Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report from the Executive Director – Adult Social Care, which provided an annual progress report from the Adults Principal Social Worker (APSW) showing how the role of social work supported the Council to meeting its priorities and objectives.

It was reported that the APSW was a statutory requirement under the Care Act 2014.  The national guidance on the role and responsibilities had evolved and been updated and clarified over recent years.  It was noted that the Principal Social Worker played a key role in representing and promoting the social work profession; the report listed some of the responsibilities that came with the role. 

The report also outlined details of the strengths based approaches and practice training, which had been carried out over the past 12 months.  Included were details of specialist training such as e-learning for all staff and webinars, in conjunction with the Learning Disability and Autism Programme.  

Information on: present and future workforce development; the mental health ‘Think Ahead’ Programme; the LGA’s Standards for Employers of Social Workers; the organisational health check and quality assurance, was also presented in the report.

In response to Councillor Fry’s question on apprenticeships, it was announced that updated guidance had been issued in relation to apprenticeships eligibility criteria, which is encouraging for the Social Worker profession.

RESOLVED:  That the report is noted.