Make more time for direct work

All good social work is dependent on relationships. But how can social workers build meaningful relationships with children and families when so much gets in the way of them spending time with them? Cumbersome bureaucratic processes, outdated computer systems and an overemphasis on paperwork were highlighted in the Eileen Munro review of child protection in 2011, yet we still haven't made much progress. A survey of our members published this year shows the average social worker spends 24 per cent of their working week in direct contact with children while 63 per cent is spent on paperwork.

Meanwhile, research such as the Children's Commissioner Stability Index report last year heard directly from children that they did not see or hear from their social workers enough. Numerous serious case reviews and public inquiries highlight how the absence of engagement and communication with children compromises children's right to a voice and their safety. We urgently need to change this so British Association of Social Workers (BASW) England is working with the Children's Commissioner on a national campaign - the 80/20 campaign - to push for social workers to spend 80 per cent of their core hours focusing on direct work with children, young people and families.