Ms Caroline Walker-Strong:

That is also an issue raised by our membership. We have set up a working group to look at the social work voice and what happens next. It has been widely publicised in the press that whistleblowers, particularly those in the Grace case, regretted their whistleblowing. It is incredibly regrettable for all of us if we have social workers who now say they will not go down that road. We are aware this abuse is still happening but who will raise their hand now? Where are the protections for those people raising concerns and who consistently go to meetings and say we need to change the situation for a person but nothing is happening. I hear more and more from my members the term "moral injury". It is coming up increasingly often. The resources, policies and structures are not there to support the advice being given. This is across the lifespan of people and not only about the care of older people. Recommendations are being made by social workers but the supports and resources are not there to carry out the plan. A plan B then has to come into place.

With regard to adult safeguarding, it is well documented. Dr. Donnelly has done research and included some vignettes earlier that cover some of this. Recommendations are made but the appropriate supports are not available.