Change the Script on social work
It’s time to change the script on social work. We're sharing real stories of social work, and campaigning for more accurate portrayals of the profession in the media.
Change the Script on social work
Social workers protect, support and empower people to improve their chances in life. However, the way people talk and write about social work doesn’t always reflect this.
In 2024, the Change the Script campaign was launched following research by YouGov, on behalf of Social Work England, which highlights that there’s a perception that social work isn’t respected in society, and the media often shows the profession in a negative light. This can make it harder for social workers to do their jobs and contributes to recruitment and retention challenges in the profession.
We’re campaigning for everyone who talks or writes about social work to reflect the reality of social workers’ important roles. This includes highlighting the positive difference they make.
We’ve been working with social workers, the people they’ve supported, and people from the sector to share real stories of social work told from the perspective of those who need social work in their lives.
Guide on how to talk and write about social work
We’ve collaborated with a range of sector stakeholders to co-produce a guide that provides information and practical suggestions for how to tell an accurate story of social work; one that recognises the positive impact social workers make in millions of people’s lives.
The guide is for anyone who talks or writes about social work, including charities, local authorities, media and the entertainment industry.
Watch our short film
Award-winning author Beth Moran – who is also a foster carer – met with social workers and people they have supported to tell the real story of social work.
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View further stories of social work
This film features real people. It tells the real story of social work from the perspective of Callum and Joel, who have been supported in the past by social workers Sonja and Sharon.
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About social work
Learn more about what social workers do, and what might happen when a social worker comes into your life.
Learn more about social work
Social Work Week 2026
In the latest phase of the campaign for Social Work Week 2026, we collaborated with Turner Prize-winning artist and former social worker, Helen Cammock, who has created a series of thought-provoking murals. The murals aim to raise awareness of the incredible breadth of social work and celebrate the profession's positive impact across society and have been painted on the workplaces of several social workers in settings where people might not expect a social worker to be present. The artwork was inspired by these social workers' experiences in palliative care, mental health and support for families of children who are facing life-challenging conditions.
This video has optional captions. Press ‘play’ and select the captions icon on the video to turn them on and off. You can also embed this video on your digital platforms using a YouTube link.