Sir William Utting becomes first patron of Social Work History Network

The appointment was formally made in October, with the Network noting that the role of Patron was conferred “in appreciation of his distinguished lifetime leadership of social work and commitment to the values of public service”.

Sir William, known throughout his career as Bill Utting, trained as a social worker at Barnet House in 1954–55 before completing Home Office training for the probation service the following year. He began his professional life as a probation officer, later moving into senior roles that would shape national social care policy for decades.

From 1985 until his retirement in 1991, Sir William served as the first Chief Inspector of Social Services, overseeing inspection and standards across a rapidly changing social care system. He went on to serve on the Committee on Standards in Public Life, chaired by Lord Nolan, from its establishment in 1994 until 2001. He also chaired both the National Institute for Social Work and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Sir William led a number of highly influential reviews, particularly in the field of residential child care and the safeguarding of children living away from home. Among these was the landmark People Like Us report (1997), which helped drive major reforms in how the state protects and supports children in care.

Despite moving into national leadership roles, Sir William remained closely connected to the profession’s history and values. He was a regular participant at Social Work History Network events for many years, contributing reflections on the development of social work until stepping back in order to care for his wife.

Reflecting on his career following the presentation of the patronage certificate, Sir William wrote that although his time in frontline practice was relatively short, “the values of social work underpinned the whole of my half century in various forms of public service”.

He added: “Asked to share identifying information, I have always put social work upfront. This is as it should be. The values of social work became part of my own moral framework and informed every other activity I undertook. I am proud to be a (former) social worker and to have contributed to its transition in this country from an unregulated occupation to an accepted profession.”

Welcoming the appointment, Dr David N Jones, chair of the Social Work History Network, said Sir William’s career demonstrated a consistent commitment to social work principles, even when he was required to challenge poor practice.

“Bill was always known to respect and value social work, especially when he was necessarily critical of poor practice by agencies,” he said. “His career embodied social work values which informed his influence on the Nolan Committee and in other areas of public life. His lack of pretension and his commitment to living social work values are an inspiration to the global profession.”

Dr Jones added that the Network regarded Sir William’s acceptance of the role as a significant honour.

The Social Work History Network promotes the study and understanding of the profession’s history, and its leaders say the appointment of a patron so closely associated with social work’s development and public standing reflects both its heritage and its continuing relevance.