Inspectors report improvement in Bridgend’s social services department

SOCIAL services in Bridgend are no longer the subject of serious concern. The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales has lifted the protocol from the council after it found that there have been “substantial” improvements in its children’s work.

The department had been monitored quarterly by CSSIW inspectors since 2007 amid serious concerns about children’s services.

But the decision to remove the protocol comes after a recent review of children’s services found that staff and managers have made further improvements. They have also put more robust systems in place for consistent assessment of risk and effective decision-making.

Chief inspector Rob Pickford said: “The authority now responds much more promptly and effectively to initial concerns about children and is much more reliable in planning for their welfare and reviewing progress.”

Gwenda Thomas, deputy minister for social services, said: “The authority and its officers have achieved a significant turnaround. While the improvement journey is not complete, there is strong leadership and a much improved culture and services for vulnerable children have greatly improved.”