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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 8th October 1967: Clement Attlee (1883-1967), Prime Minister of the UK from 1945 - 1951, and former social worker, died in London. While Mayor of Stepney in 1920, Attlee wrote his first book: The Social Worker.

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Reposted by Social Work History Network

Joe Hanley @joehanley.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Great to see such interest in social work history, and in what it can teach us about today. Too often, policy and reform are shaped without enough understanding of the past. Ignore history, and we risk repeating its mistakes.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Great to see so many people at our event today on the Griffiths Report (1988). Important reflections and calls to action as we face upcoming changes & challenges in adult social care. Huge thanks to all our speakers, including Robin, whose presentation detes are captured below 👇

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 4 October 2021: Following widespread criticism for not having social worker representation on their board since being founded, Social Work England finally appoints two registered social workers to their board: Adi Cooper and Sue Ross.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 1st October 1971: The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) was established to regulate social work training and education across the UK. It would last until 2001.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This day in social work history ⌛ 1 Oct 1975: First publication of the book “Radical Social Work”, edited by Roy Bailey & Mike Brake. It heavily criticised apolitical practice & education, & helped popularise ideas of radical social work that continue to be influential today.

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Reposted by Social Work History Network

Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit @hscwru.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Coming up on Monday: Agenda for Action – digging deep on the origins and impact of the Griffiths’ Community Care report for social work 05 October 2026 13:00 to 15:00 Jill Manthorpe Robin Means Jon Glasby @socwkhistory.bsky.social www.kcl.ac.uk/events/griff...

kcl.ac.uk

Agenda for Action – digging deep on the origins and impact of the Griffiths’ Community Care report for social work | King's College London

Robin Means, Jon Glasby, Jill Manthorpe

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 30th September 2013: Olive Stevenson, social worker and academic, died. Stevenson was part of Maria Colwell inquiry, and was a founding editor of British Journal of Social Work. See @community-care.bsky.social recent tribute: www.communitycare.co.uk/2024/08/07/a...

communitycare.co.uk

'A true doyen of social work': the life and influence of Olive Stevenson - Community Care

Olive Stevenson, who died in 2013, was one of the foremost social work academics of recent times. Fellow academics David Howe, Ray Jones and June Thoburn ref...

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 27th September 2016: British sitcom Damned premiered on Channel 4, set in a fictional social work office in Elm Heath Council. The series was created by and starred Jo Brand, alongside Alan Davies, Himesh Patel, Isy Suttie and others.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 26 September 1876: Edith Abbott born in Nebraska, US. Abbott advocated for social work education at a graduate level, and became the Dean of @UChicagoCrown, the first female dean of a graduate school in the USA. crownschool.uchicago.edu/about/histor...

crownschool.uchicago.edu

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

'Agenda for Action: Griffiths’ Community Care report & social work' - Join the Social Work History Network online on Monday 5 October, 1–3pm for a free webinar featuring Robin Means, Jon Glasby and Jill Manthorpe, with presentations, Q&A and discussion. www.kcl.ac.uk/events/griff...

kcl.ac.uk

Agenda for Action – digging deep on the origins and impact of the Griffiths’ Community Care report for social work | King's College London

Robin Means, Jon Glasby, Jill Manthorpe

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Reposted by Social Work History Network

Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit @hscwru.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

First details of new Social Work History Network event: Agenda for Action – digging deep on the origins and impact of the Griffiths’ Community Care report for social work w/ Jill Manthorpe Jon Glasby Robin Means Mon 5 Oct, 1-3pm webinar #swhn @socwkhistory.bsky.social www.kcl.ac.uk/events/griff...

kcl.ac.uk

Agenda for Action – digging deep on the origins and impact of the Griffiths’ Community Care report for social work | King's College London

Robin Means, Jon Glasby, Jill Manthorpe

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 6th September 1860: Jane Addams, American activist, suffragette, author, and social worker born in Cedarville, Illinois. Sometimes called the “mother of social work”, Addams is known as the founder of Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Full video of the event 'Histories of Compliance and Resistance: Social Workers and Immigration across Europe and USA' (20 April 2026) is now availabe to watch here (slides also available): www.kcl.ac.uk/events/histo...

kcl.ac.uk

Histories of Compliance and Resistance: Social Workers and Immigration across Europe and USA | King's College London

