As we mark Social Work Week 2026, Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, shares his thanks to Liverpool’s social workers…
Every year, Social Work Week gives us an important opportunity to reflect on, recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of social work.
In Liverpool, the impact is felt in every neighbourhood, every community, and every life they support.
Championing Children and Families
Within Children’s Services, social work supports children, young people, and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their work is often complex and emotionally demanding, requiring exceptional skill, compassion, and resilience.
Whether it’s supporting families in crisis, safeguarding children at risk, helping young people to thrive in education, or empowering care leavers as they move into independence, social work plays a vital role in shaping brighter futures.
In a show of support for Children’s Social Work, just last week the council launched a consultation with staff on a career progression framework, giving our Social Workers a clear path to progress with their careers instead of remaining at the same level until a role becomes available. This means we’ll now have even more senior Social Workers working at a level where they can really make a difference for our communities.
We want to be the destination of choice for the best Social Workers in the country, and we’re committed to making that a reality.
Supporting Adults to live with dignity and independence
Social Work plays a vital role in Adult Social Care. They support older residents, disabled people, carers, and adults over 18 who draw on our services to live with dignity, choice, and independence. Whether helping someone navigate care options, arranging essential support, or advocating for their rights, social work brings specialist knowledge, and a deep understanding of how to support people to live well.
The service is committed to supporting people to start, grow and thrive in their social work and social care careers. This includes offering student placements, delivering apprenticeships for those who want to qualify, strengthening our Assessed Year in Employment (ASYE) programme for newly qualified workers, and providing ongoing opportunities for continuous professional development.
We continue to build clear pathways for progression, ensuring colleagues can develop their skills and advance through the profession.
A profession built on values
Social Work is rooted in values: compassion, justice, empowerment, respect, and human rights. The people who choose this profession do so because they believe in helping others and strengthening society.
This week is a reminder that social care workers are not only frontline professionals they are the heart of a caring and inclusive Liverpool.
Celebrating Together
Throughout Social Work Week, we encourage colleagues, partners, and residents to join us in celebrating social work sharing stories, offering messages of appreciation, and shining a light on the profession’s vital role.
Social work makes Liverpool stronger. This week, and every week, we recognise and thank those who give so much to our city.
Best wishes,
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council.
