Sandwell again..................

As hinted at in an earlier post, Sandwell are yet again in the news. This Borough Council is in major meltdown and has been reportedly been in that state, according to reliable sources, probably for at least 15 years. It is a nightmare of a place to work second only to certain parts of Birmingham, which it borders.

Community Care reported today, see here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/24/113890/sandwell-suspends-10-from-childrens-safeguarding.htm that the Council have suspended 10 social workers following an unannounced Ofsted inspection. Yes 10 social workers suspended.

It has to be said if it is that bad, why are there not a few managers suspended too? Or even the chief executive, for that matter?

Now normally I would say “what do Ofsted know about inspections and even more so safeguarding.” However, via professional and personal connections I know, Sandwell is just simply dangerous and even the Dorks at Ofsted could not but notice it.

They with the likes of Haringey are not the place to work, and it is not a new problem - far from it. A friend of Wilt used to do independent complaint investigations in the borough and his hair tuned grey virtually overnight.

Sadly however since baby Peter and Climbe even the best of local authorities (and there are some who are largely very competent) are suffering the effects of increased demand with a dwindling resource base and incredible low morale. It was bad enough when I was a fledging social worker (over 30 years ago), but now it is downright bloody awful – I admire those fresh young social workers full of energy (which I now lack) but wonder where their future and that of the profession will be.

Things will get worse, a lot worse, before they get better – I fear for our children in the mean time. And “Standing Up for Social Work” or a revitalised and a more focused/better lead BASW will not have an impact. That leaves the Social Work College (Royal or otherwise) with a hell of a task on its hands.

Oh and of course we have the GSCC – Mmmmmmmmmmm!

What a mess – I am pleased I can retire in a few years but saddened that a personal lifelong professional commitment will be exited on such a low note.

Thank you Mr Balls – you firkin twat! Smarmy bastard.

Wilt