Minutes:
The Committee received an oral update about progress on Children’s Services staff recruitment. Against the background of a national shortage of qualified social workers, a comprehensive review of the terms and conditions of staff had been carried out, salaries had been reviewed and benchmarked by reference to neighbouring authorities. As a result a market supplement had been applied to all relevant posts in the children in need and child protection teams, together with a retention award payable after 18 months in post. In addition, housing colleagues had obtained the agreement of local housing associations with whom the Council work, that any void arising in their local stock would be offered first to newly recruited social workers requiring accommodation.
This improved package had been brought together and published on newly designed web pages, comprising details of salaries, benefits, and personal stories of team members, with a view to re-branding Slough as an attractive place to live and work.
In answer to questions, the Council’s commitment to employing newly qualified social workers was explained, including the support, assessment and managed caseload provided as required over the first year of work. The normal training for social workers was through a three year degree course, but other options were now available by way of a conversion course for graduates in other disciplines.
Resolved -
(a) That the progress in introducing and advertising a comprehensive new recruitment package for social work in Children’s Services be noted.
(b) That a report be presented to a future meeting about the ‘Step up to social work’ training programme enabling graduate career changers to become qualified social workers.