Social workers in Bury receive ministerial approval

Government minister Alistair Burt welcomed the work that Bury’s social workers do on a visit back to his home town.

Mr Burt, minister for community and social care, was born in Bury and was MP for Bury North between 1983 and 1997, and now represents North East Bedfordshire.

He met a range of professionals at Bury Town Hall, looking at the work of the Principal Social Worker for Adults and the impact that that role has in developing social work.

He also heard from a group of newly qualified social workers about the profession and its value, and discussed casework and its associated social work theory and legislation.

Mr Burt said: “It was a privilege to meet with newly qualified social workers in Bury and hear about their vital work to improve people’s lives. I know that I will always have it straight from people here!

“We have championed the role of Principal Social Worker for Adults and I am confident that they will make a profound contribution to leadership within the profession.”

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, talked to Mr Burt about the impact of the Principal Social Worker role at a regional level.

“Bury is one of only four areas which has secured funding to establish a teaching partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University,” she said. “This means that Adults' and Children’s services will be working with the university to develop innovative ways of training and recruiting high calibre social workers who are equipped with the necessary skills and practice experience for the role.”

Bury will be hosting a Regional Social Work conference on Tuesday 28 June when the focus of the day will be on evaluating the impact of the 2015 Care Act on Adult Social Care and outcomes for customers.

Cllr Simpson added: “Bury is leading the way in developing the training and skills of social workers, which will ultimately benefit the borough's most vulnerable residents. We were delighted to welcome the minister to Bury to see the work we do and to hear from new social workers about their daily experiences in the job."

ENDS

Press release issued: 22 March 2016.

Picture: Alistair Burt, Government minister for community and social care, meets Bury’s newly qualified social workers along with senior staff and Cllr Andrea Simpson (front, centre).