BASW unfit for purpose..........

Community Care have now picked up on the news of Tim Chittleburgh which confirms the sense of chaos in BASW . See article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/05/05/114421/BASW-39lost-credibility39-over-college-ballot.htm

The CC article only briefly mentions Chittleburgh to confirm Wilt’s insider report of him resigning. And, who can blame him given the other revelations here:

http://regulatorwatch.co.uk/2010/05/and-then/

Another BASW insider has picked up on a similar theme and written to Regulator Watch:

Hi Wilt,

Here's a question. How much did it cost BASW (in every sense of the word) to
hold a referendum asking members what they thought should happen with the
college, ignore the result, precipitate the Chair's resignation and after
all that, manage to do no more and no less than get back to where they
started from? I know this is a question that Com Care is keen to get
answers to...

It does seem very odd to Wilt that BASW would hold this referendum and then not so much Dawson claims) as ignore it but have a complete turnaround – it is also as pointed out a rather expensive fiasco and one could think of better things BASW might spend money on. It is embarrassing and Hilton Dawson needs to go lie down in a dark room somewhere and reflect, I think.

And like a number 72 bus the correspondents turn up in groups of three. In a further twist to the story Tim Chittleburgh ‘s competence is queried by another visitor to Regulator Watch. Remember, these are allegations Wilt cannot verify. The correspondent states:

Private Eye did see court papers that confirmed Chittleburgh as a sole director of a company had a court order against him. What they reported was accurate.



Further more Private Eye also saw documents confirming that TC stated under oath that  his company had no assets and could not therefore meet the court order against them but then was found to have assets - which were promptly seized by a further court order in respect of the court judgment against his company for breach of contract.



Private eye also saw documents that confirmed that Tim Chittleburgh was investigated in his role as a magistrate and the investigatory committee found that his conduct was sufficient to strike him off / suspend his role and refer his case to the Lord Chancellor.



As to people being arrested for blackmail, that is news and you should really get some evidence to confirm that. I advise this because  the judge who found against Chittleburgh (for his company) in the matter PE reported on concluded that TC had  'manufactured the case against (the claimant) to get out of their contract and avoid the  claim against them'.

Now Wilt aint going to referee on this matter or investigate, even if he had the resources to do so -  people are however free to post messages (anonymously if preferred) like everyone else.

Wilt has not seen the Private Eye article (someone might like to email it to him) but I do know from the experience of others that their journalistic qualities are sometimes utter crap, indeed disgraceful; in one incident they never attempted to check out details with those they accused and simply published, what turned out to be, utter fucking nonsense.

Remember, Chittleburgh is not reported to have been disciplined by BASW and he did the decent thing and first stood aside in the wake of the Private Eye report and then resigned quite some time later because of differences with Dawson.

Chittleburgh is not the first Chairman to resign over differences with a BASW CEO.

So Private Eye aint so clever – there is no excuse for that kind of practice in journalism. So readers, beware.

Wilt

And then..............

A private source from within BASW has reported to Wilt that Tim Chittleburgh resigned from BASW as Chairman with effect from 28^th April 2010. Mr Chittleburgh had hitherto stood down as Chairman following unsubstantiated allegations regarding his business affairs reported in Private Eye.

Private Eye is not entirely unknown to report total shit! It seems they have again – see later in this article.

The source said:

“Tim resigned today because BASW council had decided that telling the press he believed BASW should re-engage with the college development group was his view – this was apparently not acceptable.

“No matter that he had stood aside from being chair whilst Hilton[Dawson] managed to string out the disciplinary proceedings against Tim for a ridiculous time and had no knowledge of what BASW was thinking, (who does?).

“And is it is not it seems legitimate to make that point as an opener in what was his planned re-election campaign................

“No, just don’t he dare to depart from BASW’s stated policy was the message and the motion from Leslie (‘it’s not appropriate for TC to chair this meeting’) was no more and no less than a punishment for him saying publicly what many people are saying in private.

