[To consider options that could promote the recruitment and retention of children's social workers within the City of Wolverhampton Council]

1.      That the establishment of a peripatetic social work team in order to reduce dependency on Agency social workers be approved.

2.      That the exploration of an offer that would increase the Council’s ability to retain experienced children’s social workers be approved and authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Executive Director of Families and the Director of Finance to agree this mechanism.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre asked the Panel to approve the recommendations contained in the report ‘Children’s Social Work: Recruitment and Retention’.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi elaborated on the proposals contained in the report for strengthening the resources available to support the recruitment and retention of social workers and social work managers within Children's Social Care.  This included the establishment of a peripatetic social work team to reduce dependency on Agency social workers, and exploring options to increase the offer and ability to retain experienced child care social workers.

Resolved:

1.    That the establishment of a peripatetic social work team in order to reduce dependency on Agency social workers be approved.

2.    That the exploration of an offer that would increase the Council’s ability to retain experienced children’s social workers be approved and authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Executive Director of Families and the Director of Finance to agree this mechanism.