Our advent calendar celebrates a dozen people or teams who have inspired us this year
Mark Methven, Senior Consultant, writes:
Andrew and Jan are members of the adult social care team that we have been working with in London Borough of Ealing. As Team Managers, they have courageously led the introduction of new ways of working for their teams. This includes a move towards ‘strengths based practice’, which focuses on providing residents with the right support at the right time. The practice maximises independence, supports reducing or delaying need, and helps to better manage the demand for Council services. Andrew and Jan are excellent leaders who test and share what works, and take the time to coach their team members when introducing something new.
Our top ten councils for adult social care analysis was the cover story of the MJ five weeks ago, and despite being somewhat nervous beforehand, I've been really pleased with the response.
Social workers play a vital role in achieving better outcomes for individuals and on World Social Work Day we have an extra reason to celebrate social work. I have been working with social workers in one local authority and have taken away some key lessons about relationships in social work.
Jacky Yates is Head of Older Adults and Adult Support, and Principal Social Worker, at Ealing Council. On the occasion of World Social Work Day, we asked Jacky to tell us about why it is important, what Ealing are doing to celebrate and her future aspirations for social work.
