LGA conference on social work and the media – 1 March 2010

There were several points worth reporting from this conference, including mentions of the national college, and some others.

• Conference leaflet (PDF file, 336kb)

Deidre Sanders, the Sun’s Agony Aunt (who was on the Task Force)

• Deidre reminded delegates that ‘transparency kills our fox’ – the idea that evidence proactively given to a journalist will always hold them back from getting the story wrong
• Deidre says that the Task Force members are looking to the College to play a vital role here, by formulating a major strategy in advance when dealing proactively on behalf of social work
• The above is a constant job and the strategy needs to be frequently refreshed
• Plain English is needed

Colin Green, Director of Children’s Services, Coventry

• Introduced two of the frontline stars of the Panorama film and interviewed them
• Told about the legal ramifications and risks but his determination to make the film
• Talked about the importance of backing up the coverage with internal communications to staff

James Reilly, Director, Community Services, Hammersmith and Fulham

• The national college needs to be the public face