academic articles, and are abstracted in PsycINFO. ICPR has also been added to the existing list of Society publications that are exclusively listed by the online aggregator, EBSCO and is abstracted in Google Scholar.
Further information For more information about the activities undertaken by the SGCP, please visit www.sgcp.org.uk. Ho Law, Chair
Special Group of Psychologists and Social Services For SGPASS 2009 can be termed the Year of the Flux. Of the several meanings ascribed to the term ‘flux’, I would use the one about uncertainty before significant change. There have been, and will continue to be, major changes in the social care sector. SGPASS must highlight the contribution that can be made by psychologists. In reporting the membership of the committee, I must acknowledge a significant loss, not only to SGPASS but also to the wider psychological community, through the death of Golda Smith. I valued Golda's clearly articulated position on the provision of services to people in the Jewish community. Within the wider psychological community, Golda made an assertive contribution to raising the profile of child protection as a professional concern. Our loss is deeply felt. We thank Olivia Craig for her time as chair and her continuing involvement. Valerie Hero, whose eponymous activity must be acknowledged, has stepped down after being the thread of continuity for all the time l have been associated with SGPASS. Harry Davies, as the honorary secretary, maintains that continuity. Rebecca Williams, as honorary treasurer, has vigorously engaged with the role. Special thanks are due to Pete Woods for his perceptive contribution. Following a successful bid for funding from the Professional Practice Board, we have started to undertake the first national survey of psychologists working in the social care sector. This is a major undertaking for SGPASS and the results will inform us on a wide range of issues. There are major changes occurring in the legislation covering social care. SGPASS coordinated a Society response to the government's consultation on ‘Fair Access to Care Services'. We await the revised guidance as it will have a major impact on all people requiring social care services. The impact of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 is being felt within the sector and the committee is concerned with ensuring that a psychological approach informs good practice. The Committee continues to have significant representation within the Society itself. No report of this year's events would be complete without a note of disappointment that the General Social Care Council, after completing the task of registering social workers and their trainees, has decided not to proceed with the direct registration of paid social care workers. These workers enter the lives, often on a daily basis, of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. SGPASS believes that vulnerable people should be afforded the highest safeguards by people paid from public funds. We continue to argue for some form of registration, possibly through the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Looking to the future, the flux continues. SGPASS needs to develop a clearer strategy to maximise its impact. As a member reading this report, it could be that you have both the time and the inclination to be involved. Please contact me through Society membership services. There is much still to do. John Newland, Chair 42 T H E B R I T I S H P S Y C H O L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y