The UK’s first Chief Social Worker for Adults visited the University of Lincoln to meet almost 100 social workers, students and academic staff and deliver a series of free talks, as part of her mission to improve morale within the sector.
Lyn Romeo, who began her role in September 2013, was appointed by the Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb MP, as one of the most senior social workers in the country. She is responsible for supporting and challenging the profession to ensure adults receive the best possible help from social workers, provide independent advice to government ministers on social work reform, provide leadership and drive improvement within the profession.
As a champion for social care service users and professionals, Lyn was invited to the city of Lincoln by Lincolnshire County Council. On Thursday 27th February, she began her visit by addressing an invited audience of students, academics and practitioners from across the county.
Speaking on ‘The Future of Social Work in Adult Care’, Lyn discussed the industry’s prominent issues, and invited audience members to share their thoughts and questions in an open forum and discussion.
During her visit, Lyn also worked with senior managers of Lincolnshire Adult Care on a range of issues and developments.
Nigel Horner, Head of the University of Lincoln’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lyn Romeo to the University. Her visit provided an extremely valuable opportunity for the county’s practitioners, academic staff, and particularly our students, to discuss important professional issues with one of the industry’s leading figures. We are all grateful to Lyn to sharing with us the benefit of her vast experience and her vision for Social Work with Adults in the new landscape of integrated health and care services.”
Glen Garrod, Director of Adult Social Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that Lyn was prepared to spend a day with us in Lincolnshire. She has a key role in ensuring that the voice of social work – notably adult social work and social care in general – is heard at the heart of government. With so much change taking place such as the advent of the Care Bill, future funding reforms, integration with health and, the statutory footing for Safeguarding Adults we need the voice of the profession to be heard clearly and for it to be articulated well. Lyn has more than enough skill and experience to do both.”