A GENERAL SOCIAL-WORK COUNCIL - A CRITICAL-LOOK AT THE ISSUES

As part of its inquiry into the role and tasks of social workers, the Barclay Report (1982), considered the idea that a General Social Work Council should be established in order for regulate the conduct of social workers. The idea was rejected as being premature. However, with the publication of the Parker Report (Parker, 1990) this idea has re-emerged. Taken collectively the contributions to this debate have taken on the character of a polemic in favour of a Council. The only voices questioning the efficacy of a Council have been offering an important, although somewhat restricted, critique. This paper is an attempt to redress the balance by examining two key claims that have emerged from this debate. Firstly, that a General Social Work Council will protect and improve the standards of social work. Secondly, that the public's confidence in social work will be enhanced.