Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Social workers' list a step closer

Nicholas Timmins Public Policy Editor
Wednesday 24 April 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Formation of a social workers' register to help protect children and others in their care will be taken a step further today when John Bowis, the junior health minister, is expected to promise that the Government will take a constructive approach to such a list.

However, his pledge will stop well short of a commitment to introduce such a body, modelled on the lines of the General Medical Council and the nurses' council.

Members can be struck off both of these for malpractice.

But amid mounting demands for such action in the wake of a string of scandals in children's and old people's homes, Mr Bowis will tell a conference of the Association of Directors of Social Services in Cambridge that he recognises the issue needs to be tackled.

And while there are practical difficulties over creating such a body, he is expected to promise publication this summer of a long-awaited consultation document on the idea which will "expose these issues constructively".

To date, Mr Bowis has said only that he has "an open mind" over the idea, and he will today highlight difficulties which include the possibility that the council could cover a million people if everyone working in social services was covered.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in