NCB calls on Government to support front-line child protection staff

Wednesday 11 March 2009

When responding to Lord Laming's report on child protection, due to be published tomorrow, Thursday 12th March, the Government should act to strengthen support for front-line staff in all professions who are working to protect children from harm, said NCB's Chief Executive Paul Ennals today.

Paul commented: 'The system for child protection in this country is not broken, but it is in need of some tender care and support. The Government should announce actions in two main areas.

First, they should strengthen the morale of front-line staff, by committing to improving their training and development. We need improvements in the quality of initial social work training, with ongoing training throughout their careers. Training in child protection should be strengthened for all staff working with children - in health, social care, education and police services. And excellent practice should be celebrated, through national awards schemes.

Second, the Government should improve the direct support and advice to child protection staff across children's services. Staff carrying out these challenging roles deserve good quality supervision and advice - people who can challenge their approach within a safe environment. Staff need support in completing the necessary record-keeping and support in streamlining those systems.'

Paul added: 'Social work as a profession has been unfairly hounded over recent months, and the morale of thousands of excellent public servants has been affected. Now we all need to recognise the debt we owe to social workers and others for keeping most children in this country safe. The time has come to repay that debt.'

-Ends-

For further information or to request an interview with Paul Ennals, CEO at NCB, please contact Sarah Thorne, Head of Communications, Marketing & PR at NCB on 07882 385 446 or the NCB Media Office Mobile on 07721 097033 or e-mail: media@ncb.org.uk

Notes to Editors
• NCB's mission is to advance the well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives. As a membership and infrastructure support agency for the children's sector in England and Northern Ireland, NCB provides essential information on policy, research and best practice for our members and the members of our wide range of partnership bodies, which operate under our charitable status and are based in our London headquarters. For further information visit http://www.ncb.org.uk/