ACTION
Investment in support and training for staff has helped bring use of agency staff at North Yorkshire County Council down to virtually zero.
"We made a commitment to stop using agency staff because they didn't provide the consistency we want for children and families," explains new assistant director for children and families Martin Kelly.
Steps taken included supporting existing agency workers to become permanent employees and investing in the Signs of Safety approach to social work, which attracted talented professionals. Social workers are also being encouraged to train in systemic practice while social work managers can access the Firstline training programme.
Having a clear career structure has also been key to retaining staff as has keeping caseloads - which are monitored monthly - manageable, says Kelly.
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