Decision details

The Chair welcomed Tonya Harrison, Principal Social Worker, Louise Anderson, Director of Children's Social Care, Amy Ingham, Senior Family Support Worker/Apprentice Social Worker, and Briony Carter, Social Worker, to the meeting. County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Cabinet Member for Childrens and Families also supported the presentation of this item.

The report set out the progress made against the annual plan of the Principal Social Worker, as well as the progress made with regards to developing a highly skilled and stable workforce that could safeguard the children of Lancashire. A presentation was also given, a copy of which is attached to the minutes.

Comments and queries raised from the committee were as follows:

• The achievement of reducing social worker vacancies from 153 in 2022 to just 12 in 2024 was highlighted by the committee.
• The two social workers in attendance at the meeting, Amy Ingham and Briony Carter, were asked to share their hands-on experiences working as a social worker at the county council, and it was noted that they felt valued and supported during their training, which motivated them to continue supporting vulnerable families.
• The significance of creating a supportive and valued workforce was highlighted and it was noted that coffee and cake sessions were introduced to gather direct feedback from social workers, which in turn helped shape strategic approaches and workforce development.
• The committee inquired on the gender distribution among social workers, and it was noted that while the number of male social workers had increased over the years, the profession remained predominantly female. However, specific data could be shared with members of the committee, following the meeting.
• A career pathway had been developed to outline training and development opportunities. It was designed to be an interactive tool for practitioners to assess their performance and identify future career opportunities.
• The benefits of both face-to-face and online training were highlighted, and it was noted that while online training offered flexibility, especially post-pandemic, face-to-face training was crucial for social work due to the need for in-person interaction and shared learning.
• The number of social workers proficient in British Sign Language (BSL) was not known but could be provided to the committee at a later date.
• 49 social workers were recruited from overseas in the previous year and although their adjustment period took longer than expected, the county council remained open to international recruitment. However, it was noted that there were no immediate plans for further international recruitment at this time.

• It was noted that a glossary of acronyms for the report had been circulated to the committee, a copy of which is attached to the minutes.

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Members and officers for the report and for answering the committees' questions.

Resolved: That the following recommendation be shared with the Cabinet Member for Children and Families:

(i)  That the committee supported the ongoing work of the Principal Social Worker and invited them to return to give an update to the committee on an annual basis.