Council tops national poll of social worker satisfaction

The Standards for Employers of Social Workers survey is carried out annually by the Local Government Association among registered social workers and sets the national benchmark for employer performance.

The Council’s Adult & Community Based Services and Children’s & Joint Commissioning Services ranked first and second respectively in the national table of overall standards as an employer, and both came first in the region.

Both services led the field nationally and regionally when social workers were questioned on aspects of their working environment which have the greatest impact on how they contribute at work, including their confidence and competence, and their desire to stay in their workplace.

For example, rated from 1-100 in terms of whether social workers can have useful conversations with their bosses about resolving their concerns at work, Hartlepool’s Children’s and Adult Services both polled in the 90s, compared with national and regional averages in the 80s.

Both also topped the rankings when social workers were quizzed about whether they are usually able to balance the demands of case work and the resources needed to fulfil their responsibilities.

Rated on how much social workers feel their employer understands the barriers and challenges that can get in the way of them doing their best work, Hartlepool’s two services rated in the high 80s/low 90s, compared with a national average of 74.

Asked about their reasons for being a social worker with Hartlepool Borough Council, social workers cited a wide range of factors including the support from managers and senior management, feeling safe and valued, the annual leave entitlement, the friendliness of colleagues and the caring, open and ‘can do’ culture.

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult & Community Based Services Committee, said: “Good social work can transform people’s lives and to achieve the best possible outcomes for people our social workers must have the best possible skills and the most supportive and encouraging working environment in which to flourish.

“We remain absolutely committed to achieving and maintaining that, and we’re incredibly proud to be ranked first in the country in the latest survey.”

Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, added: “We are determined to give children and young people in Hartlepool, and their families, the very best care.

“Our social workers are key to achieving that. We are proud of the work they do and proud of the support we give them to help them succeed and become the very best they can be. We are very pleased indeed by the survey results and will continue to strive to be the best that we can be as an employer.”

* For details of current social worker and other vacancies at Hartlepool Borough Council visit www.northeastjobs.org.uk