More people with real-life experience of social work to advise national regulator

Social Work England has expanded its National Advisory Forum. It now includes even more people with lived and learned experience of social work, giving them an even stronger voice in future developments across the profession and how it is regulated.

The forum acts as a critical friend to Social Work England, which regulates over 100,000 social workers and 300 higher education and training courses in England. It brings real-life advice, support and challenge to drive positive change in social work.

The recent recruitment process means it now has 20 people with expertise and experience spanning disability, mental health, care experience, co-production, statutory and third sector social work, social work education, healthcare and much more.

Tiegan Boyens, who has experience of social workers in her life as an adoptee, joined the forum 3 years ago. She said:

“The National Advisory Forum is important as it shows collaboration is possible on multiple different levels. It incorporates people with lived or learned experience of social work in pieces of work across Social Work England as equals. It provides a fair voice.

“I have been involved in so much over the last 3 years from recruitment, planning events, strategy making and work to understand the profession’s views.”

One of the newest members is Sarah Maskery, who has been a social worker for 12 years. She works in paediatric palliative care at a charity and supports social work students on placements as a practice educator. She said:

“Working in the charity sector has given me a different perspective on what social work is and hopefully I will be able to bring some of that into the National Advisory Forum.

“I have a fairly unique role in that I am the only social worker in my organisation. I am keen to keep my links with wider social work practice and also play a role in shaping things in the sector.”

The forum will talk about its work in the opening session of Social Work Week, which runs from 18 to 22 March. It offers over 60 free sessions for anyone with an interest in social work. The forum is also leading a session on ‘amplifying the voices of lived experience in social work practice’ during the week.

Sarah Blackmore, Executive director of professional practice, and external engagement at Social Work England, commented:

“Since our inception, people with lived and learned experience of social work have ensured that our regulatory approach is firmly rooted in the values of the profession. The wide-ranging expertise within the National Advisory Forum helps us to design, deliver and improve our work with true insight into the challenges and successes of social work.”

Find out more about the National Advisory Forum and sign up for Social Work Week on Social Work England’s website.