egan,
“This initiative will help to raise the profile of the work social workers as well giving a greater sense of understanding of the work they do.”
Branches are being asked to make sure that all members have a copy of a flyer explaining what the day is about.
The survey is open to qualified social workers and other social work staff who do casework, such as social work assistants, family support workers and care managers.
UNISON will email details of the initiative to all social work members in the UK who have registered their email address with the union, but staff can also pre-register and sign up to be sent a reminder. Email socialwork@unison.co.uk, with Social Work Watch reminder as the subjec.
Staff will be asked to fill out the survey at the end of the day on 21 September or no later than a couple of days after.
Participants who want to will also be entered into a free Community Care prize draw to win an iPad mini.
