Social Work Improvements “Milestone Reached”
June 24, 2009 No Comments
Bridgend County Borough Council has been congratulated by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) for substantial improvements in its children’s services which have resulted in the lifting of a serious concern protocol.
A recent review of children’s services by CSSIW found that social services staff and managers have continued to work hard to secure further improvements and have established more robust systems for consistent assessment of risk and effective decision making. They have been supported by strong corporate leadership for children’s services and performance management arrangements have been established.
Chief Inspector Rob Pickford said: “The authority now responds much more promptly and effectively to initial concerns about children and is much more reliable in planning for their welfare and reviewing progress. It has better systems to manage its own performance and monitor its own progress. The relationship between the Inspectorate and the authority can now revert to one of normal business, with the Inspectorate checking progress through our normal programme of inspection and reviews.”
Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services, said: “The authority and its officers have achieved a significant turnaround. While the improvement journey is not yet complete, there is strong leadership and a much improved culture and services for vulnerable children have greatly improved. They deserve congratulation for the substantial progress they have made, in overcoming serious past problems and improving the service to vulnerable children and their families. They have the commitment and capacity to continue this progress of their own accord.”
Councillor Mel Nott, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “I welcome this excellent news. As a Cabinet we have been determined to see a sustained and substantial improvement in this area, and I have been very closely involved in monitoring progress. I know how dedicated staff within the Children’s directorate have been to making this happen.
“The role of local authorities in this area is, quite rightly, being scrutinised more than ever. I believe this delivers a very important message about Bridgend County Borough Council’s sincere commitment to our children and young people.”
Councillor Alana Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I am passionate about the welfare of our children and young people, so I am truly delighted about the good work which is now being achieved in this service area. This is such a positive achievement for Bridgend County Borough Council and its staff, who deserve every credit. But most of all it is fantastic news for the youngsters for whom this authority works so hard to give a safe and secure future.”
Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council, said: “We have reached a significant milestone today and can feel justifiably proud of the hard work undertaken to achieve this.
“This is not the end of the improvements. Children’s services have been, and remain, a corporate priority, but this is a very positive building block for the future.
