Commenting on today’s Ofsted report which rated South Gloucestershire council’s services for children as “inadequate”, and highlighted poor performance among senior management and political leadership, UNISON South Glos branch secretary Andrew Went said:
“It’s time for a proper inquiry into how children’s services have been allowed to slide downhill, putting vulnerable people at risk. Questions need to be asked up to the very top levels about why improvements needed from previous inspections were not made.
“For two years, UNISON has been voicing staff concerns that the 0-25 service still had serious flaws; first with service management, and then with the chief exec. Staff welfare has been an ongoing issue; specifically stress levels, sickness absence, and retention rates.
“Senior managers and politicians must take responsibility for their decisions which have led to the “inadequate” rating. The report highlighted that management and political leaders have not understood or prioritised this crucial function so that even after two years of focus this service is still inadequate.
“This report could lead some to ask questions about the position of the director of children’s services.”
