Social work

What's it like for a student leaving university and making the transition into the world of work?

Iriss teamed up with Glasgow Caledonian University, SSSC, the Scottish Association of Social Workers and the Scottish Government to find out. About 120 final year students as well as newly qualified social workers gathered at GCU on 22 January 2015 to share information and experience with aim of helping to shape the future direction of social work.

This case study is based on the key findings of research undertaken within Angus Council Social Work and Health (Deacon, 2011), which asked the question - how good is our leadership?

At the end of March 2012, the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) awarded its annual Social Worker of the Year Award 2011 to Sandy Watt, mental health officer at North Lanarkshire Council.

At the award ceremony Sandy was described as "skilled, courteous, ethical and effective" in working with people with mental health challenges.

At the end of March 2012, the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) awarded its annual Social Worker of the Year Award 2011 to Sandy Watt, mental health officer at North Lanarkshire Council.

At the award ceremony Sandy was described as "skilled, courteous, ethical and effective" in working with people with mental health challenges.

Liam Robertson is 20 years old and has autism. He has a passion for film, attends Scottish Youth Theatre, works part-time in a Barnardo's shop in Glasgow and would like to pursue a career in the theatre.

"People with disabilities have all sort of skills and abilities and that's what needs to be promoted. We need to get beyond seeing the disability, and I think video's a really good way of doing it."

David Lettice is a social worker with East Renfrewshire Council. He became involved with Liam, a 20 year old man with autism, when his case was transferred from the transitions team to the integrated learning disability team, where David works.

Minister for Children and Young People, Angela Constance MSP introduced 2011 Iriss Forum held in Glasgow on 6th December 2011. She has been the Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Livingston Constituency since May 2007, prior to which she worked as a social worker and mental health officer and was a local councillor in Livingston.