Training and retaining city's social workers praised

The annual report will be presented to cabinet on Wednesday

Turnover of social work staff in Wolverhampton continues to remain below the national average, according to a new report.

Nationally, social work is affected by high turnover and vacancy rates, but initiatives to recruit and retain staff were working, the report by the city's principal social worker, Jenny Rogers, highlighted.

The turnover rate in children's services is 8.7% compared to 13.8% nationally, with the rate in adult services 12.3% compared to 12.8% in England, the council said.

Councillor Paula Brookfield, cabinet member for adults, said the authority recognised the importance of supporting newly qualified social workers and ensuring they have what they need to "grow and thrive".

"Significant activity" had taken place over the past year to recruit and retain social workers, the council said.

The report also highlighted a collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton to develop research for social workers on the frontline and training and development opportunities, with 90% of social workers reporting high satisfaction rates in 2024-2025.

Earlier this year, 25 of the city's social workers as well as two teams were recognised by the British Association of Social Workers for the work they do, the authority said.

The annual report by Ms Rogers also set out a number of priorities for the year ahead.

"Social workers can sometimes get overlooked for the contributions they make, and so it's also vital that we also continue to raise the profile of social work and recognise the great work that they do for people and families in Wolverhampton," Brookfield added.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education, added: "We are very proud of all our social workers, and we want to thank every single one of them for the fantastic work they do.

"Great lengths are being taken to recruit and retain our social workers, which is a national challenge.

"However, the principal social worker's report shows that our turnover is well below the national average, and this is a testament to the approach that is being taken here in Wolverhampton."