Decision details

Stephen Kitchman, Director for Children’s Social Care presented the reported and introduced Heather Brown, the Development Manager with lead responsibility for the Workforce Strategy.

The following was noted in discussion:

·         Referring to para 3.1.4 Agency Pay Rates on page 82 – of the 162 agency qualified social work placements in the year to 31 March 2016, there were around 50 agency staff in post at any one time

·         The aim was now to reduce the numbers of agency staff. The Committee heard that Reed was the preferred supplier and that there would be no charge by Reed for any social worker moving into council employment after 3 months of having worked for Lewisham through the agency.

·         Approximately 23% of the 250 posts were filled by agency staff. This compared well with London comparators, but the aim was to reduce this to as near to zero as possible

·         Members sought clarification of “Resignation” in respect of the table on Page 78, headed “Number of leavers by reason 2015/16”

·         The area of least stable staffing was those working with children in the community. This was thought to be due to it being one of the most challenging and stressful areas, dealing with child protection and court proceedings. Work was being done to build resilience and to upskill in this area.

·         A mixed-age workforce was better for succession planning.

RESOLVED:

1)    that the report be noted and the Committee agreed to receive annual updates on the development and impact of the Children’s Social Care Workforce Strategy.

2)    That the Director for Children’s Social Care provide clarification of “Resignation” in respect of the table on Page 78, headed “Number of leavers by reason 2015/16”.