You are a social worker; you are a leader.
Leadership is an integral part of the social work journey at every level and stage of your career journey.
The areas where social workers practice and lead are changing and becoming more complex and leadership as part of social work practice, is often not understood.
Leadership is different to management and it’s important to consider all forms of leadership in social work.
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Your Social Work Leadership Framework
Image Ref: DOH, Social Work Leadership Framework
Social work leadership in Northern Ireland is supported by a Social Work Leadership Framework (the Leadership Framework).
The Department of Health (DoH), as part of the Social Work Strategy, published the Leadership Framework in April 2022 and asked the Social Care Council to support its implementation; with the aim of enhancing leadership in the social work profession.
The Leadership Framework is in place to support the development of leaders who understand and apply social work values and ethics to improve the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. It involves strengthening the profession through four core pillars:
- Professional identity.
- Values.
- Evidence.
- Social science.
Key domains include Leading self, Leading with others, Leading practice and Leading the profession, with the Leadership Framework providing guidance and support for social work leaders in various settings.
See the Get to know your Social Work Leadership Framework which highlights key takeaways for social work practice to learn more.
Scroll down to see Strengthening Social Work Leadership at ALL Levels – two online leadership programmes for social workers developed by the DoH, SEHSCT and SCIE.
- Leading Practice
- Leading Self
See Assocated Resources to access more information and guidance to help you understand the Social Work Leadership Framework – this includes:
- The Social Work Leadership Framework Survey.
