Would you work for an ‘inadequate’ service?

Most social workers would consider working for an inadequate-rated service though for some it would depend on the role, a Community Care poll has found.

Of 590 respondents to a recent Community Care poll, 39% said they would take up a role in an ‘inadequate’ service to be part of improving provision for people.

A further 37% would no rule it out, but said it would depend on the role, while about a quarter (24%) rejected the idea, fearing there would be too much pressure.

Despite the generally positive outlook, practitioners’ interest has waned over the years. 

‘It’s rewarding when you’re part of this journey’

In an episode of the Social Work Community podcast, practitioners working for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s children’s services, rated inadequate by Ofsted in early 2022, called being part of its journey a “rewarding experience”.

“I think it’s always rewarding when you’re part of this journey, when you go from inadequate and you can see the changes that are put in place,” said Monique. “It feels really, really positive.”

For Ruairi, who lives in the area covered by BCP, it was about creating a service that could better support his community. 

“Servicing the area and the families where I’m living is sort of a value of mine I suppose.”

Jamie, who landed his first job in social work with the council, said it was “exciting to build something from within and be part of change”.

“I think one of the things that is really important in a process like that is that you can’t be insular,” he advised.

“If we’re finding ourselves in that difficult situation where we’re deemed inadequate, then we have to open our ears and our minds to [what] we can do.”

Would you take a role in an ‘inadequate ‘service?