This article was first published in The Cumberland News, Friday May 17th 2019
In May 2019, Professor Andrew Turnell gave an address at the University of Cumbria’s third annual social work conference.
This year’s theme is Social Work Synthesis — what social workers can learn from different specialisms and sectors to enhance their practice.
Andrew shared his insights with an audience made up of students, alumni and practising social workers at the Carlisle campus at the University of Cumbria. He was recently appointed Professor of Practice for Social Work; a first for the university, and said the position had particular significance for him.
“I believe social work exactly mirrors the broader social problem all overdeveloped western countries have, which is that they have lost sight of the core values of care and human connection.”
He said, “The social work profession has always struggled to stake a claim for our direct practice families, communities and individuals. I believe social work exactly mirrors the broader social problem all overdeveloped western countries have, which is that they have lost sight of the core values of care and human connection.”
In giving his address at the Carlisle campus, Andrew was returning to the city where he first launched Signs of Safety more than 20 years ago, following the publication of the Signs of Safety book.
Andrew has a strong affinity with the North of England since his work was warmly welcomed and assimilated by councils there first. It is suggested that as much as 63 per cent of local authorities in England are using the framework as its sole practice model or a combination.
During his flying visit, Andrew also visited Whitehaven and Dumfries, meeting social workers there and holding two workshops on the barriers to effective social work. Andrew strongly believes that the balance of local and expert knowledge needs to be redressed.
Local professionals are the experts of their own locality and he wants to take academic practice out of university to them.
Andrew Turnell at the University of Cumbria
Joining Andrew at the conference was Iona Colvin, Chief Social Work Advisor to the Scottish Government. Iona works with policy teams leading on major programmes for the Scottish government including ‘getting it right for every child’ and community justice reform. Prior to her current role, Iona held several challenging positions including director of social services, North Ayrshire and previously worked across a range of social services in Glasgow City Council.
Opening the event was Professor Brian Webster-Henderson, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health at the University of Cumbria. Brian recently joined the university in December 2018. He is an academic but has been a practising nurse, specialising in mental health and adult nursing, for 37 years.
During that time, he has worked in a range of roles and services including substance misuse, emergency medicine, elderly care and haematology. He is a frequent international speaker and chairs the Council of Deans of Health UK.
“Our students, alumni and professionals will only benefit from hearing them share their real-life experiences.”
He said of the event, “I am delighted to welcome two such distinguished experts in the field of social work to the university. Andrew is a radical and Iona has succeeded in some of the tough out environments. Our students, alumni and professionals will only benefit from hearing them share their real-life experiences.”
The conference also provided an opportunity for graduating MA and BA (Hons) Social Work students to present their research and to network.
This article was first published in The Cumberland News, Friday May 17th 2019