Multiple overlapping crises are having a severe impact on the requirements and working conditions of social workers, SISWEC (Strengthening the skills of social workers in a Europe in crisis) is aimed at reviewing social work training in Europe to help social workers address the multiplicity of crises affecting societies.
SISWEC will bring together higher education and the social work profession to address the scope of social work and reflect on social workers training needs in light of current developments. It also aims to address the fragmentation of social activities, social policies and social professions in Europe.
Bringing together two European networks and five universities, SISWEC’s ambition is to prepare future social workers for the new needs of a Europe in crisis and to harmonise training in a dual approach of academic excellence and social relevance.
SISWEC was officially launched in September 2022 and is expected to conclude in September 2025.
ESN will:
- Produce a report, following a series of qualitative targeted interviews on social services professionals training needs;
- Propose good practice of effective collaboration between the academia and the profession in light of current social challenges;
- Request feedback from members on the new training modules developed through the project;
- Disseminate the results of the project.
The first Intercategorial Training of Trainers took place in Toulouse from the 3rd to 5th of October in Toulouse. The main focus of the training concerned the rise of precarity and social work in Europe. More specifically, through workshops, immersive exhibitions and presentations a clear and solid basis regarding precarity and social work was provided and enhanced trainees’ ability to work in a precarious environment.
The SISWEC project has compiled good practices from social services developed in response to crises such as COVID-19, climate change, refugee flows, and mental health issues. These practices inspire future strategies and help in designing training programmes for practitioners. Read the Report of Good Practices here.
The project also explored innovative didactic strategies for addressing collective crises in social work education. A report on degree programmes incorporating social crisis issues from five countries is now available. Check out the Analysis of Social Work Curricula here.
The 2nd Intercategorial Training of Trainers took place in Warsaw in May 2024, focusing on forced migration, human rights, and social action. This session provided valuable insights into how social work responds to these critical issues.
The 3rd Intercategorial Training, scheduled for 26-28 May 2025, will address themes such as housing, health, and gender-based vulnerabilities.
An online SISWEC Webinar on Strengthening Social Work Skills in a Europe in Crisis will be held on 27 March 2025 at 10:00 AM, where experts will discuss key topics in social work training such as forced migration, legal and institutional frameworks, interdisciplinary approaches, ethics, and practical intervention strategies that are shaping the social work landscape. This event is a great opportunity for social workers, academics, students, and professionals working in social services, including public authorities, organisations and associations, who want to turn knowledge into practical solutions for social work. 🔗 Register here: SISWEC Webinar Registration
The SISWEC project's results will be disseminated at the Final Conference on 1 July 2025 in Brussels, with the possibility for hybrid participation. The conference will showcase best practices, knowledge gained, and recommendations for enhancing training and bridging theory and practice in social work.
For more information contact projects@esn-eu.org