Decision details

The purpose of the report is to demonstrate the necessary changes that are required to maintain and improve service delivery , for Children who are 'Looked After' and Care Leavers.
In September 2019 a report was submitted to leadership in relation to a potential redesign of the After Care and Permanence team within Children’s Services and an associated request for investment to be provided to meet the growing demands on Children’s Services.
Following further discussions including involvement of the Trade Unions, a further submission was made in January 2020, to propose the new structure.
The Service has been reviewed and it is apparent, that the service, in order to be successful and meet the demands placed upon it, requires these changes.
Following discussion with union officials and HR, consultation with staff and the trade unions was undertaken from the 23rd March 2020 to the 9th May 2020.

Following a review of Children’s Services supported by a structural investment plan, a decision was taken to re-structure the teams. This includes :
1.After Care providing a service for post 18 years olds and having a
structure of 1 Team Manager, 2 Snr Practitioners and 9 PAs
2.Permanence/Through Care having 3 Team with 3 Team managers, 3
snr practitioners and 24 Social Workers

Option 1 - No Changes and the services remain as they are
Option 2 - There is a gradual change to 16-25 year olds
Option 3- To adjust the After Care team staffing structure and provide a bespoke 18 -25 year old service
The alternative option (1 ) is to not create any change or recruit to these vacancies, which would reduce the effectiveness of the future service provision and have a potential adverse effect on support to all children related activities
Option 2 would continue to challenge service delivery with the competing challenges this would face, from the varying age range of the service

The alternative option (1 ) is to not create any change or recruit to these vacancies, which would reduce the effectiveness of the future service provision and have a potential adverse effect on support to all children related activities. This was rejected, as was not in the best interest of our children and families.
Option 2 would continue to challenge service delivery with the competing challenges this would face, from the varying age range's that would be supported by the service. This was also rejected as was not in the best interest of our children and families.

Initial consultation was undertaken following a joint meeting in November 2019, with the Unions and staff, whilst a further formal consultation has taken place for 45 days from 23rd March 2020 to the 9th May 2020.
There has been an offer of one to one consultation, alongside any recorded feedback.
At the end of the consultation period the comments received were positive and concerns about changes in roles and teams, have been reassured.
All Social Workers affected by the change have been offered options of which of the three teams they prefer.