Shropshire joint reviews report

Shropshire Council social services serves most people well and
has promising prospects for improvement, but needs to work on its
children and families services, according to a joint review
report.

The report by the Audit Commission and the Social Services
Inspectorate says: “Top managers have clear vision and demonstrate
leadership to a well-motivated workforce, they show a capacity to
learn from experience in order to improve. Aspirations for further
achievement and change are high.”

While it says there are some very good services for children and
young families, there is insufficient access to preventive and
support services. It says: “The choice of family and residential
placements is limited and some of the growing number of looked
after children are experiencing a lot of moves. Recognition of some
of these difficulties, alongside the inconsistent access services
for children with disabilities, has been the focus of a Best Value
review.”

The report also highlighted “a pressing need” for Shropshire to
plan for the future workforce, and recruit and keep staff in key
areas.

Sue Mead, assistant director of joint reviews, said: “Shropshire
social services is doing well. It has some really good services to
support the people who need it. It is well managed and keen to get
even better.”