World Social Work Day marked by search for new professor

The hunt has started for a new professor to spearhead work to promote social work as a career.

Staffordshire University and Staffordshire County Council have joined together in groundbreaking partnership aimed at improving social care.

The appointment of the new Professor in Social Work forms one of the key elements of the partnership. Today’s announcement (March 15) coincides with World Social Work Day.

The agreement will lead to staff and student exchanges between the county council and the university, which is a leading trainer of social workers. The partnership will also help build experience and skills.

County Councillor Matthew Ellis, Cabinet Member of Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Social work is one of the least understood professions, and also one of the most crucial.

“World Social Work Day aims to highlight the work of this profession.

“The world’s attention is currently focussed on events in Japan where social workers will play a key part in helping rebuild shattered communities long after the immediate aftermath has been dealt with and the focus of the international media moves elsewhere.

“We want to raise the profile of the profession. I believe this initiative with Staffordshire University can play a strong part in doing that.

“Partnership working is more crucial than ever. The acid test of this partnership will be if we can demonstrate that it has produced improved outcomes for service users and the people of the county in the future.

The Professor in Social Work will be a joint appointment between the County Council and University. The ideal candidate will have a national or international standing and will be an outstanding researcher.

Hilary Jones, Dean of the Faculty of Health at Staffordshire University, added: “We are delighted to be working closely with the County Council. This partnership will strengthen the relationships between practice, education and research, to develop the workforce.”