Anna Climbie inquiry urged to consider social workers` workload

The British Association of Social Workers has urged the inquiry
into Anna Climbie’s death to consider wider issues such as
social workers’ workload.

BASW passed a motion at its annual meeting calling on Lord
Laming, the former chief inspector of social services who will
conduct the independent inquiry, to “consider the conduct of
frontline staff in the wider context of their experience and
workload and the quality of support and supervision they
receive”.

Ian Johnston, BASW director, told Community Care: “We
are very keen when Lord Laming looks at this case later this year,
to consider the wider context and not to scapegoat people.”

He added: “We do not think this case should result in government
ministers talking about root and branch reform of child protection
services.”

Climbie, whose real name was Adjo Victoria Climbie, died in
February last year at the hands of her carers Marie Kouao and Carl
Manning, who were both convicted of her murder earlier this
year.

* The meeting also passed a motion demanding the government
introduce financial incentives, re-entry training and flexible
working in a bid to tackle the current recruitment crisis.