The Big Listen report has launched, shedding light on the experience of the children's social care workforce in London and the South East. The report, a culmination of extensive research involving over 1,000 social worker, aims to inform strategies and drive innovation in addressing workforce issues.
Conducted in collaboration with 52 local authorities, the research project delved into the experiences and perspectives of frontline social workers and managers. The findings provide an evidence-based understanding of the difficulties local authorities encounter in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals.
One significant revelation of the report is the differential experiences of Black and Global Majority (BGM) social workers compared to their white counterparts. Instances of racism and discrimination were highlighted as exacerbating the challenges faced by BGM workers, leading to a higher risk of them choosing agency work over local authority employment.
Workload and working conditions emerged as key concerns, with almost 40% of the children's social care workforce finding their workload unmanageable. Additionally, pay, progression, and the rising cost of living were identified as pressing issues affecting job satisfaction and career decisions.
The report also underscores the heavy reliance on agency staff, constituting approximately a quarter of the workforce. Factors such as better remuneration, flexibility, and unfortunately, workplace racism contribute to the appeal of agency work for some social workers.
By offering an evidence base for understanding the workforce challenges, the Big Listen report provides a roadmap for local authorities, regional bodies, and national stakeholders to address recruitment and retention issues. It emphasises the need for supportive working environments, quality supervision, and continuous professional development opportunities.
Access the report via the London Innovation and Improvement Alliance (LIIA) website. You can also explore what we're already doing across London to address these workforce challenges.