Shropshire’s motivated staff and managers praised in joint review

Shropshire social services department serves most people well
and has promising prospects, a report by the Audit Commission and
Social Services Inspectorate published this week reveals.

The joint review report praises the vision and leadership of
managers, and a well-motivated workforce willing to learn from
experience.

However, it states that despite some very good services for
children and young families there is insufficient access to
preventive and support services.

“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,” it concludes.

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

n Meanwhile, a Best Value Inspectorate report on Warwickshire
Council’s social services finance system published last week
praises the council for effectively monitoring its budgets,
avoiding overspends, and having a clear payment system for foster
carers and independent care providers.

The council was awarded a good two star rating. However,
concerns were raised over the need for finance staff and social
workers to collaborate more to ensure good customer care for
services users and providers.