8a Children’s Social Care Performance Monthly Cover Report July 2022
8b Children’s Social Care Performance Monthly Performance Report July 2022
8c Understanding & Challenging Children’s Social Care Performance Reports
Minutes:
The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:
Carly Speechley, Executive Director-Children’s Services, BMBC
Keeley Boud, Head of Safeguarding & Quality Assurance, Children’s Services, BMBC
Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson Children’s Services, BMBC
Members were invited to consider a cover report relating to Children’s Social Care Performance (Item 8a) in relation to the Data Report (Item 8b) and the Explanatory Document (Item 8c).
A strong performance was noted overall despite challenges with staffing. It is anticipated that the Cost-of-Living crisis could create further significant pressures for the service.
The needs of care leavers are under constant review via the Sufficiency Strategy, and areas such as the number of care leavers in suitable accommodation are a key focus for the service.
Challenges in recruiting and retaining staff remain a national issue for the profession. There have been issues with recruiting both permanent and agency staff, particularly experienced social workers. Additional benefits are advertised within the job description, such as the welcome bonus and Local Government Pension benefits. The service had explored adding additional admin capacity to remove pressure from front line staff, however there were also issues in recruiting admin staff. Various options to combat recruitment issues would be explored, such as visibility at local universities and the relaunch of the microsite.
RESOLVED that
(i) Members note the report; and
(ii) Witnesses explore working with Job Centres to recruit admin staff