Issue - meetings

To provide information on the process and operation of the new audit framework which has been developed and in operation since October 2009.

In  order to ensure that improvements in the quality of social work practice continued a new comprehensive quality audit had been implemented. The first set of audits focusing on quality of practice were completed in October 2009 and had been carried out monthly thereafter. A random sample of cases had been selected across 10 sections of Children and families. More specific themed audits would also be carried out periodically where a need had been identified. Heads of Service were responsible for follow up actions on any audits that were rated as inadequate and a sample of these were re-audited on a quarterly basis and notified to the Assistant and Deputy Directors.

A summary of the number of cases audited, overall ratings and section ratings was noted. Members also noted the results from a themed audit undertaken in January 2010 based on the standard quality of practice audit tool, which examined how the new format of child protection core assessment was working.

Some concern was expressed over the drop in the number of cases perceived as good in February 2010. It was noted that this could be due to the fact that these audits had been carried out by independent review auditors who had been out of the operational area for some time. Also it was noted that officers considered some of the evaluations to be harsh.

The Committee welcomed the fact that a considerable amount of effort had gone into improving risk assessment.

There was a need to get the balance right between managing and monitoring cases and getting the work done. Consequently in the future the number of cases audited might reduce or alternatively audits might be carried out every other month.

Members noted that OFSTED welcomed the audit tool and that it was now being used by the health service and shortly would be used by the police. This would greatly assist with multi agency working. It was felt that Adult services would also be able to adopt it as a model to use.

Resolved:

1.        That a further report be presented to the next meeting in respect of the January themed audit on child protection.

2.        That the audit tool be passed to Adult Services for their use.

3.        That a further report be presented in six months time on progress and on cases followed by this Committee.

4.        That the Independent Social Worker analysis some of the cases deemed to be inadequate.