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Lord Laming's Report
by Sanchia Berg
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Whatever Lord Laming recommends, experienced child protection workers will be needed to carry it out. Research for the Today programme across 21 of the 33 London authorities suggests that there is a severe shortage of permanent, experienced social workers in this area.
Through the trade union UNISON and local authorities we gathered figures on vacancies in childrens' services focusing on child protection teams where possible. Vacancy rates varied hugely. Ironically Haringey, where Victoria Climbie died, has a relatively low vacancy rate now: they have increased starting salaries signficantly. More than 80% of their staff in child protection are permanent. By contrast, only 48% of posts in Islington are filled by permanent staff--in Brent children's services only 44% .Most of the gaps are covered by agency staff.
UNISON branch stewards across London are concerned that work in front line child protection is being done by unqualified, inexperienced, or foreign workers. In Bromley Glen Kelly has established that unqualified staff are working across child protection teams, responding to calls from doctors and police officers. Other branch stewards say that newly qualified social workers are being thrown into "heavy duty" child protection cases on their very first day, with little support from senior staff. In certain boroughs, significant numbers of social workers have been recruited from outside the UK:UNISON officers are concerned they are not familiar with British law and practice.
To protect children well, social workers have to develop relationships with their families over time, says Professor Eileen Munro of the London School of Economics. She says it's vital that front line child protection workers work in established stable teams, so they can discuss their cases with senior staff, better interpret difficult situations they encounter, learn from their mistakes. She sees many experienced people, with 15 or 20 years expertise, leaving this field, frustrated by the new checklists and paperwork they have to complete. She describes the job as becoming "more clerical, less intuitive,less professional".
And Professor Munro fears that Lord Laming's report could actually make the recruitment crisis worse. First, the inevitable criticism of social workers could deter potential recruits.Second, a new set of guidelines and checks could spur yet more experienced staff to leave the public sector.
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Victoria Climbie, who froze to death after being forced to sleep naked in a bath |
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Listen - As Lord Laming publishes his report, Sanchia Berg looks into critical shortages in child protection services. |
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