Oldham Council’s Social Worker Academy Enhances Recruitment and Family Support

An innovative academy established for the internal training of children’s social workers has resulted in a notable increase in hiring within a specific area. This initiative has also contributed to improved staff retention rates and a 50% reduction in reliance on costly agency personnel. Oldham council launched this academy two years prior to tackle a scarcity of social workers, which had been hindering the assistance available to families – a change from which parents are now experiencing advantages. This development coincides with a 33.7% increase in referrals for support last year compared to 2022. Leah and Brandon Sanderson, parents, received assistance from the council’s early intervention team upon discovering their young daughter required additional educational support. Leah commented: “Parenting is hard anyway, there’s no book for it. When you throw other things into the mix like additional needs, that’s when it really becomes complicated.” She added, “We’re not not worried any more. The children are doing great.” Her husband, Brandon, commended their social worker, Amanda, stating: “You don’t think somebody is going to have an impact like that on you, but they did.” The Local Government Association projects a national requirement for an additional 13,000 social workers over the next decade to satisfy the growing need for assistance. Since the introduction of Oldham council’s academy, job applications have risen by 62%, and candidate shortlistings have increased by 120%. Over recent months, 25 social workers have been appointed to permanent positions, reducing the dependence on agency staff to 26% from 49% during the corresponding period last year. Tracy Hynes recently joined the council’s early intervention team, having completed an apprenticeship program administered by the academy. She noted that the academy offers ongoing support for its employees, stating: “It’s not just about the work that we do with families but about ourselves as well, about looking after us and making sure that we’re getting what we need, whether that’s in our own wellbeing or whether that’s in the training and learning and development that we need as well.” Stephanie Dixon, the council’s principal social worker, is responsible for the academy’s oversight. She acknowledged that social work can be demanding yet fulfilling. She remarked: “It’s a difficult job. You do take on a lot hearing other people’s traumas and you’re supporting people day in, day out. “She continued, “But what comes with that is the reward of when you support someone and you see children develop, do well, be able to stay with families, then I don’t think there is anything more rewarding.” Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham council and chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, commented: “It is vital we invest in early help and support so that fewer children and families see their needs escalating and requiring support from children’s social care.” She added, “Without this investment, there will need to be thousands of additional children and family social workers hired over the next decade.” Shah indicated she was urging the government to collaborate with the council on a workforce strategy encompassing a recruitment campaign, training initiatives, and financial grants. A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority stated: “We recognise the important role that agency workers play and the current workforce conditions that have seen some local authorities increasingly reliant on them. “The spokesperson continued, “However, we need to strike the right balance between our permanent and agency staff if we are to provide the stable and high-quality support that our children and families deserve.” They concluded, “Through initiatives like the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) we can create pathways to help young people to enter the profession.” For the finest content from BBC Radio Manchester, tune in on Sounds, and connect with BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story suggestions can also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.