Surrey Council to trial PlayBook app for social workers

Surrey County Council is to roll out an application for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet to 20 social workers in a trial that aims to help them spend more time with members of the community.

The application, which has been developed by software company Northgate, gives social workers secure access to care records and allows them to complete assessments and update details while making home visits.

The two-month trial will start in July following the PlayBook’s official release in the UK on the 16 June.

Paul Brocklehurst, Surrey’s head of information technology and management, said: “We’re proud to be chosen for this trial – it will allow social workers to work more efficiently and securely.”

The trial comes after the council developed a BlackBerry smartphone app last year for a van and trailer permit plan aimed at stopping trade waste being dumped at community recycling centres.

The application allows staff at the council’s community recycling centres to check registered vehicles on a secure database.

At any one time, the county council provides care and support for more than 22,000 adults with social care needs.