Comment on employer standards survey for registered social...
Nicola Curley, Chair of the ADCS Workforce Policy Committee, said:
Directors of children’s services recognise the issues raised in the survey responses and remain committed to creating the conditions where good social work with children and families can flourish. Social workers should not have to tolerate conditions that would not be tolerated in other professions. Bullying, abuse and discrimination is completely unacceptable and directors and LA Chief Executives have a responsibility to protect our staff from this. It is important for us as employers to listen to this valuable feedback from social workers, to understand their experiences of the workplace and the support they need to be able to do their jobs well and, crucially, to create change where it is needed.
Social workers are at the heart of systems that protect children from harm and support families to overcome challenges and stay together safely. Their work can be challenging and sometimes high risk. They work under heightened media scrutiny, yet the life changing work they do is rarely recognised. Without enough skilled social workers, who are supported and equipped with the tools to do their jobs well, in safe and appropriate working environments, we as directors of children’s services cannot ensure all children in our local areas thrive.
ENDS