Decision details

A rapid review group was set up in November 2021 by the Children’s & Education

Select Committee to investigate the issues relating to the difficulties of recruiting

and retaining both trainee and qualified social workers. It was noted that this was

both a local and national issue and related to the demand for social worker

exceeding the available supply. In order to explore the issues relating to this

thoroughly, the rapid review group undertook research and interviewed senior

officers, social workers and their managers to explore areas that might be addressed

to ameliorate the situation at Buckinghamshire.

Cabinet was asked to consider the recommendations of the Children and Education Select Committee review of recruitment and retention of social workers.

RESOLVED –

(1) That the Select Committee and Review Group, as well as the supporting officers, be thanked for their work and subsequent recommendations.

(2) That Cabinet’s responses to the review, as set out and circulated to Members, be AGREED.

Note: a complete breakdown of the scrutiny recommendations and Cabinet’s responses can be found here.