Munro report: Government to appoint chief social worker

Government announces a reduction in central regulation and a commitment to greater trust in professionals in response to report

The government has committed to slash red tape and place a “greater trust and responsibility” in skilled professionals and local leaders in its formal response to the Munro review of child protection.

Writing to all schools, directors of children’s services and early years providers, children’s minister Tim Loughton said: “We’re not just tinkering at the edges and fixing short term problems. We are freeing hard working social workers and other professionals from structures, procedures and rulebooks so they can do their best for vulnerable children and their families.

“This is a new mindset and a new relationship between central government and local services. I am determined that we build on the excellent work of Professor Munro and I trust the workforce to deliver the reforms without working to prescription,” he added.

In response to Professor Munro’s report the Department for Education said the government will, among other reforms, reduce central regulation, remove timescales for assessments and appoint a chief social worker to provide a presence for social work within government by 2012.

Local authorities will also be expected to implement changes, including providing families with an ‘early help offer’, reassessing children’s and family social services based on feedback from service users, and appointing a practising senior social worker. There will also be inspections for all local services to ensure they are protecting children.

The changes were welcomed by Matt Dunkley, director of children’s services at East Sussex county council. “There will be significant challenges in the transition to the locally determined and professionally-led approach to child protection it promises, but with the same collaboration, trust and transparency, I believe we have a good chance of making it a reality,” he said.