“Hold on though, didn’t Hilton and Fran also tell some very influential people only last week that BASW has no intention of going it alone too? Yes they did. And curiously, wasn’t this also exactly the same thing Chittleburgh said in public and been castigated for?

“So what about all those members who thought their views counted for something? Ah yes, but that’s the hypocrisy of BASW. It’s certainly a member led organization. After all, Hilton is a member. “

The source also commented that what Private Eye did not report was allegations made by Chittle............... and added:

“........... the CPS reviewed the case and it was they who decided that 2 people should be arrested on suspicion of blackmail and harassment”, against Chittleburgh – in short Private Eye fucked up again.

The suggestion of all this is that within the heart and at the head of BASW remains a great deal of disagreement and confusion and yet another disgruntled former Chairman.

Ray Jones– remember, he fell out with BASW too, and knowing Ray Jones as a very reasonable and intelligent man, that takes an awful lot.

BASW, Gawd help us. Who needs enemies when one has (so called) friends like them?

Dick heads!

We hope to be in receipt of further revelations soon.

Wilt

College..........

So it seems BASW members are sensible: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/28/114391/BASW-members-vote-in-favour-of-UK-college-of-social.htm

Now what will Hilton Dawson do? What a TWAT!

Wilt

tweedledumb and tweedledee ................

BASW are back in the news again: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/04/21/114332/tim-chittleburgh-seeks-re-election-as-basw-chair.htm

Its chairman is throwing his two pennies into the debacle over the social work college, whilst others in BASW are considering a vote of no confidence in the chairman over allegations relating to his business affairs. In turn he has made a police complaint of harassment – now that scenario reminds me of something! Oh yes, I remember, Mrs C was warned by the police, in writing, to desist from her repetitive complaints and bad mouthing certain people. She tries to keep that quiet.

Anyway, back to BASW – what a fucking mess and a disgrace. As for Tim Chittleburgh, who knows where that story is going.

What would Lewis Carroll make of it all? See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweedledum_and_Tweedledee

Wilt (from his desk in Malta)

Planet basw.............

In a Galaxy long away is a planet called BASW – it seems to contain folk who are hopeful, bright, dedicated and deserving of status. That excludes the ruling class who, some of whom are simple piss heads and live in an alternative world. Among them is an “acting” leader trying as best as she can to recover a utter disaster in the public image of social work. Regrettably, she faces such an uphill task that she has resorted to “off world” concepts that the survival of the universe relies upon BASW – we might all get consumed by Darth Vader unless BASW are given a voice.

Quite frankly, if there was ever a time for BASW to give in, it is now. Stop digging a hole even bigger than Dawson has already dug and just, well, stick your heads in a meat grinder – the likely outcome from your brain might just be as comprehensively stupid.

What is wrong with these people: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114178/basw-offers-to-work-alongside-college-development-group.htm

Gawd help us!

Wilt

Sunshine...........

Oh what a wonderful weekend in north Wales. Sun, sun, and even more sun - and lots of cool cider too. I use it as sun cream! Salty dog had a few pints too.

Gosh, it was just what the doctored ordered and now Wilt is so relaxed he can hardly get up – mind you that might be the cider too. Mrs Wilt was also in attendance together with Wilt’s brother and wife – they drink even more cider than Salty Dog and cost Wilt a fortune! No wonder even now I still have a hang-over. Gawd!

Anyway its back to the drudgery of work – however it helps add to the retirement savings. Not quite the retirement savings of some people in Oxfordshire and Shropshire, but enough for poor Wilt. Not that I am jealous or anything, unlike some might be from other parts, like Warwickshire.

Anyway, MPs expenses:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8592174.stm

And here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8587661.stm is excellent news. Plaskett (of Dunes) et al will have to go on a diet rather than claim the £400 a month no questions asked expenses on food. And the profit he has made on his second home will have to be repaid, and no longer the plasma TV replacement if it blows up. Nor indeed other furnishings or replacement bathrooms, or indeed first class travel on trains.

I am particularly pleased with the latter as I find MPs tend to lower the tone of first class travel. They are so, well, lacking any class, let alone dignity.

