Wolverhampton social worker turnover lower than average – report

A report has found that staff turnover in the social sector in Wolverhampton is significantly lower than the national average.

According to Jenny Rogers, the city’s chief social worker, staff turnover in youth services in the city is 9.4%, compared to 15.9% nationally. Wolverhampton City Council attributes this to initiatives to recruit and retain staff.

Meanwhile, staff turnover in adult care is 10.6%, compared to 14.5% across England.

Ms Rogers says in the report that social work nationally faces “high staff turnover and vacancy rates, leaving social workers with too many people to work with at the same time”.

However, the city council indicated that many activities have been undertaken to recruit and retain social workers in the city.

This includes organizing recruitment fairs, sponsoring international students as recent social worker graduates, and taking measures to reduce stress levels and make workloads more manageable.

Other aspects highlighted in the report include the fact that “professionals know the children and families they work with well”, while “meaningful relationships with children, young people and families” are linked to lasting changes.

The report also states that “timely, comprehensive” and “good” assessments lead to targeted help and effective interventions. At the same time, people say they feel listened to and that their social worker does a lot to help them.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, responsible for adults and wellbeing, said: “The report shows that we remain committed to learning and development in social work.

“Our social workers appreciate this. This year, more social workers have let us know that they are very happy with the opportunities they are given.”

Ms Jaspal also said that 21 social workers in the city have been nationally recognised by the British Association of Social Workers this year.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the councillor for children, young people and education, added: “We are very proud of all our social workers and Councillor Jaspal. I would like to thank them all for the fantastic work they do.

“A lot of effort is being made to recruit and retain our social workers, which is a national challenge.

“However, the Chief Social Worker’s report shows that our staff turnover is well below the national average. This is testament to the approach taken here in Wolverhampton.”

The chief social worker’s annual report was approved by members of the council’s cabinet on Wednesday.