29th September 2026
The Southern Trust joined colleagues from across Northern Ireland’s five Health and Social Care Trusts at a regional showcase event hosted by Queen’s University Belfast, highlighting innovative approaches to improving social work retention.
The event brought together social work professionals to share learning from a regional project funded by the Department of Health through the Social Work Workforce Implementation Board. The initiative was developed in response to research led by Dr Laura Cook and colleagues at the University of East Anglia, which examined the factors that help social workers remain and thrive within the profession.
As part of the project, each Health and Social Care Trust tested a different aspect of the research findings, while Queen’s University Belfast carried out an independent evaluation of the implementation process across the region. The showcase provided an opportunity to share outcomes, insights and examples of best practice from each Trust.
Although the project focused on social work retention, the learning generated is expected to support wider workforce retention initiatives across health and social care.
The Southern Trust’s contribution centred on raising the profile of specialist social work and highlighting the significant impact these roles have on individuals, families and communities.
The Trust’s Executive Director of Social Work Colm McCafferty, said:
“Social workers play a very valuable role, every day, going above and beyond for those most in need, supporting, adults, young people and children – in hospitals and community settings and in their own homes, often in very sensitive circumstances.
“Despite the ongoing workforce challenges, social work colleagues continue to reflect a genuine commitment to protecting the vulnerable from harm or abuse, helping people to live independently and acting as advocates for those who need support.”
“We were delighted to participate in this interactive event working alongside colleagues regionally and drawing on national and international research to support this critical workforce.
“We want to work together to create an environment where social workers can thrive, retain and develop their expertise, commitment, experience and passion for their profession. The Southern Trust project has been about shining a light on specialist social work, ensuring that the people who do this important work feel seen, recognised and valued, while helping others understand the difference that this role makes every day.”
The event demonstrated how evidence-based approaches, combined with practical experience from across the Health and Social Care system, can help create supportive working environments where social workers feel valued and empowered. By sharing successes and lessons learned, the regional initiative will help inform future workforce strategies and support the retention of skilled and experienced professionals across Northern Ireland.