Top managers need to be ‘more open’

Directors of social services and council chief executives must work
towards creating a “culture of openness and effective
communication” at all levels, according to a report released this
week.

It recommends they should have monthly meetings and that chief
executives should have clearer powers in the recruitment and
management of officers.

The report, by the Association of Directors of Social Services and
the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, follows the
publication of Lord Laming’s report into the death of Victoria
Climbi’ in January.

Laming’s 400-plus page report was highly critical of top managers’
ignorance of what was happening in front-line services, and
stressed the need for greater accountability in the running of
services.

ADSS president David Behan said: “Corporate responsibility exists
for the protection of children. This document will help us be
absolutely clear what the individual roles of chief officers are
within that overarching corporate responsibility.”