Social workers will not be issued body-worn cameras, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed.
The question was raised in Tynwald by Julie Edge MHK, who cited a survey suggesting “up to 85% of social workers have had some experience of abuse, assault, etc.”, arguing for a duty of care to staff.
In response, DHSC Minister Claire Christian said: “Manx Care does not currently use nor operate body worn video cameras in any of its services, nor it is being considered by the department or Manx care for use in routine social work or social care settings.”
Ms Christian highlighted significant professional and ethical concerns, warning it could “undermine trust with children and families”, impacting rapport and care quality.
She also noted the high compliance threshold under Isle of Man data protection law.
Ethical
When asked why police could use cameras but social workers could not, the minister explained the professions operate in “fundamentally different professional, legal and ethical contexts,” with policing supported by specific statutory powers.
Kirstie Morphet MLC questioned potential breaches of human rights and professional standards, asking if the DHSC would consider the “far reaching impacts” on trust.
Ms Christian replied that while she would take legal advice if needed, the core social work relationship was “based on trust, empathy and partnership.”
She added that there is no professional guidance endorsing body cameras in social work, with the British Association of Social Workers having “publicly expressed reservations on ethical grounds”.