Social workers
Making the leap
Patrick Melia explains Sunderland City Council’s drive and determination in taking its children’s services from inadequate to outstanding.
Social care chief reports 'unprecedented' pressures across the country
Isle of Wight Council’s social care chief has said a local incident where vulnerable people could have been left without care highlights the ‘unprecedented’ pressures happening across the country.
Capturing the Beveridge spirit
Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has big plans to tackle the deep-rooted problems holding back our children – and she wants to work with local authorities to make them happen.
Supporting UASC: Relationships really matter
In Norfolk, building a large dedicated team has been crucial in supporting and managing a substantial cohort of unaccompanied asylum seeing children, says Kate Dexter.
Care review must be part of a long-term plan for children - ADCS
The independent review of children's social care ‘must go further and be part of a coherent and strategic long-term plan for children,’ according to the president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS).
Unlocking care in prisons
The needs of elderly men in the prison population need to be addressed urgently, says government and public sector expert at PA Consulting Amanda Kelly. 'We should question who we are imprisoning and whether there is an alternative', she adds.
Ofsted - Newham's quality of social work practice is improving
The quality of social work practice in Newham is improving, but the pace of change has been affected by the pandemic, according to Ofsted inspectors.
A tailored, personal approach gives you an edge
Sonia Tanda at Penna looks at how councils can stand out from the crowd when it comes to recruiting social workers.
A creative vision for Newham
There is now greater optimism that Newham LBC is reaching a tipping point in its improvement journey, says Tim Aldridge. The ambition is for the council to become a nationally recognised example of best practice by 2023.
The future of social care
After 25 years of inaction, the Government has the chance to create a lasting legacy of a reformed, sustainably-funded social care system, says Kathryn Smith.
Sleep-in shifts legal battle ends
A long-running legal challenge by care workers over pay worth £400m has been rejected by the Supreme Court.
Lessons from a year of challenges
As the first anniversary of ‘lockdown 1.0’ approaches, Beate Wagner reflects on how Wakefield Council rose to the challenge of supporting children and families, and looking after staff wellbeing.
Keeping Calderdale’s children closer to home
Calderdale is committed to developing more local and personalised provision for children and young people in care, says Julie Jenkins. She explains how their needs are being prioritised.
Care workers given vaccine priority
Social care workers will be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as early as next week, it has been announced.
Seven reasons for hope
Seven projects were successful in What Works for Children’s Social Care’s ‘highly competitive’ first open funding round to support innovative practice. Dr Michael Sanders explains why they stood out.
Care staff concerns as demand set to peak
Concerns have been voiced about staffing levels in children’s services as the COVID-19 second wave takes its toll.
Pay boost for care workers following tribunal
A group of homecare workers have been awarded £100,000 in backdated pay in a tribunal ruling that could have further implications for the sector.
Let’s talk about difference and inequality
Sarah Newman looks at the impact of the crisis on disadvantaged families including those from BAME communities – and shows how the systemic practice model can make constructive conversations possible.
Building back better services for children
Chief executive of the National Children's Bureau Anna Feuchtwang asks how local and national government can build back children’s services that are better equipped to meet needs in the ‘new normal’.
Strengthening safeguarding by placing social workers in schools
The best aspects of a pilot that places social workers in schools are going to be tested more widely in a randomised controlled trial in at least 10 areas, says Michael Sanders.
