As for the workforce; I have witnessed widespread redundancy over the last year or so. The most alarming aspect of this to me personally is the attempts by local authorities to downgrade the jobs of skilled and experienced social workers. Practitioners who are AMHPs [Advanced Mental Health Practitioners], BIAs [Best Interest Assessors] and hold specialist Higher Postgraduate Diplomas are being threatened with losing pay and being dropped down salary bands to a position where their qualifications are not formally recognised.
Social workers who make a huge contribution to the profession are facing a loss of pay and status – the only way they can maintain it is by applying to be middle managers and therefore moving away from the frontline. Newly-qualified specialists are being advised to do this as a matter of course.
Many senior managers received promotions during the restructuring process and received remuneration alongside an increase in status. Those dealing with the day-to-day risk on the frontline on the other hand, do more for less and work in a culture of continuing uncertainty.”