Joint webinar from Social Welfare History Group (USA) and the Social Work History Network (UK)

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Reposted by Social Work History Network

Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit @hscwru.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

"Histories of Compliance and Resistance: Social Workers and Immigration across Europe and USA" Video of this webinar now available @socwkhistory.bsky.social youtu.be/nA0XVYI0mxg

youtu.be

Histories of Compliance and Resistance: Social Workers and Immigration across Europe and USA

YouTube video by NIHR Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 10th August 2010: Josh MacAlister, now Children's Minister, publishes early proposal for what would become Frontline, arguing, “a dedicated social enterprise can meet its goals better than a government department”. archive.progressivebritain.org/2010/08/10/c...

archive.progressivebritain.org

Care First | Progress | News and debate from the progressive community

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 9th August 1956: International Federation of Social Workers formed & first executive committee elected. Original 12 members: Australia, England, Belgium, France, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, USA.

kcl.ac.uk

Social Work History Network | NIHR Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit | King’s College London

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 1st August 2012: The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) takes over regulatory responsibility for social workers in England from the General Social Care Council (GSCC), abolished as part of the “bonfire of the quangos”.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 26th July 1945: Clement Attlee (1883-1967), former social worker, becomes Prime Minister of the UK, a position he would hold until 1951 as he oversaw radical domestic reforms, including the creation of the NHS. Attlee remained leader of the Labour party until 1955.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

"His experience and wisdom will be much missed in Parliament, the profession and the country" - David Jones, Chair of our network, remembers Lord Laming who died on 15 July 2026, at the age of 89. blogs.kcl.ac.uk/socialcarewo...

blogs.kcl.ac.uk

Death of William Herbert Laming, Baron Laming, of Tewin in the County of Hertfordshire | Health & Social Care Workforce:

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

"The man who changed child protection forever". Herbert Laming, Lord Laming. 9 July 1936 – 15 July 2026. Former social worker, author of the highly influential 2003 Laming Review and other important reviews/inquiries. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...

politicshome.com

'The man who changed child protection forever': Tribute to Lord Laming

Crossbench peer and former social worker, Herbert Laming was respected for his independence and integrity. One of the most influential figures in t...

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 14th July 2005: Cicely Saunders, nurse, social worker, physician and writer, died in Bromley (aged 87). Saunders was the founder of St Christopher’s Hospice, considered to be the first modern hospice. It is also where she died.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 11th-14th July 1932: The Second Annual Conference of Social Work held in Frankfurt, Germany, attended by 1,200 delegates from 34 countries.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 9th July 2024: Janet Daby, MP for Lewisham East since 2018, and former fostering social worker, appointed as Minister for Children under the recently elected Labour Government. www.communitycare.co.uk/2024/07/22/f...

kcl.ac.uk

Social Work History Network | NIHR Health & Social Care Workforce Research Unit | King’s College London

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 8th-13th July 1928: The first International Conference of Social Work held in Paris, France, involving 5000 delegates from 42 countries.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Fascinating photo slideshow from @IASSW_AIETS tracking their history through the years. This was created for their 90 year anniversary in 2018. www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAwu...

youtube.com

History of IASSW Slide Presentation for Dublin Conference-July 2018

YouTube video by IASSW-AIETS

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

New Social Work History Bites blog from our Social Work History Network member @malcolmp25.bsky.social looking at the 1950s volume 'Social Case-work' edited by Cherry Morris: 'Arguing for British social work as 'professional' and 'generic... in the 1950s' politicsswt.substack.com/p/arguing-fo...

politicsswt.substack.com

Arguing for British social work as 'professional' and 'generic'...

...in the early 1950s

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 2nd July 1937: Aviation pioneer and former social worker Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific. She made history as the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic and also worked as a social worker in Boston.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ July 2014: Global Definition of Social Work approved by IFSW General Meeting and IAASW General Assembly. Translated into 26 languages it is widely recognised as one of the most important contemporary definitions of social work.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Still time to book to attend (online or in person at University of London) the Social Work History Network event on Thursday: "The Mental Health Act Code of Practice: a product of evolution, not revolution". Details here: www.kcl.ac.uk/events/the-m...

kcl.ac.uk

The Mental Health Act Code of Practice: a product of evolution, not revolution | King's College London

