Ms Catherine Bond:

Everyone needs recognition and support in any job. That requires firstly recognition and appreciation of the work one does. That is very important but sometimes negative comments may be made about social work and social work staff. Even changing the narrative to a positive one could be helpful. Great work is being done within Tusla to support staff with research and development functions and portals where staff can link to more information and peer support. It always comes back to the need for society to recognise the value that someone brings to whatever walk of life they are in and then the need for the employer to recognise it. Employment recognition can take many forms whether it is remuneration or in the terms and conditions of work. It is very much around changing the narrative initially.