Cafcass Chief Executive contributes to World Social Work Day e-book

Today (Tuesday 19th March) is World Social Work Day. The theme this year is ‘Promoting the importance of human relationships’.

Launched in 1983 by the International Federation of Social Workers, the day is now celebrated all over the world. World Social Work Day aims to raise awareness of the achievements of the profession and the valuable contributions which social workers bring to individuals, families, communities, and society.

To mark this important date, the Principal Children and Families Social Worker Network has published an e-book, which is available on Amazon Kindle. This e-book brings together a rich collection of stories and experiences of social work and social care, told by dedicated practitioners and leaders from across the country, and is an impressive source of learning and inspiration. It includes two forewords, one by the Children’s Commissioner, Anne Longfield OBE, and one by the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families, Isabelle Trowler.

Chief Executive of Cafcass, Anthony Douglas CBE, was asked to contribute his rich experience of social work to this e-book. His reflections can be found in the chapter focused on relationship-based leadership and social work, together with a contribution from Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care.

A short excerpt from Anthony Douglas’ chapter reads: “Leadership in social work means that everything you do as a leader should make a direct or indirect contribution to improving the lived experience of a vulnerable child or adult.

“This is both an awesome responsibility and a privilege. Leadership density is crucial. Every member of every social work organisation is a leader – a leader in their own cases, or a leader of a connected service that makes that crucial indirect contribution.”