Valued social work expertise to influence government in Singapore talent development

A minister proposes a 'Talent Development Scheme' in the Singapore Government Monitor so that gound-level expertise of social work can be rotated into and out of ministry policy-making. What an opportunity for influencing government to the benefit of clients. You could wish all governments wanted some social work expertise in making decisions. Reading the speech also leads me to wish that social workers everywhere were so well-regarded. I also like the recognition that social work is not a business and has long-term objectives. Seeing that Singapore is such a successful economy, do you think our government would be prepared learn something from them?

Here are some excerpts from the speech:

...I want to underline the importance of the work you perform. There are still things we can do to upgrade our performance and standards...FSCs need to be proactive, anticipate needs, identify vulnerable families and collaborate with other local stakeholders...Families who approach the FSCs should be able to expect a certain level of standard and professionalism that encourages them to trust and rely on you. Similarly, for the Members of Parliament and other grassroots leaders who refer cases to you, they need to know you and your qualities, and they need to feel that they can trust and rely on you.  I know it is uncomfortable, but we have to find ways to measure and incentivise quality. This is of course not easy in social work. You are not running a business, and the impact of your work often takes a long time to be evident.  

...I am also acutely aware that within MCYS and NCSS, we do not have enough social workers with real ground experiences involved with policy formulation, professional supervision and setting standards.  I am therefore considering the establishment of a Talent Development Scheme. This scheme would directly employ some social workers. They would consist of people who are already in the profession, and through a process of peer review, are considered leaders and good mentors. In addition, we could offer scholarships to top students. We would then have a central pool of top notch social workers, who would be seconded to the ground and work on the frontlines. But in the course of their careers, they would be able to be rotated to ground work, policy work, supervisory duties and perhaps even academia. That would give leadership within the entire social service sector in Singapore, which will be beneficial to the ground, to the FSCs, to the ministry and NCSS. We will have people like you, with real experience, active in making policies and setting standards. 

But the key point that I want to leave with you is that everything that we do in social work rests in your hands, your conscience, your academic qualifications, and your experience and expertise and, ultimately, the strength and quality of your heart. 

On the web at: 

http://www.thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-outlines-scheme-to-grow-professional-social-workers-44821.html