31
Accepted in Part
Include mental health social workers in the 10 Year Workforce Plan with workforce projections.
Recommendation
Social workers make an essential contribution to tackling the broader determinants of health and mental health outcomes, yet we heard they are often deprioritised when budgetary pressures arise. The Government should recognise the important role of mental health social workers by including them in the upcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan. This should include projections for increases to the workforce to ensure that every person with an SMI has a named mental health social worker. (Recommendation, Paragraph 200)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, acknowledging the vital role of mental health social workers and stating they will be recognised in the 10 Year Workforce Plan. However, it does not commit to specific projections for workforce increases or ensuring every person with SMI has a named mental health social worker.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The government partially accepts this recommendation. Mental health social workers play a vital role in addressing the wider determinants of health and in supporting people with SMI. Their expertise in social care, safeguarding and community-based support is central to delivering integrated, person-centred care. The 10 Year Workforce Plan will set out a strategic, whole-system approach to workforce planning across the NHS, including neighbourhood teams. As part of this, it will recognise the contribution of a wide range of regulated professions and will consider how the NHS will ensure we have the right people in the right places at the right time. With regards to a named mental health social worker for people with SMI, our upcoming MSF for people with SMI will set consistency in clinical standards across the country so that patients and families get the best quality, evidence-based treatment and support. This will consider the important role that social care plays in meeting the needs of people with SMI.
Source
Committee
Health and Social Care Committee
Inquiry
Community Mental Health Services
Report
4th Report - Community Mental Health Services
02 Dec 2025
HC 566
Addressee Bodies
Department of Health and Social Care
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.7 yr
Report published
02 Dec 2025