What constitutes successful joint working with social work? A study of integrated practice in supporting older people with care and support needs

Willis, Paul ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9774-0130, Tanner, Denise, Beedell, Phoebe, Noszlopy, Laura, Richards, Sally and Nosowska, Geraldine 2025. What constitutes successful joint working with social work? A study of integrated practice in supporting older people with care and support needs. Journal of Long Term Care , pp. 344-353. 10.31389/jltc.391

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Abstract

Context: While the integration of health and social care services in England has been a long-term policy aspiration, the role and contribution of social workers to joined-up working has received little attention. Objective(s): This paper aims to examine what constitutes successful joint working between social care and health care practitioners, from the perspectives of social workers and others working across integrated and multi-disciplinary teams. Findings are from a multi-method study examining the role and contribution of social work to older people’s wellbeing. Method(s): Through interviews and observations across two local authorities, we gathered the views and experiences of older people (aged 65+) with care and support needs and those of their carers, the social workers supporting them, and other health and social care colleagues involved. Findings: We present three themes: (1) integrated teams valuing of social workers’ knowledge, approaches, and skills; (2) the ways in which social workers navigate the divides between health and social care; and (3) the impact of organisational structures on joint working. Social work input is a valued piece of the integration puzzle as other professionals value: their person-centred stance; skills in advocating for older people’s autonomy; knowledge of social care law; and application of therapeutic and communication skills. Limitations: Sample groups are self-selected, which led to the sample being skewed towards more experienced social workers who were confident to talk about their practice. Implications: More attention is needed in enhancing continuity in social work allocation and improving mutual learning environments for social and health care professionals.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Publisher:	LSE Press
ISSN:	2516-9122
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	23 January 2026
Date of Acceptance:	3 October 2025
Last Modified:	23 Jan 2026 12:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/184147

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