Report Finds Social Work Failings

A string of failings in social work services in Dumfries and Galloway has been blamed on a lack of leadership by the department’s senior management. Systemic issues which have undermined services and left staff demoralised are outlined in a critical report by the new Social Work Inspection Agency.

The SWIA has produced a list of 24 recommendations for improvement. The council has already announced plans for major changes in the management structure of the department. The SWIA identified serious shortcomings in social services across the region.

The department’s performance rating ranged from “weak” to “adequate” across nine categories, while leadership was classed as “unsatisfactory”.

Inspectors said the department suffered from a lack of vision and its complex structure had led to confusion about accountability.

Front-line staff and middle management were credited with performing well and striving to deliver quality services. However, their efforts were hampered by a lack of direction from the top and staff morale was described as low.

Serious communication failures were also highlighted in the report. The SWIA described the range and quality of local social work provision as uneven, with geographical inequalities.

The social work inspectors called for the council to review and simplify the overall management structure. Last month the council announced plans to shake up the service.

Fraser Sanderson, the director responsible for social work, said at the time it was clear the authority needed to look at its management of the department.

He said work was under way to address the need to attract and retain social workers and develop relevant training programmes.

He added that they needed to develop appropriate structures for staff, improve management information and support planning and commissioning of services.