And the “Communications” allowance has gone – now that will be a good reason to dump Mrs C of Leamington Spa, apart from the fact that Dunes will be losing his seat anyway. I despair for Mrs C – what will she do? No one to listen to her moans – shock/horror. Actually, I do not give a shit, and neither does anyone else, which is the important fact she needs to understand.

My mate in Salop still has regular visits to his website, as late as last week, from the disgruntled and without compensation from the Spa. The woman is manic. Anyway he is off on another joint project with others in Oxfordshire and he does not give a shit. And then, he tells me, next week he has a shin dig goodbye party in a Midlands authority to celebrate his years of dedicated service before standing down from his independent chairman role – strangely enough Mrs C is not invited.

In further political news this chap: https://www.youfund.me.uk/antony-calvert/ is trying to raise some cash to oust Ed Balls – now that is a deserving cause. I am asking a certain friend in Salop to donate a few thousand quid, and Wilt has already donated a few pounds from his limited bank account.

Meanwhile poor old BASW are getting another kicking: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114176/basw-rep-withdraws-after-exclusion-from-college-group.htm which is, I have decided, is well deserved. What is this Dork Dawson up to?

Well, he explains it here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114176/basw-rep-withdraws-after-exclusion-from-college-group.htm and there are a range of views expressed by others.

And I had such high hopes for Dawson and BASW – I should have realised it would come to nothing.

I despair.

The only amusement at the moment is listening to the chuckles of certain folk from Salop and Oxon, and imagining the tears in Warks.

It was very strange today – we had a visit from Buckinghamshire County Council to Regulator Watch – it must be that Mr Campbell bloke who loves chatting to Mrs C. Very odd!

Wilt

Brum..............

It was difficult to avoid this headline today: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/8575046.stm with six social workers sacked in Birmingham, and it was all over the “today” programme on Radio 4 this morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/

The term “sacked” is of course rather emotive and the question of why managers were not sacked too remains uncertain – we suspect however that may be captured in the internal reorganisation in Birmingham as managers are lost, re-assigned or retired in a streamlined management structure.

The facts remain however that as a Council Birmingham is far too large, far too disparate (and desperate) in terms of its communities and too stressed to ever succeed in its service delivery. The answer has to be to dismantle and reconstruct the Council into anything up- to- four separate Council’s to make it more manageable. Will it happen?   Not under this Government!

There are, I heard on the radio today, 20% sickness rates among staff in social services and on top of that the Council relies very heavily upon agency staff. Agency staff are not exactly bad news nor indeed unusual in any authority (these days or indeed throughout my near 40 year career in social work) and that is something of a red herring. Many agency staff are excellent, and as we know many new social workers are taking this route before committing, as previously observed:  http://regulatorwatch.co.uk/2010/03/agency-work/

However, Birmingham is totally fucked up (anyone sensible will tell you it has been for decades) and some social workers are now paying the price – we suspect so will be some managers, but they will probably get paid off or retired. We know, from numerous correspondents that even the most able of social workers join Birmingham and are dragged DOWN by the culture of failure – there is little there to reinforce positive action or competence. It is simply, here are another 10 cases which are impossible to manage. “Just get on with it.”

The head of children’s services in Birmingham (Colin Tucker) of course hails from Sandwell MBC – and look at what a fucking mess he left there! Whereas the guy needs to be given some latitude we wonder is he really up to the job?

Mind you, is anyone up to the job?  Wilt has his doubts on both questions.

Are there any health visitors, education welfare officers, police officers et al being sacked or disciplined – if they are forgive me for missing those details. Yet they are equally if not in some instances more responsible for failings in child welfare.

Believe me, I am no lover of Birmingham Council social services, but social workers are again getting a good bashing in the news – that is not to say that the “Birmingham Six [social workers]” are without the need to be “sacked” or indeed may be innocent, in full or part. No doubt the Rottweiler’s at the GSCC are licking their lips at culling a few more registrants – they just love damaging social workers and the profession and enjoy a close relationship with the Sun readers of this island nation.

