McGimpsey commends role of social workers

Social Services Minister Michael McGimpsey today praised Northern Ireland’s social workers for their role in protecting the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society.

Speaking as he introduced the ‘Social Work at its Best’ conference in Lisburn, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening safeguards for vulnerable people.

The Minister said: “Social work is an incredibly important but challenging and demanding career. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to social work professionals for the invaluable work that they do in protecting the welfare of the most vulnerable of our population.

“We need to encourage the best to come forward and make sure that social workers are confident and supported in what they do. That is why my Department has developed the first social work strategy for Northern Ireland. The aim of this strategy is to strengthen supports for frontline workers and to address some of the challenges faced by social workers.”

Commenting on the financial pressures facing health and social services, the Minister continued: “Even in these difficult times, our health and social care system is a necessity – not a luxury. These services are some of the most important that a government can do for the people it serves. That is why I will continue to fight to protect these vital services from further crippling cuts.”

The ‘Social Work at its Best’ conference was organised by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council together with the five Health and Social care Trusts. The conference aims to highlight best social work practice as well as address the challenges facing social workers.

The Minister went on to thank Dr Jeremy Harbison, the outgoing Chair of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, for the invaluable contribution he has made to social work in Northern Ireland.

Notes to editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) is the regulatory body for the social care workforce in Northern Ireland.

2. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS press office on 028 9052 0567. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.