BASW Cymru speaks out on 'unsafe practice' claims
BASW Cymru manager Robin Moulster has spoken to ITV News following claims of ‘unsafe’ working practices from anonymous Welsh social workers.
Citing a high rate of vacancies and high use of agency social workers, a whistle blower who spoke to ITV claims that high caseloads, long hours, and poor retention of experienced workers has led to many colleagues being on anti-depressants.
When asked by ITV News if a similar case to the death of Peter Connolly could happen in Wales, Mr Moulster said: “Yes it could because of the pressures on social workers, although that can vary from local authority to local authority depending on the demands there".
Mr Moulster cited the media portrayal of social workers as a potential barrier to recruitment: “It is a very tough job and sometimes people go into it without knowing the complexities and difficulties so it needs to be promoted more positively”.
“Agency staff can be a benefit and a deficit. Certainly agency staff are very helpful when you have short term gaps, for example if there is a need for maternity cover or short term sickness needs. What we wouldn’t want to see is agency staff being used long term because social work is about relationships with people and you can’t do that if people are coming and going. It’s about trust and consistency”, he said.