Councillors approve latest annual report from North Lanarkshire’s chief social worker

Councillors at North Lanarkshire have greenlit the latest annual report from the chief social worker, Alison Gordon. The report was presented to the adult care and social work committee and received unanimous approval. It is scheduled to be reviewed by the education, children, and families committee in the near future.

The report delves into recent activities undertaken by the service, which employs approximately 2000 individuals and aids around 30,000 beneficiaries at any given moment. While the primary focus is on providing protection for the vulnerable population, the service collaborates with various partner organisations in the battle against poverty.

One key highlight in the report is the significant rise in demand for social work support, surpassing levels seen before the pandemic. The majority of care provided by social work happens within individuals’ homes, with an increasing emphasis on navigating transitional phases in people’s lives to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood, particularly for children.

Notable progress can be observed in the increasing numbers of young people receiving continued care and voluntary care through justice services. Despite facing staffing challenges, especially in areas like home support and mental health officers, the service has implemented several initiatives to address these issues, resulting in reduced vacancies.

Furthermore, the service has embraced digital technologies and incorporated individuals with care experience in shaping future policies. Looking ahead, the report anticipates challenges with expiring temporary funding sources but also sees opportunities to enhance areas such as early support provision.

In summary, North Lanarkshire’s chief social worker’s annual report sheds light on the essential work being done to support the vulnerable population in the region. It underscores the increasing demand for social work assistance, the focus on transitional support for individuals, and the ongoing efforts to overcome staffing challenges. The report sets the foundation for future improvements while acknowledging the obstacles that lie ahead.