Investing in the social services workforce. Brighton: European Social Network.

The objective of this report is to analyse key issues concerning the social services workforce in Europe, with a focus on social workers and social care workers. It is based on secondary literature and policy analysis, the results of a questionnaire, and discussion groups that took place during a seminar organised by ESN in Bratislava in November 2016. The report first sets the scene by describing key similarities and differences between the social services workforce and structures of welfare states in Europe. Second, the report covers key developments in policy and practice regarding qualifications and skills, recruitment and retention, workforce mobility across the European Union, and planning and management of the workforce. Finally, the report sets out key recommendations for policy-makers, practitioners and researchers. The structure and legislative framework of the welfare states in European countries shape the size, composition and regulation of the social services workforce. Whilst the Bologna process has harmonised social work academic qualifications to an extent, social care professions are still very much country-specific with regulation and required qualifications being formalised in some countries but not in others. This has implications for the quality of the services provided as well as the attractiveness and conditions of the jobs available in this area. Preparing professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to do their job well is a complex endeavour that is organised very differently in European countries. This complexity is illustrated by an overview of qualifications and regulation of social work and social care professionals in selected European countries. The link between institutions responsible for education and training and organisations that deliver services is crucial, particularly regarding the need to align education and training with changes in practice, such as the increasing importance of technological innovation. An important way to bridge potential gaps between theory and practice is the effective involvement of service users in the planning, delivery and evaluation of education and training.