Inspectors accused of lacking skills

Inspectors used by the government to judge the corporate
performance of local authorities have been criticised by the
Association of Directors of Social Services.

Results of pilot assessments have revealed that some inspection
teams have difficulties understanding complex processes, systems
and relations.

“There is concern that some of the people undertaking analyses of
local authorities and making judgements do not have the requisite
experience, skills or knowledge to carry out such a complex task,”
the ADSS has told the government.

The comments were made in a response to a consultation by the
deputy prime minister on the measures to be imposed on local
authorities found to be “failing” in the first comprehensive
performance assessments later this year.

The ADSS said that the intervention into failing authorities should
be kept to a minimum and that provisional exit plans should be
included within action plans.