At the end of May, Maria Ward and Gillie Christou, two social workers directly involved in the care of Baby Peter Connelly, were suspended by the GSCC for two and four months respectively after being found guilty of misconduct. They had already served suspensions of sixteen months while the investigation was carried out, and this was taken into account when the panel determined the final sanctions.

The decision received a mixed reaction in the national media. There were accusations of leniency from some sections of the press, which was unsurprising considering the intense coverage of the case and the often hostile reaction to the social workers involved. Others in the media and the sector praised the decision as being measured and proportionate. The conduct panel was firm in its belief that the decision on sanctions should not be influenced by 'a perceived public demand for blame and punishment' and should reflect the fact that neither individual posed a risk of re-offending and that their behaviour was not ‘fundamentally incompatible with continuing to be a registered social worker'. Both registrants admitted the allegations, demonstrated contrition and insight, and co-operated fully with the investigation. The panel found no evidence of 'harmful deep-seated personality or attitudinal problems.'

There are significant lessons that can be learnt from this conduct hearing. The panel was clear that, in certain areas, both registrants failed in their duties, set out in the Code of Practice. There were instances of not recording information, not following the correct procedures and failing to properly analyse or act on potential risks. Compounding and contributing to these failings were wider problems which created an extremely challenging working environment. Staff shortages, excessive caseloads, a lack of managerial support and supervision, failures of other agencies, and problems with the case management system were all identified as significant by the conduct panel. Clearly, in tough conditions such as these, individual social workers are liable to find it more difficult to follow processes, keep on top of recording information and work effectively with other agencies. This can lead to errors of judgement, which can have serious consequences.

As a recent GSCC poll has shown, there is still great inconsistency in the level of support and supervision being offered to frontline staff. Where appropriate resources and procedures are not in place, social workers are actually bound by the Code of Practice to take it up with their employer and relevant authorities. The Social Work Reform Board is also calling on employers to carry out ‘health checks’ to try to tackle issues of caseloads, supervision and staffing. The GSCC, as a member of the board, will continue to press for this to be a top priority.

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The working environment, supervision, caseload management and working relationships with other agencies are critical in providing suitable working conditions conducive to the best outcome for the child. Unfortunately this is rarely in place, audits and inspections always appear to miss the effect this can have on the ability to do a good job, they are interested in tick boxes. Audits and inspections need to talk directly to the SW and ask questions about the working environment.

Barbara Lewis
10 Dec 2010

Lessons to be learnt indeed. We are in a profession of always learning and progression while faced with obstacles from all angles. Yes we need to be aware of the importance of recording and the need to be aware of codes of practice, but the changes to current practice seem to be activated by practitioners only. Employers/ Authorities are, and have for a long time been, aware of the pressures put on Social Workers through high caseloads and lack of resources. Let's say it again, shall we. And again, and again and again. But where is the progress with this. Again we are the forgotten profession. Given the current political climate and the focus on cutbacks within Local Authorities and frontline services things are certain to get worse.

Patrick Cahillane
16 Sep 2010

One lesson that seems to be overlooked all the time is: without strong emotional maturity, social workers will 'cut off' from painful 'tough' scenarios or 'challenging working environments' and retreat into 'survival rationality' that dangerously 'reframes' a critically awful situation into an acceptable 'manageable one' that fits into a 'normal' world view.rnIt's what most people do when they directly encounter evidence, attitudes and behaviours that fracture normal perceptions and expectations in an extreme way.There's no code of practice that can help social workers develop the courage to use their human vulnerability (as well as their training and institutional supports and structures) as a strength to recognise and wholly engage with and take responsibility for safeguarding a child. Without that fully rounded disposition, any formal mechanisms can easily become props or tools of denial and aviodance.

Hasan
08 Sep 2010

Good quality information - the importance of clear communication and following policy and procedures cannot be stressed enough

Maureen Duggan
08 Sep 2010