The Guardian (oh yeah – guardian of what exactly?) publish a report here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/mar/19/birmingham-council-sacks-social-workers

The Telegraph are not terribly interested http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7478004/Birmingham-council-sacks-six-social-workers-after-Khyra-Ishaq-case.html

The Times likewise uninterested: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7068220.ece

The Mail just aint up to it, yet: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1259085/Khyra-Ishaq-Birmingham-council-members-sacked-child-deaths.html

And

Community Care aint yet woken up (as at 11:26) to the news at all: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Home/

Mind you the latter rarely wake up before noon!

There will, again, be tears before bedtime and no doubt the GSCC will fuck up over this issue too.

Wilt

Swimming Lessons.............

Well, it seems BASW are really getting a bashing over the proposal to go for a separate Social Work College – now its academics. See article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114009/sector-leaders-shun-basw-college-plan.htm

Among them is Ray Jones who famously had q bit of a falling out with the previous CEO of BASW (not difficult) and knowing both men I can assure you Ray Jones is a very affable man. It is a real shame BASW are taking this approach and as indicated by the comments of the academics it is going to create division and confusion when what is needed is consensus and clarity.

Why, oh why oh why are these people doing this? And a better question is why do BASW think they have improved over their previous capacity of not being able to organise a piss up in a brewery? They are essentially entirely out of their depth.

Wilt

Old farts.............

This is not looking good for BASW – there could be tears before bedtime. It is very sad really as Hilton Dawson was doing so well and it seems some are beginning to question his leadership skills – personally I still hope he overcomes those attacks.

At least he and Wilt share a dislike and sincere lack of regard for Ferkin Balls.

There are two new articles from Community Care, here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113992/basw-stands-firm-over-decision-to-ballot-members-over-college.htm

And here:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113993/basw-council-member-resigns-over-breakaway-college-ballot.htm

Criticisms are coming in thick and fast and from all points of the compass – so it aint just Wilt.

A round the pub table survey of friends/colleagues (including some retired or near retired old farts) agree with Wilt – BASW are on a expensive (£7000.00) suicide mission. We predict members as well as Committee members will be very unhappy. My straw poll may have been distorted a little as it was my turn to buy a round of drinks – and my mates tend to say anything I want if it means getting a drink out of Wilt.

I tend to agree with Ken Terry as quoted:

Ken Terry told Community Care that BASW was spending "several thousands of pounds" on holding a "meaningless referendum", and accused the association of rushing the council's vote.

I was so hopeful for BASW – ah well!

Wilt

Who gives a shit..............

BASW are I am afraid, very afraid, again losing the plot. Wilt had great hopes for Hilton Dawson but has increasingly edged towards the conclusion that he has become infected with the BASW virus of “not living in the real world.”

Or is it that BASW (and Hilton) have complete delusions of grandeur?

It is a real shame, BASW were shaping up after the disastrous intervention of its previous total idiot (expenses laden and alcohol driven Scottish Dork – first order with ribbons) leader (sic) only to become increasingly it seems to me lost in its own false reality – as in anyone really understands them.

See the article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htm

It is a disgrace that BASW are the organisation (whose membership fee is no small amount) can be “sidelined” even by this even more disgraceful Government. And  they have the temerity to say they will set up their own college: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113975/childrens-minister-criticises-basw-college-pledge.htm

What is wrong with these people?

In the wake of the loss of Michael Foot, a man I loved and few could regard as anything other than a political icon, one is given to remember some of his foibles, not least his “manifesto” designated as the “longest suicide note in history.” It seems BASW are doing the same for social care as that manifesto did for the labour party.

Wilt sadly never ever met Foot although he did meet Tony Benn, a not dissimilar political icon, but he did get a feeling for both as conviction politicians as distinct from today the career politicians, although would add Blair and Thatcher, and indeed Churchill as political heroes.

