Surrey social care staff move programme complete

Surrey County Council has finished installing social care staff in the offices of all 11 of the borough and district councils, it has been announced.

The office-sharing programme, which was launched in 2011, has seen more than 800 social workers and other staff caring for older people make the move.

The county council said that this means workers link up more effectively with teams in local councils providing such services as dial-a-ride transport, home improvements for disabled people or meals on wheels.

It added that they are also closer to the people they care for.

Michael Gosling is Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health.

“This is about the public sector pulling together to make Surrey stronger,” he said.

“By integrating our services, we ensure public buildings are used cost effectively and, most importantly, vulnerable people get better support.”