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Addressing the social services workforce is critical and complex. Focusing on this is a prerequisite for any other improvements within the sector, as we need dedicated professionals to help people who request social services support. At the 32nd European Social Services Conference (ESSC), these challenges were brought to the forefront, with numerous shared practices and expert insights offering reassurance and innovative solutions. While challenges remain, the approaches to addressing them continue to evolve. 

A real barrier: absence of kindness and curiosity

A real challenge in today’s social services lies in the absence of kindness. Kindness should not be perceived as a weakness but as a foundational strength that fosters trust and collaboration. Unfortunately, kindness is often overlooked in public policy. Innovator Siobhan Mclean highlighted “Embracing radical kindness means prioritising empathy and compassion in interactions and decision-making processes.”

Co-creation, or the collaborative development of solutions with users, often faces significant obstacles. Adopting a professional curiosity mindset is crucial for co-creation to work well in the social services sector. This curiosity helps us understand the deeper nuances of human interaction and organizational structural challenges. 

Changing organisational culture and methods

The long-term care (LTC) sector is critical and undervalued. It is characterised by meaningful but demanding work, low salaries, and harsh working conditions. Due to these challenges, retention issues are prevalent. We need to rethink organizational culture and operational methods to improve the situation, explained Tine Rostgaard, professor at Roskilde University in Denmark. Ms Rostgaard told delegates “Across the EU we have a huge demand for social care workers, so we need new models and new ways of doing things reviewing the culture, structure and practice of the organisation.” A significant shift from passive to active care is necessary, moving from a mindset of doing it for individuals to doing it with them. This approach emphasises a developmental orientation and a cross-disciplinary, team-based strategy, which can enhance staff engagement and effectiveness.

Fostering quality leadership in social services

The quality of leadership is paramount in addressing workforce challenges. Authentic leadership in social services transcends traditional metrics and managerial techniques. Wouter Torfs, Chair of the Association of Social Welfare Centres in Flanders and Brussels, spoke of “the delicate balance between the yin and yang, integrating compassion with strategic insight.” Leadership from the heart, prioritising human connection and empathy, is far more impactful than relying solely on data and spreadsheets.

Alongside quality leadership, the second most crucial element is values. Values are the guiding principles that shape an organization's culture and operations. In social services, where the primary focus is helping individuals and communities, values such as empathy, integrity, and respect are indispensable. These values ensure that the organisation remains aligned with its mission and can effectively serve its clients. Influential leaders balance analytical skills with emotional intelligence, providing psychosocial support and fostering a values-driven environment.

Driving forward a European strategy

Recognising the obstacles and opportunities for social services is vital, which is why the European Social Network (ESN) has prepared numerous articles, publications, and activities addressing workforce challenges. ESN has underlined the importance of a social services workforce strategy to help develop a more resilient and supportive workforce across Europe, ensuring that social services can meet the growing demands and challenges of the future.

Efforts to develop a comprehensive European strategy highlight the commitment to creating a robust and supportive workforce capable of addressing the evolving needs of social services. We can overcome existing challenges by rethinking our approach to workforce dynamics, embracing kindness and professional curiosity, and prioritising compassionate leadership. As these values are integrated into public policy and organisational practice, we move towards a future where social services professionals are valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact.