Last Updated on August 14, 2017
The Department of Health and the Social Care Institute for Excellence have published the latest learning lessons from the named social worker programme.
The report sets out the findings from the six sites which have been part of the Named Social Work programme during the six months from October 2016 to March 2017.
The Named Social Worker pilot scheme was developed address the challenges faced by people with autism, learning disabilities and mental health issues, and their carers, who often face a lack of continuity of social workers which can impact on their health. The interim report on the project’s progress was published in February.
This new report Named Social Worker: Findings from Six Pilot Sites includes a summary of the impact that has been achieved in piloting a Named Social Worker approach, as well as detailed findings from each of the six sites, set in the context of the scope and focus of their pilot; a set of programme level insights, drawn from the sites, about the implications of introducing a Named Social Worker model; and a selection of tools that sites have developed or adapted in order to implement their Named Social Worker model.
The programme also provided insight into how a Named Social Worker model can shift outcomes; by providing permission for social workers to work in new ways; by setting expectations around working more closely with individuals; by opening up visibility across the system for named social workers to engage at different stages of an individual’s journey; and by being an endeavour of the whole team.
The Department of Health initiated the Named Social Worker programme in order to build an understanding of how having a named social worker can contribute to individuals with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs achieving better outcomes; specifically that they and their family are in control of decisions about their own future, and are supported to live with the dignity and independence which we all strive for. The programme is about trying something different, piloting new ideas and generating early and indicative evidence as to their impact.
The Department of Health is continuing to support the work on a Named Social Worker and is looking for two new sites to join the pilot. Interested parties can find out more about how to become a pilot site. Closing date for Expression of Interest forms to be completed is 25th August 2017.