Decision details

Councillor Jones introduced the report which provided an overview of the proactive work that was being taken to enhance the approach to recruit, develop and retain experienced social workers across the portfolio.  The work was being driven by a Task and Finish Group which was taking a whole portfolio approach responding to workforce pressures.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the role of expert practitioners in children and adult services to reflect the expertise, knowledge, autonomy and complexity of decisions that identified practitioners are required to take, is developed.  This development would need to be considered within the context of pay and grading conventions:

(b)       That a team of agency workers to support our Children’s front door whilst we develop, and implement our action plan to reset and rebuild our resilience, be agreed;

(c)        That the Council seek to recruit appropriately qualified and experienced social workers from abroad; and

(d)       That the Council seek to work collaboratively with neighbouring authorities to develop a unified approach to workforce recruitment and retention including the potential for a retention/recruitment payment and implementing initiatives to manage the agency market.