Major Aberdeen Social Work Overhaul Backed

An overhaul of social work services in Aberdeen was rubber-stamped yesterday as councillors moved to address major failings highlighted by government inspectors.

There was unanimous backing for a radical restructuring of children’s services in the city, as well as official responses to last year’s two damning inspection reports, at the council’s continuous improvement committee.

The move follows Monday’s visit to the city by Children’s Minister Adam Ingram, who said he had been reassured significant progress was being made in reducing risks to youngsters in care in Aberdeen.

Last year’s HM Inspectorate of education (HMIe) report, and the findings of the Social Work Inspection Agency (Swia), raised serious concerns about the service.

Troubleshooter Philip Cotterill was recruited in the summer to overhaul the beleaguered department, and yesterday he presented his restructuring plans to councillors.

The proposals, many of which have already been implemented, will see the removal of the three neighbourhoods from the management structure of the children’s services, and provide a single entry point for referrals.

“What we are seeking to do today is to put before you our proposals which are very clear about where we want children’s services to go,” said Mr Cotterill.

The troubleshooter, who was praised by councillors for his work, said the changes would bring consistency to the service.

Instead of 10 points of access to the service there would now be one, he said.

And where youngsters on the child protection register were previously not guaranteed to be allocated an individual social worker, Mr Cotterill said he now wanted each one visited every week by an official.

Action plans to address the findings of Swia and HMIe were also approved at the meeting, in advance of a reinspection by both government agencies in April.

Council chief executive Sue Bruce produced the HMIe action plan.

She said: “This is a significant step forward for Aberdeen and I think it’s important we have the discussion here today and put the first foot forward in collectively delivering the recommendations in the action plan.”

Opposition councillors backed the plans.

Labour’s Neil Cooney said: “We wholeheartedly welcome this report.”

Committee convener John Stewart added: “This is a big area that we must keep an eye on because we must ensure things move forward.”