Purpose

2024–2025 has been a
transformational and energising period for Croydon’s Adult
and Children’s Social Care services. Both services are rated
as ‘Good’ by their respective national inspectorates,
the Care Quality Commission (adults) and Ofsted
(children’s).
 
The annual Principal Social
Worker (PSW) reports (appendix A for adults, appendix B for
children’s) are an opportunity to review, reflect and
celebrate the achievements of what the roles have delivered.
In particular, how their achievements
have supported the inspection outcomes, which at their core reflect
the quality of practice delivered for our residents.
 
These reports are focused on
the professional practice of Croydon’s social care workforce
rather than direct impact on residents. However, by its nature, if
social care practice can be demonstrated to be of a high quality,
the positive impact on working with and taking decisions with our
residents will be the outcome.
 
Key areas of strength
include:
 

-      
The successful delivery ranging from the Assessed
and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, to the expansion
of Practice Educators and Social Work Apprenticeships; meaning
Croydon has cultivated a resilient, skilled, and future-ready
workforce.

-      
The introduction of Practice Leads, robust
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) policies, and innovative
learning spaces such as the adults Practice Library and systemic
practice workshops that have elevated the quality and consistency
of social work practice.

-      
The Families First initiative and Social Work
Reforms offer a unique opportunity to redesign services and embed
trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based practice
across the system.

-      
A vibrant culture of recognition has been fostered
through events like Social Work Day, the
PSW newsletter, and the Recognition and Excellence Awards,
reinforcing a positive and proud professional identity.
 
Key areas for continuing
oversight include:
 

-      
The ongoing challenge of delivering high-quality
services at lower cost, requiring continued innovation in practice
and commissioning.

-      
The need to balance transformation with fiscal
responsibility will require careful navigation and strong
leadership.

-      
The need for sustained recruitment and retention
strategies remains a priority, particularly in the context of
national workforce pressures.

-      
External policy shifts and inspection frameworks may
introduce new demands, requiring agility and sustained investment
in quality assurance and workforce resilience.
 
It is, however, also critical
to note that children’s and adults’ social care duties
are not solely the responsibility of the dedicated care teams. They
are a collective duty shared across all council services. From
legal and housing to education, finance, and community safety.
Every service plays a vital role in safeguarding and promoting
wellbeing.
 
Effective social care relies on
integrated working, where services collaborate to address complex
needs, uphold statutory responsibilities, and deliver
person-centered outcomes. Embedding
this shared accountability ensures that vulnerable individuals
receive holistic support, and that the Council as a whole meets its obligations to protect and
empower its residents.
 
This collective duty will be
achieved through substantial programmes of change, including our
financial model, market management and social care practice; as
well as delivering statutory duties. They are underpinned by the
Executive Mayor’s Business Plan, the Future Croydon
Transformation Plan, and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy,
It means that over the next few years,
the Directorates will:
 

-      
Maintain statutory services and safeguard
Croydon’s most vulnerable residents.

-      
Deliver a good service at a lower cost.

-      
Ensure that social work practice continues to align
with the key aims of both Helping Families Thrive and the Adults
Living Independently transformation programmes.
 
The aim is to put adult and
children’s social care in Croydon on a sustainable footing
whilst ensuring that people who need services receive
them.

Content

For the reasons set out in the
report, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet AGREED:
 
2.1.1. To note the annual
report of the Principal Social Worker for Adult Social
Care.
 
2.1.2. To note the annual
report of the Principal Social Worker for Children’s Social
Care.