Glowing report wins praise for West Dunbartonshire Council’s social work
SOCIAL work services in West Dunbartonshire were given a glowing report card from auditors. Inspectors rated the local authority’s performance as ‘good’ in nine out of 10 evaluated areas and the other was scored as ‘adequate’.
The clear message from the Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA), who published their report last week, was that: “West Dunbartonshire Council’s social work services are valued by the people who use them.”
Staff were praised by all councillors at last week’s full council meeting and Bill Clark, executive director for social work, said: “West Dunbartonshire Council has impressed the inspectors with a range of services that deliver a better life for the people who use them.
“We welcome the recommendations by the inspectors and recognise where improvements can and should be made. “
Social work convener, Councillor Jonathan McColl, said: “This report is in no small way due to the dedication of social work staff who deliver our services on a daily basis.
“We must keep looking to the future and we will focus on responding to the recommendations made in the report. I particularly want to see the council continue to increase its support for carers and the invaluable role that they play in the delivery of individual care packages.”
Inspectors highlighted strengths in the outcomes for looked-after children and adults with learning disabilities, the high levels of community involvement in social work activities and the service’s strong multi-disciplinary working.
Other findings of the inspection, carried out between June and November 2008, included strong commitment from staff and positive outcomes being delivered for many people.
Alexis Jay, the chief inspector of SWIA, said: “The inspection team was impressed with the range of initiatives being delivered by the council and partner agencies, and the associated positive outcomes.
“The council now needs to address a number of its processes to help improve the quality of outcomes for services users, and we will work with the management to agree an action plan in response to this inspection report.”
Copies of the West Dunbartonshire Council Performance Inspection report are available from the council’s website: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk
