Several of our most experienced social work managers have resigned in a short space of time. How can we ensure morale, expertise – and ultimately child safety – does not suffer?
Maintaining good practice is a challenge at any time, let alone when there is high staff turnover. If the change of managers means there will be vacancies or staff acting in those roles for a lengthy period, the team should agree times to meet and peer-review cases where workers have concerns.
The process needs to be rigorous but supportive. The key questions include: what are the risk factors?; what are the protective factors?; what needs to change to increase safety?; how can this be done?; what other agencies need to be informed and involved?; and what are the key indicators of risk or safety on which all must focus?
Supporting the work with reference to established, evidence-based practice will help continue professional development, while ensuring the basics of good practice.
Answered by Paul Clark, director of the Potential Organisation. He was director of children’s services in Harrow for seven years
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