Social workers
A creative vision for Newham
There is now greater optimism that Newham LBC is reaching a tipping point in its improvement journey, says Tim Aldridge. The ambition is for the council to become a nationally recognised example of best practice by 2023.
The future of social care
After 25 years of inaction, the Government has the chance to create a lasting legacy of a reformed, sustainably-funded social care system, says Kathryn Smith.
Sleep-in shifts legal battle ends
A long-running legal challenge by care workers over pay worth £400m has been rejected by the Supreme Court.
Lessons from a year of challenges
As the first anniversary of ‘lockdown 1.0’ approaches, Beate Wagner reflects on how Wakefield Council rose to the challenge of supporting children and families, and looking after staff wellbeing.
Keeping Calderdale’s children closer to home
Calderdale is committed to developing more local and personalised provision for children and young people in care, says Julie Jenkins. She explains how their needs are being prioritised.
Care workers given vaccine priority
Social care workers will be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as early as next week, it has been announced.
Seven reasons for hope
Seven projects were successful in What Works for Children’s Social Care’s ‘highly competitive’ first open funding round to support innovative practice. Dr Michael Sanders explains why they stood out.
Care staff concerns as demand set to peak
Concerns have been voiced about staffing levels in children’s services as the COVID-19 second wave takes its toll.
Pay boost for care workers following tribunal
A group of homecare workers have been awarded £100,000 in backdated pay in a tribunal ruling that could have further implications for the sector.
Let’s talk about difference and inequality
Sarah Newman looks at the impact of the crisis on disadvantaged families including those from BAME communities – and shows how the systemic practice model can make constructive conversations possible.
Building back better services for children
Chief executive of the National Children's Bureau Anna Feuchtwang asks how local and national government can build back children’s services that are better equipped to meet needs in the ‘new normal’.
Strengthening safeguarding by placing social workers in schools
The best aspects of a pilot that places social workers in schools are going to be tested more widely in a randomised controlled trial in at least 10 areas, says Michael Sanders.
Ensuring continuity of care during COVID-19
What happens when home isn't a safe place to be? Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.
The right time for some strategic thinking
The pandemic has presented an opportunity for the sector to re-think its recruitment strategies, particularly in the search for experienced social workers. Maggie Hennessy and Sonia Tanda explain.
Charity applies for judicial review of changes to children's social care law
A children’s rights charity has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of changes made to social care law by the Department for Education.
Charity threatens legal action on changes to safeguarding laws
A charity has threatened legal action against the Department for Education (DfE) if it does not withdraw a statutory instrument that makes changes to safeguards for children in care in England.
Reinventing recruitment for a more sustainable future
Local government has shown it can move faster and better when the bureaucracy is stripped away and decision-making is made at the local level. Manny Sandhu sets out a social care and related professions recruitment plan with a powerful purpose.
A ‘trusted national database of volunteers’ can support councils during COVID-19
RVS has provided a radical way to mobilise a volunteer army to help councils and the NHS provide support during the pandemic using the GoodSAM app. Rebecca Kennelly talks to Ann McGauran.
Our systemic model is coming to the fore during the pandemic
Sarah Newman, executive director of children’s services for the bi-borough - Kensington & Chelsea RLBC and Westminster City Council – outlines how the councils have been working to protect children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Working through the pandemic to protect children and families
A new report has identified the groups of children most likely to be at risk under lockdown. How are councils responding to need and have they got the resources to deliver?
