Laura Sharman 03 March 2015

Social workers 'deeply disturbed' by findings of serious case review

Today’s serious case review into the grooming of young girls in Oxfordshire will have ‘far-reaching consequences’ for the way child sexual exploitation is handled, according to social workers.

The College of Social Work says the findings of the review are ‘deeply disturbing’ and should lead to changes in the way exploitation is dealt with by frontline staff and leaders.

Jo Cleary, chair of the College of Social Work, said: ‘It is clear that there was a culture of complacency in Oxfordshire which allowed grooming to go unidentified, and resulted in children’s voices being unheard for an unacceptably long time. The findings demonstrate – as did those in Rotherham – the way in which institutions can deny the stark reality of abuse and its consequences.

‘It is the absolute responsibility of senior politicians and managers to create organisational climates which enable professionals to do their jobs effectively, and escalate their concerns when services are not properly protecting children.’

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) also said the review some serious questions about the way the victims were treated, calling it a ‘sad’ day for social work profession.

‘The report highlights that significant concerns about children were not escalated, processes and whistleblowing was not evidenced within and across partnership organisations including health, children’s services and the police and we need to ask why,’ said Maris Stratulis, England manager at BASW.

‘Is it about the child not being visible, heard or valued? Or is it a lack of awareness, insight, fear, ineffective supervision, or not seeing the bigger picture?’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner