Chief inspector warns of worsening recruitment problems in Wales

The chief inspector of social services in Wales has warned that
there are increasing difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff
in the Principality, writes Alex
Dobson.
In his third annual report, Graham Williams says that the morale of
workers must be maintained, and warns that the workforce position
can only be improved through strong partnerships involving
employers, staff, trainers, local government and the National
Assembly.
“Seventy thousand people work in social care in Wales. They provide
care to over 100,000 people in need. Their number, quality,
commitment, skills and morale must be maintained in often difficult
circumstances,” Williams says in the report.

In recent years service demands and recruitment and retention
difficulties have all increased. The report also says that good
service and professional leadership is more vital than ever before,
and stresses that directors play a pivotal role.
The report shows that the overall level of qualifications in the
workforce, including all staff, has risen from 19.1 per cent to
23.6 per cent.