Growth and development.pdf

GlasgowStaff6. StaffingManagers & central staff 491 0.8 1 458 0.8 2Frontline staff 2,164 3.5 4 2,639 4.3 3Other 1,353 2.2 1 1,178 1.9 1Total 4,008 6.6 2 4,275 7.0 2VacanciesWTE1999actualWTE1999per 1,000Vacancies2000 % Vacancies2000Quartile1999% Vacancies2000ScotlandWTE2000actualWTE2000per 1,000Vacancies2001 % Vacancies2001Quartile2000% Vacancies2001ScotlandSWs with adults 24 14.6 7.8 57 18.7 10.9SWs with children 6 6.5 7.4 40 13.0 10.7SWs with offenders 12 8.6 7.5 10 8.6 7.2Generic workers 24 5.5 8.0 13 16.5 12.7Total 65 8.0 7.7 120 14.9 10.5The Council has a relatively high rate of managers and central staff and a high rate of otherstaff. The rate of frontline staff increased from 1999 to 2000 but remains lower than in mostother authorities.Vacancy levels are high and have increased between 2000 and 2001. At end 2001, the Councilhad 15% vacancies among qualified social work staff in children and family services, comparedto a vacancy rate of 6% in community care and no vacancies in criminal justice. This situation,which should be seen within the context of a national shortage, is attributed to:• the particular and increasing demands on social workers working with vulnerable children;• the drift of experienced practitioners into short-term targeted initiatives where pay is higher;and• competition with other authorities.In response, the social work department is to develop the progression of unqualified staff tobecome qualified social workers - a target of ten each year. The strategy assumes that theexpanding social care workforce can be populated and trained from the wider workforce inGlasgow, with its above average unemployment.Absence rates are persistently high, particularly among social care staff in residential homes.The department provides staff with a range of tailored support to return to work following sickleave, including reduced working hours, a phased return and lighter duties. New managementarrangements and an investment in the homes are having a positive impact on sickness levels.141