Issue - meetings

[To receive the report outlining the work of the Principal Social Worker 2019-2020]

1.      That the work of the Principal Social Worker and the continued impact it has on social care practice across children’s and adults’ services be endorsed.

2.      That the main priorities for the Principal Social Worker identified for 2020-2021 be approved.

Councillor Linda Leach presented a progress report on the work of the Principal Social Worker to promote and improve the quality of social work practice, and outline priority areas of work to be undertaken in 2020-2021. The report showed good progress in both children's and adults social work over the last 12 months. She particularly highlighted the Think Whole Family approach and welcomed that the services were retaining the social work students it had trained, and that the turnover of social work staff in Wolverhampton was lower than the national average.  She looked forward to building on the improvements set out in the Principal Social Worker’s report going forward.

Councillor John Reynolds added that he welcomed the improved recruitment and retention of social workers.  There was still more to do in this area and the work of the Principal Social Worker would be key.  The Annual report set out approaches to recruiting, assessing and retaining social workers in Wolverhampton. 

Resolved:

1.    That the work of the Principal Social Worker and the continued impact it has on social care practice across children’s and adults’ services be endorsed.

2.    That the main priorities for the Principal Social Worker identified for 2020-2021 be approved.