Try out for independent social workers

One of only seven adult independent social worker pilot schemes in the UK, has been started by Birmingham City Council.  

Following similar successful trials in children’s services, the Department of Health has rolled out the programme to include adult social services. 

Under the scheme, social workers will form practices that are independent of local authorities and contracted to provide services to specific client groups. 

The plan is to allow social workers to:

• spend more time with individuals in their care and reduce bureaucracy
• make decisions more responsive to their clients' needs
• feel empowered with more control over the day today management of the practice
• make use of the increased financial flexibility and think more creatively about the way resources are used
• enjoy their jobs more – staff satisfaction levels for the children’s pilot have been high.

Birmingham City Council will be working with BID services, a local voluntary organisation, and two user led groups. It will test a new model of services for disabled adults through wider use of community services.

Contact: Sheila Rochester, Service Director, Assessment & Support, Telephone: 0121 303 4917.

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