QUALITY OF PRACTICE AUDITS - CHILDREN IN CARE
To receive a powerpoint presentation on the quality of practice audits.
Minutes:
The Deputy Director gave a presentation on the new comprehensive quality audit which had been implemented in order to ensure that improvements in the quality of social work practice continued. 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 was 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. It was noted that there were occasions when the service did not agree with an auditors inadequate findings.
A summary of the number of cases audited, overall ratings and section ratings was noted. Although it would appear that there was a drop in standards in February 2010 it was noted that the number of cases audited was considerably less.
The programme for the coming year there was to be a mixture of continuing with auditing random cases and themed audits. For April a themed audit would be carried out involving households living with domestic violence.
Members noted that OFSTED welcomed the audit tool and that it was seen as an example of good working practice.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee be kept informed of any themed audits involving children in care.