An introduction to the new DSHE Mental Health Social Work Lead: Jason Brandon

I am very pleased to introduce myself now I have taken up post as the Mental Health Social Work Lead in the Chief Social Workers Office.  

I am primarily focusing on Mental Health Act (MHA) Reform. I have been tasked with a set of non-legislative MHA priorities which include:  

• increasing training opportunities for AMHPs and facilitating the availability of a national AMHP activity dataset, 
• providing a webinar in support of a strengthened approach to s140, 
• to consolidate and strengthen s117 funding mechanisms, 
• to engage with stakeholders in the development of statutory care planning in the community, 
• support the Ministry of Justice re MHA with refresh social supervision arrangements.   

Whilst my core objectives are aimed at MHA Reform, I have been able to work with colleagues in DHSC and key stakeholders to promote the identity and value of mental health social work. After many years of working in this profession I continue to be in awe of the role that our mental health social work staff carry out – both qualified and unqualified – and who demonstrate their knowledge, values, skill and commitment to work alongside people often on the edge of our communities on a daily basis. 

I have drawn on the operational experience from the other half of my post as Head of Mental Health/Physical Disability Services in Hampshire to illustrate the function and skillset of Mental Health Social Workers, Approved Mental Health Professionals, Social Supervisors, Forensic Social Workers, Wellbeing Support staff and so on, each as either regulated or unregulated roles. The pandemic has taught us all a huge amount about our Care Act compliance and its application specifically in the context of those who present with emotional wellbeing needs and/or those with problems caused by mental ill health. It has also reminded us about people who don’t neatly fit a ‘category box’ and who continue to be at risk of falling between services. I am particularly eager to offer professional leadership with Local Authority PSW colleagues and PSWs in NHS Trusts, to develop strengthened approaches to assurance on MHA compliance with a range of competing duties and the need for a legally literate workforce.  

It will come as no surprise to you that my induction has been peppered with numerous landmark announcements including Cabinet re-shuffles, Legislative Social Care Reforms, publication of the Winter Plan and a Spending Review. It is my view that we continue to provide robust professional leadership and remind our social workers about the incredible positive differences they continue to make in such a challenging working environment.  

Jason Brandon is Mental Health Social Work Lead in the Office of Chief Social Worker at the Department of Health & Social Care.