Survey reveals an improvement in image of Scots social services

Published on Wednesday 12 May 2010 20:18

THE image of social work in Scotland has received a boost, after a survey revealed more Scots felt positive about services in the past year.

The figures, released by the Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW), also showed that people feel better informed about social work .

In a survey of 1,000 adults across the country, 47 per cent of respondents rated social work positively compared to 38 per cent in the previous year.

The study also showed that 80 per cent of people who had cause to use social work services, or whose families had, were positive about the service received.

According to ADSW, the results are indicative of positive progress made by the Social Work Changes Lives campaign launched last year by it in partnership with the Scottish Social Services Council.

ADSW president Michelle Miller said: "Against a background of negative coverage of social work resulting from the tragic cases of Baby Peter and Brandon Muir, it is very encouraging that there is greater understanding of social work services."

She added: "I am particularly pleased that users of our services are so positive about what we do. However, there is still a lot of work to do if we are to ensure that the contribution of social work staff is fully understood."

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of the Scottish Social Services Council, said: "Social work is a complex and challenging career. Public understanding of what social workers do is fundamental to building trust and confidence in the profession.

"It is also essential that we attract great new people into social work. More positive media coverage will help raise awareness of just what you can achieve when you work with vulnerable people."