Transcript

I used to work as a television scriptwriter. As part of my work I researched the role of social workers working with children. I spoke to social workers to find out how abused children behaved and what signs to look out for. I found it so interesting.

The job itself sounded better than writing about it. I hadn't realized that it was in my background. My dad was disabled, and my brother suffered from Down's Syndrome. I was familiar with having social workers in the house. Supervision is important to social workers, especially new social workers. In order to know they're supported and that their work is appreciated.

Often people work long hours. They're unsung heroes out working in the community. It's important they can come back saying, "I've done such-and-such" and that somebody recognizes the good work they've done. It's also a chance for them to talk about anything that may have arisen. Things which have worried them, or maybe even upset them.

The work we deal with can be very sad. It can be tragic. It's important they discuss their feelings so they don't take them home with them. The principles noted in the Care Council for Wales' code of practice are important. There are personal principles too - what kind of person you are. You must respect individuals who have problems or disabilities. You have to respect people's differences and not be prejudiced. I never thought I was prejudiced person. But when I was training, the tutor asked, "What prejudices have you got?" I remember thinking, "I haven't got any." But we all have our prejudices and it's important to leave them outside. Perhaps talk about them in the supervision process. Admit you have them and that they're worrying you. It's vital that you're an honest and genuine person and that you try to do your best for the person. What you want is secondary. The person is important.

In order to be a good social worker, what I look for I've sat on an interview panel once. The personality of a person comes across before they begin to answer the questions. We look for people who are honest, natural and comfortable with people. People who are interested in people and want to listen to their story. Listening skills are very important. I also look for somebody who's professional. Somebody who knows the law and policies and who knows the structure within the council. When we do what we do, we have an important role within the law. The person must take responsibility for the quality of their work. Taking minutes, assessment skills, risk assessment. They must completely understand their role. Professionalism comes when they understand their role.

Working in Wales is different because it's a devolved country. The structure of the legislation is very different to England and Scotland's. I'm a mental health social worker. Our code of practice for mental health is different to the one they have in England. They're small but important differences,and you have to know them. The way you apply the Mental Capacity Act is different in England. It's important to recognize that there are differences. We're not the same as England and Scotland. They have small differences in their legislation. Also, the way we work is affected by the traditions we have in Wales the language and the type of country we have. We have areas which are urban and some which are extremely rural.

It's important that service users are able to choose their language. It's their right as individuals who live in Wales.it’s important to remember that the people we work with are going through some kind of  personal crisis. There's closeness straight away. They trust you straight away. It happens, people relax straight away when they realize you can speak Welsh. People can say what's worrying them. They can express themselves better in their own language. If they can tell you what's wrong, and tell you what they need it ensures your assessment is better. You get the truth rather than struggling with a language they're not comfortable with.