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The government should extend the length of the new social work degree from three years to four, according to the Association of Directors of Social Services, writes Sally Gillen.

In its submission to phase two of the Victoria Climbie inquiry the association argues that the complexity of the task of assessing and meeting children’s needs is not reflected in the core training of social care staff..

ADSS president Mike Leadbetter said the level of complexity in social work was highlighted by the mistakes made in Victoria’s case, and he argued it was reasonable to ask whether a three-year degree course was long enough.

The ADSS evidence also calls for students to be tested on how to ensure a good minimum level of literacy, numeracy and the ability to analyse, summarise and keep succinct records, all areas found wanting during evidence to the Climbie inquiry.

The association argues that the schemes for measuring workload in social services departments are unsophisticated, and there is no understanding of what it is feasible for a social worker to achieve. The assessment framework was introduced without taking into account how long it would take to complete, the association says.

A pilot study should be undertaken to determine the time and human resources needed to complete an assessment to the required standard.