§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what discussions he is having with health service unions and National Association of Local Government Officers about the employment, training and assessment of approved social workers under the Mental Health Act 1983;
(2) how many social workers have completed their training but have refused to co-operate with the examination system as stipulated under the Mental Health Act 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenMy noble Friend met representatives of the National Association of Local Government Officers and others on 1 March 1984 to discuss the appointment of approved social workers under the Mental Health Act 1983. The meeting led to the formation of a small, 411W informal, working group from NALGO (also representing other Health Service unions), the Association of County Councils, the Association of Municipal Authorities and the Department which is to consider the training, assessment and approval arrangements for social workers, under the Act. Observers from the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work are attending meetings of the working group, which is expected to report back early in May 1984. Information on the number of social workers who have completed their training is not held centrally. Five hundred and fifty social workers sat for the assessment at the first sitting in November last and 313 sat the February 1984 assessment. The next sitting will take place on 30 May 1984.