NCB responds to recent coverage in the media regarding the Sharon Shoesmith case and an email from Sir Paul Ennals

Thursday 15 October 2009

Following recent reports in the media regarding the Sharon Shoesmith case and an email from Sir Paul Ennals, NCB would like to respond:

Sir Paul Ennals comments: "The email I sent to Sharon Shoesmith in November 2008 following the press conference at which the story first became public, was intended to provide support in response to what I felt was personal criticism of both her and the social workers involved. A few days later however, as details of the case unfolded, I then felt it appropriate to advise Ms Shoesmith to resign and publicly stated on several occasions thereafter that her position was untenable.

Since then, I have continued to be involved in ensuring that the best possible levels of service are provided by social care professionals to vulnerable children. The role of a social worker can be both challenging and rewarding and I remain committed to supporting and protecting the social work profession and individual social workers, who are dedicated to providing essential services to children, young people and families around the country."