Agenda item

The Panel will receive a verbal update on this item from the People and Communities Strategic Director.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities addressed the Panel, a summary of his briefing is set out below.

Social Work Recruitment: He said that following a recent question from the Chair that a report relating to Social Work recruitment could be prepared for a future meeting. He thought though that it would be helpful at this stage to outline the current position.

·  ‘Rolling’ adverts in the professional press for Social Workers, Deputy Team Managers (DTMs) and Team Managers (TMs).

·  Provision of a bursary / “golden hello” for new recruits and newly qualified Social Workers (£2k - £3k).

·  Extensive professional and practice support for newly qualified Social Workers during their first year of practice.

·  Support for accredited training to reach advanced practitioner levels with the opportunity to study to MSC/MA level.

·  Opportunities to progress to Senior Practitioner level prior to or as an alternative to managerial promotion.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked if the bursary was a suitable incentive.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities replied that it was in line with offers of other local authorities.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked if the Council had considered offering a second year bursary.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities replied that he would be willing to examine that option.

Councillor Karen Warrington commented that she would like to see schools encouraged to provide more information on this career to pupils.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities replied that the Council is involved with Step Up to Social Work which is an intensive full-time training programme that covers everything trainee social workers need to know in 14 months. He added that we also work with the UWE and the universities in Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham.

Adoption Services: The Government have legislated to develop a series of regional or sub-regional Adoption Agencies that will incorporate the Adoption functions of the Local Authorities within a region.

B&NES has been working with North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, City of Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire on a proposal for a single Adoption Agency working in partnership with the Voluntary Adoption Agencies (all charities) that operate across the joint administrative area.

A report will be submitted to the Cabinet in July across all six Local Authorities requesting permission to develop a proposed single agency to become operational from April 1^st 2018. A further report for decision will then come to Cabinet in late Autumn 2016. The Panel may wish to receive a report on this at their September meeting.

Councillor Alison Millar asked how many adoptions took place within the last year in B&NES.

The Divisional Director for Children and Young People, Specialist and Targeted Division replied that it was 12, which was a lot for a Council the size of B&NES.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities added that it is so important to find the right permanent solution for the child concerned.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if support is provided to adoptive parents.

The Strategic Director for People & Communities replied that it was and as such there has not been a breakdown of relationships over the past ten years.

The Chair thanked him for his update on behalf of the Panel.