Supplementary memorandum submitted by
Colin Green, Safeguarding spokesman, Association of Directors
of Children's Services (ADCS)
I am sorry I could not stay until the end. If
I had, my reply to the Chairman's final question on what the inquiry
should include would have been that it must focus on the workforce
and in particular the quality of the social work workforce. This
requires sustained attention over a period of years to develop
the skills and competence of the workforce and ensure there is
sufficient supply of well trained and motivated people to undertake
this difficult work. One dimension of this, which Henrietta's
reply addresses, is the valuing of the workforce. Central to improvement
is the valuing of the workforce and recognising that this work
is complex and requires people of ability. Therefore the rewards
need to be commensurate with comparable professions requiring
the acquisition and use of complex skills and sophisticated knowledge
and the academic requirements and training need to reflect this
as well.
I agree with what Judith and Rosalyn said.
On ICS I would add that a debate is needed on
how this important and complex work is recorded and the right
balance between recording and direct face to face contact with
children and families. I would caution against hasty conclusions
on this without a thorough examination of the evidence and a review
of why we have arrived where we have with a very well defined
practice system.
I would be happy to assist the Committee further
on behalf of ADCS if that would be helpful.
December 2008
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