A recent commentator asked whether there was any update on the various documents that form the basis of social work education (see 25th February). In fact the health and social care occupational standards are being re-written at the moment; there has been a consultation and you can see this and further updates at:

http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/nos/health-and-social-care

This actually illustrates a tendency not to focus on social work (the health and social care omnibus is lumbering along, with its engine healthcare not social work) and for the work to be done by either the adults social care or children’s social care lot. As I’ve said before, but I’ll say it again, so much of social work practice is shared that at the qualifying level and at the level of basic practice, this government division between services, which is incurring loyalties to divided elements of service, is unwise and will lead to problems in the long run.