Fiona Simpson

fiona.simpson@markallengroup.com

Last year there were fewer children and family social worker starters than leavers. Picture: Andreaobzerova/Adobe Stock

Analysis 30 May 2023

Councils turn to ‘golden hellos' to solve social worker shortage

Social Care

Remuneration must be part of a wider package of training and support for staff. Picture: fizkes/Adobe Stock

Analysis 30 May 2023

Factors behind social work staff retention

Social Care

Ofsted’s latest inspection found Hull’s comprehensive improvement plan delivered better services and outcomes for children. Picture: Andy/Adobe Stock

Best Practice 30 May 2023

Local Spotlight: Hull City Council

Ofsted

Mary Jackson is chief executive of Frontline

News 30 May 2023

Frontline awarded £61m government contract to train child protection social workers

Social Care

Steve Chalke is founder of Oasis Charitable Trust. Picture: Oasis Charitable Trust

News 26 May 2023

Secure school ‘on track’ to open this year

Youth Justice

Dame Rachel de Souza: 'No child should be able to access or watch pornography'. Picture: Office of the children's commissioner for England

News 25 May 2023

Children’s commissioner threatens legal action over government’s asylum plans

Social Care

Local authorities should calculate maximum caseloads for social workers, a Senedd committee states. Picture: RH2010/Adobe Stock

News 24 May 2023

Cap on social worker caseloads among recommendations for Welsh children’s services reforms

Social Care

The IICSA put forward 20 recommendations to government. Picture: IICSA

News 23 May 2023

Home Office response to child sexual abuse inquiry ‘will not protect children’, review chair warns

Social Care

Birmingham City Council has vowed to continue with improvements. Picture: Arena Photo UK/Adobe Stock

News 22 May 2023

Commissioner hails ‘welcome’ progress in Birmingham’s struggling SEND services

Education

Claire Coutinho will answer questions of a 'lack of urgency' in implementing SEND reforms. Picture: Department for Education

News 22 May 2023

Children’s minister to face questions over SEND reform delivery

Education

Agency social workers say they chose the route due to increased pay and flexibility. Picture: Adobe Stock

News 18 May 2023

Social workers threaten to leave profession over plans to curtail use of agencies

Social Care

Local authorities and organisations are supporting carers during Foster Care Fortnight. Picture: Pressmaster/Adobe Stock

News 17 May 2023

Council reduces council tax for foster carers

Social Care