Whereas some have merit, warts and all, where does former MP Hilton Dawson fit? A wannabe social care battle warrior fighting the wrong enemy, perhaps?  A lost soul in the crap of BASW?

Whatever, Wilt is putting off his membership application to BASW.

Wilt

Step back and think on..............

Gone it seems are the talks of BASW (British Association of Social Workers) becoming a trade union (as distinct from a professional body) and their role in the forming of the Social Work College (Royal or not) is fraught with tensions – or more to the point fraught with competition.  Added to this there are now further tensions between BASW and Unison (the primary local authority trade union.)

Personally, I had some hope for BASW http://www.basw.co.uk/) under the leadership of Hilton Dawson but I am beginning to wonder if even he can drag the organisation out of the utter mess his predecessors created. BASW could never become the organisation to run the Social Work College as they are simply too unsophisticated.

Although BASW claim a massive increase in membership (not yet Wilt) they represent still a small minority, and the term “represent” even has some uncertainty, especially if it comes to dealing with the GSCC et al. Somehow, I do not think this is Hilton’s fault, he probably has as many challenges within BASW as he does external – the BASW committees are a bit of a wet rag, believe me.

They need to bring Dr Ray Jones back on board, although even he (who is very competent) struggled with BASW – or at least its previous head that was an utter disaster.

And so BASW fight this corner, as in this article: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113926/basw-ditches-plan-for-joint-membership-scheme-with-unison.htm but fails to win agreement, but somehow one tends to think that perhaps it is not unrelated to this other tussle: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/02/26/113924/basw-and-unison-split-over-independent-practices.htm

On the latter matter, Wilt supports Dawson and agrees with the unstated but underlying belief that Unison are only out to serve themselves, a bit like Arthur Scargill did with the miners – you know, him with the odd hair style http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Scargill and otherwise a total fucking twat!

An independent social work workforce is the answer, but unfortunately BASW is not the vehicle to lead that progress, nor sadly are some of the voluntary agencies such as the NSPCC (total twats) – it needs a competent mixture of direct service delivery from the private and voluntary sectors with local authorities acting as commissioning agents. In time, that is what will happen, and bit by bit it is, even under the Brown/Balls leadership much to the chagrin of Unison Stalinists.

When it does come in to final fruition, and it is not if but when, it will certainly sort out the men from the boys and it will ensure that there is a proper agreement between Government and social care providers on what are the priorities – not like now that everything is a priority whether or not there is funding. And, those who are incompetent, and that includes you Mrs C, will find themselves in the wilderness.

So it is less that Hilton Dawson is failing, it is simply he is in the wrong place and has committed himself to a defunct organisation which needs a complete overhaul and shake up – indeed wake up!

I remain confident in Hilton, for now, but Gawd he has a job and more than a half to do. Step back Hilton and think on my man.

We will monitor his progress here on Regulator Watch.

Wilt

Crash test dummies.............

As if Sandwell is bad enough, Birmingham (or at least parts of it) is an accident waiting to happen. Community Care also pointed to this article in the Birmingham Post: http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2010/02/24/birmingham-mother-and-children-found-hanged-were-known-to-social-services-65233-25899633/

A friend of Wilt once did some interim management in Birmingham and said he felt utterly unsafe and deskilled simply because of the impossibility to manage the vast workload. He came across some excellent workers there and was amazed at their dedication and resilience under what were really impossible demands.

Managers are quite used to “fighting fires” (metaphorically speaking) and revising priorities of workload throughout the working day (or week if they are lucky), but tackling outbreaks of fire combined with a force 9 gale, earthquake and a volcano erupting has a tendency to drive one a bit scatty. Rather than go scatty he, only having been begged not to, decided he would take up an easier living of being a car crash test dummy!

Like the GSCC and their ilk, Birmingham City Council needs to be dismantled and very carefully put back together – in its present state (and size) it is simply unmanageable.

And the good people of Brum (not that I visit the city unless forced) deserve a more coherent and fit for purpose conglomerate of smaller fiefdoms.

Until such time there will be more stories of disaster and more crash test dummies!

Wilt