Research Summary 5 NISW Research Summary 5 Working in the Social Services in Northern Ireland Substantial changes have been taking place in the organisation of health and social services in Northern Ireland. A longitudinal study by the Research Unit at the National Institute for Social Work has set out to increase understanding of the structure, characteristics and dynamics of the workforce in all four Health and Social Services Board areas.
Similar studies are under way in England and Scotland.
This short paper summarises the main findings in Northern Ireland from the first wave of interviews. Nine out of ten social workers and almost eight out of ten managers hold professional qualifications in social work. Staff in all occupations demonstrate considerable interest in training - both training leading to qualifications and other training. Home care workers, largely older women working part time, express much more satisfaction with their work, the public's view about it, and the balance between home and work than do other occupational groups. Many managers, social workers and residential workers are dissatisfied with how their department is managed and with the amount of change taking place at present.