Sarah Vicary; Kev Stone; Tim Spencer-Lane

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Upcoming event from the Social Work History Network: Mental Health Act Code of Practice: a product of evolution, not revolution - Join Tim Spencer-Lane, Sarah Vicary & Kev Stone on 18 June (14:00–16:00). Attend online or in person (University of London). www.kcl.ac.uk/events/the-m...

kcl.ac.uk

The Mental Health Act Code of Practice: a product of evolution, not revolution | King's College London

Sarah Vicary; Kev Stone; Tim Spencer-Lane

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 23rd May 2022: Independent Review of Children’s Social Care (MacAlister Review) published. The review was led by (now) Labour MP and Children’s Minister, Josh MacAlister.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 21st May 1935: Jane Addams, American activist, suffragist, author, and social worker died in Chicago at the age of 74. Sometimes referred to as the “mother of social work” for her work in the field, Addams was the co-founder of Hull House.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 19th - 22nd May 1966: First ever International Federation of Social Workers regional (European) seminar for social work held in Strasburg, Germany, including representatives from 24 countries. Focus was on getting to know social work in other countries.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 18th May 1973: Jeanette Rankin, social worker, suffragist and the first woman to be elected to the USA Congress, died in Carmel, California (aged 92). Rankin worked as a social worker in San Francisco and Washington early in her career.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 17th May 2013: Michael Gove announces the appointment of Isabelle Trowler as the first Chief Social Worker for Children and Families in England. In the same press release he also announced the government backing and funding of Frontline. www.gov.uk/government/n...

gov.uk

First ever chief social worker for children and fast-track training to lead social work reform

Education Secretary Michael Gove today announced the appointment of a children's chief social worker and new training for top graduates.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 14th May 2014: Care Bill receives Royal Assent becoming the Care Act 2014.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 9th May 1983: Mental Health Bill receives royal assent and becomes the Mental Health Act. Among other things it created the role of Approved Social Worker (ASW) restricted only to social workers until 2007 when it became Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP).

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 6th May 1937: Paul Stephenson (1937-2024) born in Rochford, Essex. Dr Stephenson was known for being the first black social worker in Bristol, and for his civil rights campaigning, including leading the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

This day in social work history⏳ 27th April 2017: Children and Social Work Bill receives Royal Assent, becoming the Children and Social Work Act 2017. Amongst its many provisions, was the regulatory framework for Social Work England.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

24th April 1970 - @basw-uk.bsky.social officially established, combining eight existing organisations including Association of Child Care Officers, Association of Social Workers, Society of Mental Welfare...🎂

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 15 April 1912 – Campaigner Barbara Robb born in Yorkshire. A pioneering advocate for rights of older people, she founded AEGIS & edited Sans Everything: A Case to Answer (1967), a landmark work featuring contributions from social workers.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 7th April 2005: Mental Capacity Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It would not come into force until 2007, when it was gradually introduced (fully introduced October 1 2007).

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 1st April 2009: Care Quality Commission (CQC) took over regulation/inspection of health and social care providers in England. Formed of 3 predecessor organisations, Healthcare Commission, Commission for Social Care Inspection & MHA Commission.

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

From this month, our 'This day in social work ⏳' series can now also be found in the @BASW_UK Professional Social Work Magazine. 🙌🙌

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 26th March 1950: Martin Short, Emmy Award winning Canadian actor, born in Ontario. Short completed a degree in social work at McMaster University in 1971, before moving into acting.

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Reposted by Social Work History Network

Joe Hanley @joehanley.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Upcoming @socwkhistory.bsky.social webinar: 'Histories of Compliance and Resistance: Social Workers and Immigration across Europe and USA' - 20th April. Details here. All welcome. www.kcl.ac.uk/events/histo...

kcl.ac.uk

Histories of Compliance and Resistance: Social Workers and Immigration across Europe and USA | King's College London

Joint webinar from Social Welfare History Group (USA) and the Social Work History Network (UK)

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Social Work History Network @socwkhistory.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

This day in social work history ⏳ 16th March 2015: Think Ahead, the social work qualifying programme with a focus on Mental Health, launched in England by Norman Lamb, Minister for Care and Support. www.theguardian.com/society/2015...

theguardian.com

High flyers urged to move into social work

A £1.6m government programme aims to draw in top graduates and career-changers in effort to improve mental health services

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