Agenda item

Following a video by young people in the Care4Us Council, to consider a report of the Executive Director Core Services and the Executive Director People (Item 4a attached) in respect of the Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding Quality Assurance Framework (Item 4b attached) and the Continuous Service Improvement Framework (Item 4c attached).

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:

Rachel Dickinson, Executive Director – People, BMBC

Mel John-Ross, Service Director, Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding, BMBC

Cllr Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson – People Directorate, BMBC

A number of Front Line Social Work Practitioners

The item was introduced by Mel John-Ross, Service Director, Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding, BMBC.  A video by young people in the Care4Us Council preceded consideration of a report of the Executive Director Core Services and the Executive Director People in respect of the Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding Quality Assurance Framework and the Continuous Service Improvement Framework.   It was explained that this is an interim report and will be amended to reflect a full year once all case file audits have been analysed.

Questions were asked and challenges made in response to the report and introductory presentation, which included the following points:

·         There is a culture of open-ness and an open working environment which enables Social Workers to challenge and report poor practice.  All Social Workers have monthly supervision meetings with their manager at which issues can be raised and respectful challenge takes place amongst workers.  This year’s Annual Social Work Health Check was very positive in this regard.  All staff have Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) which identify individual strengths and areas for improvement as part of a robust performance development process.

·         The case file audit process was explained for the benefit of Members.  After each audit a report is compiled with individual actions for Social Workers.  The views of children and young people are consistently recorded as part of assessments and are recorded on file to ensure their voice is heard.  Visits take place every six weeks, within timescale and with a clear line of accountability.

·         There is clear evidence that Barnsley children are well looked after here in Barnsley.  Staff go above and beyond what is required, contacting carers regularly via a variety of means so that children have a positive experience.

·         Social Workers would prefer to have fewer children on their caseload and this is recognised in Barnsley as a significant issue.  There is a rolling programme of recruitment and Barnsley is able to attract high calibre staff due to having a good reputation.  Funding has been secured to appoint an additional 14 Social Workers across all teams.  Barnsley supports a large number of Student Social Workers, many of whom come back to work for Barnsley when they have completed their training.

·         The Quality Assurance Framework sits on top of the work that everybody is doing, from front line staff to senior management.  Efforts are continually being made to improve children’s lives so that they can have the best possible childhood.  The role of Elected Members as Corporate Parents is a huge responsibility.

RESOLVED that

(i)            Representatives be thanked for their attendance and contribution;

(ii)          The report be noted.