By Charlotte Webster-
A model Australian social worker whose practice is adopted by councils across UK and has been adopted in Australia returns to Cumbria for a brilliant student conference.
Dr Andrew Turnell is a prominent Australian social worker, highly rated for his innovative ‘Signs of Safety’ model for child protection casework. The conference to be held on Friday, May 17 is expected to be inspiring and an eye opener to attending social workers and students.
Highly demanded Andrew will also be visiting two often-overlooked areas of Whitehaven and Dumfries, meeting social workers there and holding two workshops on the barriers to effective social work.
He will be joined by Iona Colvin, Chief Social Work Advisor to the Scottish Government, and an expert on community justice reform. She has worked as director of social services, North Ayrshire and previously worked across a range of social services in Glasgow City Council.
The conference, also to be attended by The Eye Of Media.Com will also provide an opportunity for graduating MA and BA (Hons) Social Work students to present their research and to network with.
The conference will be opened by Professor Brian Webster-Henderson Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health, University of Cumbria, who specialises in mental health. Webster has a wealth of experience in dealing with individuals with substance abuse. He said of the event: “I am delighted to welcome two such distinguished experts in the field of social work to the university.
“Andrew is a radical and has succeeded in some of the toughest environments. Our students, alumni and professionals will only benefit from hearing them share their real-life experiences.”
The conference will also provide an opportunity for graduating MA and BA (Hons) Social Work students to present their research and to network with.
Dr Turnell will be sharing his expertise with students and social workers, his theme in this year’s edition of his conference is social work synthesis – what social workers can learn from different specialisms and sectors to enhance their practice.
Dr Turnell, was remarkably appointed professor of practice for social work, at the university, where students and teachers respect his high intellect
He said: “the social work profession has always struggled to stake a claim for our direct practice families, communities and individuals.
“I believe social work exactly mirrors the broader social problem all overdeveloped western countries have, which is that they have lost sight of the core values of care and human connection.”
Dr.Turnell first launched ‘Signs of Safety’ over 20 years ago following the publication of his 1999 book of the same title. About 63% of local authorities in England have adopted his framework as its sole practice model or a combination.
An outstanding professional with great insights, his work has been adopted in Australia, parts of USA, Canada, Sweden, The Netherlands, New Zealand and Japan.
A spokesperson for University Of Cumbria told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”This will be a brilliant conference with great minds that will tremendously benefit those students and those in the social work profession who attend.
Dr Turnell is a remarkably gifted professional which so much to offer the social work profession. His expert wisdom is being adopted and spread in many spheres of social work across the world”.
Image: University Of Cumbria