The conference will focus on safeguarding and include a range of keynote speeches and workshops, with the aim of sharing best practice and further improving services for Wolverhampton’s vulnerable children, adults and families.
Clenton Farquharson MBE, chair of the Think Local Act Personal Partnership Board and member of the Coalition for Collaborative Care, will talk about his experiences of social care.
Luke Hart from CoCo Awareness will share his experiences as a domestic abuse survivor. Luke has helped to train thousands of police officers, NHS professionals, council staff and the general public in identifying, understanding and ending domestic abuse.
There will also be presentations by Director of Children's Services Emma Bennett and Director of Adults Services David Watts, who will be reflecting on the last 12 months, in particular the challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on social workers.
Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services will also be in attendance.
Councillor Reynolds said: "We're having to do things a bit differently this year, but it will be great to be able to bring together social workers from across children's and adults to share best practice – and to celebrate the brilliant work they do for our city's most vulnerable individuals and families.
Councillor Leach added: "We are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve services and outcomes for children and young people and families. This is the fifth joint social work conference and we are pleased that we are still able to hold this annual event this year despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“The theme of 2020's conference is safeguarding, and the various speakers and online workshops will give frontline professionals additional insight and knowledge that will help support them in their role, as well as plenty of opportunities for reflection and learning.
“The conference will also give us the chance to say a massive thank you to the hundreds of professionals who work tirelessly for our city’s children and young people, families and adults with additional needs.”
