Change the script: a guide on how to talk and write about social work

This guide provides information and practical suggestions for how to tell an accurate story of social work; one that recognises the positive impact social workers have on millions of people’s lives.

It is for anyone who talks or writes about social work, from charities and policymakers to journalists and screenwriters. It gives simple tips on how to explain what social workers do and how to represent social work.

Social work is a complex profession. Because of its complexity, this guide doesn’t cover every element of social work practice.

Social work is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Social workers are highly trained and regulated professionals, yet there is limited public understanding of their role.

TV and the media often portray social work negatively for dramatic purposes, and many of the stories play into stereotypes such as social workers taking children away from their families. As some people won’t encounter social workers, this representation plays a key role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes about the profession. For many, it is their only reference point.

Negative perceptions and portrayals of social work can be highly damaging. At worst, they may fuel fear or suspicion from the very people social workers exist to support. Within the profession itself, negative representations can lead to low morale and retention issues. Such representations can also contribute to recruitment challenges.

Yet social work plays a vital role in our society. We want to increase public confidence in the profession so that people have trust and understand the diverse range of social work services that exist to support them when they might need it, at any point in their life.

As a profession, social work in England is regulated by Social Work England. Its primary role is to protect the public and raise professional standards, so that people receive the best possible support from social workers.

As a regulated profession, this means that all social workers must meet robust professional standards which set out what they should know, understand and be able to do to practise safely and effectively. They must have undertaken extensive training and education through regulatory assured routes. This ensures that each individual social worker is equipped with the right set of skills and knowledge to work with people, empowering them to improve their lives.

Social Work England co-produced this guide with:

• social workers
• national social work organisations
• people who have lived experience of social work

The guide draws on our own research into public perceptions of the social work profession as well as further research, data and insight.

A social worker’s role is to listen to and support individuals, families, and communities, helping them find solutions to challenges and promoting their human rights and wellbeing. Social workers also protect people from harm when necessary.

Social workers usually work with several different people at one time. They often specialise in a specific field of work. For example, working with people with physical disabilities, older people, or children in care.

Social workers work in a range of places. This includes, but is not limited to, local authorities, hospitals, courts, prisons, schools and charities.

A social worker might come into someone’s life for a short period of time; for example, to help them navigate the care system or access a specific service like housing. Or a social worker might be in a person’s life for a longer period; for example, if they have long-term or complex needs. Social workers work alongside  other professionals such as nurses, teachers and carers to deliver support.

Research shows that there is a gap between what individuals say they personally think of social work (which is often positive) and how they believe society perceives social work (these views are often negative). For example, Social Work England’s research shows that 74% of adults in England believe social workers want the best for the people they work with. However, only 44% say they think social workers are respected in society.

As outlined in the introduction to this guide, as many people don’t come into contact with social workers their attitudes are often shaped by what they see in the media and on TV.

Although it is the case - as in any profession - that failures can happen in social work, successes mainly go unreported. Where there are failures or concerns raised about a social worker’s fitness to practise, Social Work England investigates such issues and assesses whether the social worker’s practice, conduct or behaviour may pose a risk to the public (now or in the future).

When portraying social workers, don’t just focus on the negatives

It is understandable that negative aspects of social work will feature in media reporting. Similarly in TV and film, often for dramatic purposes. When a negative story of social work feels warranted, where appropriate, acknowledge the context. Social workers operate in challenging circumstances. Their jobs are difficult and complex. Working alongside other professionals, they’re sometimes required to make tough decisions in the best interests of others, and such decisions can be unpopular. Social workers want the best for people – their professional integrity really matters to them.

Where possible, balance negativity with positive stories and references to social work. For example, testimonies of people who have been supported by a social worker, evidence of social workers’ skills and experiences, and examples of social workers’ dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for the individuals they support.

Seek opportunities to gather and share positive accounts of social work, outside of the media and TV. For example, employers of social workers may have communications that reach different audiences, which could provide a channel for positive stories about social work.
Such stories can be shared proactively – bringing social work’s successes out of the shadows – and not just in response to negative media coverage.

Talk about the positive views many people have about social work

Defaulting to pre-existing stereotypes about social work as an undervalued profession leads to an inaccurate representation of it. Evidence of the positive views many people have about social work can help to shift these stereotypes.

This evidence can come in the form of experiences of those whose lives have been positively impacted by a social worker, or through statistics cited in research. For example, research by Social Work England found that 85% of adults in England agree that social work is important. 62% say social workers make a big difference to people’s lives.

• Avoid depictions of social work that solely focus on the negative.
• Aim to tell a balanced story that includes positive examples of social workers and the people social workers have supported, or proactively share stories of social work success.

Social workers on TV are often portrayed as interfering or shown taking children away from families. There can be a sense that social workers exist to take things away – freedoms, autonomy, children.

Reflect the processes social workers must follow and the legal frameworks they operate in

Wherever possible, social workers will ask the people they’re supporting about their thoughts and feelings. They will consider these views when making decisions. However, there are times when social workers must make decisions that those involved don’t agree with. This could include intervening in a person’s life to protect someone from harm or abuse.

Social workers base such decisions and recommendations on evidence they’ve gathered and conversations with the people involved. They consult third parties, other professionals and support services such as police or health organisations involved in the situation.

When making decisions or recommendations, social workers must follow the law and relevant guidance, for example:

• The Care Act 2014
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Mental Health Act 1983 and 2007
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• The Human Rights Act 1998

Explain that social workers are often part of a team of professionals

When a social worker makes a decision on behalf of someone they’re supporting, they rarely make this decision alone. Social workers are often part of a team comprising other professionals including teachers, doctors and other health professionals. Social workers are trained to manage risk and give their professional opinion in the best interests of the people they support.

• Avoid saying that social workers remove children from families without providing wider context behind such decisions.
• Aim to communicate the safety and security that is given to a child who is removed from a dangerous situation.