Councils in the capital are collaborating more than ever to avoid the rising costs of expensive agency staff for children’s social care, according to London Councils.
The group of 32 boroughs and the City of London says working together helps avoid ‘bidding wars’ and rising costs of agency staff.
They have agreed common pay rates and a policy of not using agency candidates who have left permanent posts elsewhere in the capital within a six-month limit.
However, the group warns that ‘unhelpful competition’ over children’s social worker recruitment remains with local authorities outside the capital and says closer collaboration between all councils is needed.
London children’s services departments report that collaboration means they have better control of costs, improving retention rates and higher standards.
They say it will also mean more stability and better outcomes for children and families.
The capital’s policy is part of a wider workforce programme led by the Association of London Directors of Children’s Services.
Ian Edwards, London Councils’ executive nember for children and young people, said: ‘When it comes to children’s social care workforce strategies, replacing competition with collaboration will bring big benefits to boroughs and our staff – but most importantly to the vulnerable children we work with.’
