Decision details

That the continued use of the strategy for recruitment and retention of children’s social work staff for 2012/13 and 2013/14 be endorsed.

On 3^rd February 2010, the Council’s Executive agreed a recruitment and retention strategy and funding arrangement to improve the recruitment and retention of qualified Social Workers within two front line teams of Children's Social Care Services – Referral & Assessment and Safeguarding & Care Planning.  This included an enhanced remuneration package, a ‘grow our own’ social worker scheme and the use of overseas recruitment.

The introduction of the recruitment and retention strategy has made a significant difference to Bromley’s ability to recruit qualified staff. By 1^st April 2010, the underlying vacancy rate for the front line teams (excluding the use of locum staff) was 40%.  By 31 December 2011 the vacancy rate stood at 8%, with a further reduction expected.