Self-confirmation of assessments by experienced practitioners

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What we did

Essex County Council has changed its authorisation process for assessments, giving practitioners more responsibility. Before the changes were introduced all assessments required approval and sign off by a supervising social worker or manager which caused delays. Under the new arrangements the majority of assessments are now subject to self-confirmation by the practitioner. Key elements of the model are:

  • Introduction of a training passport for practitioners, linking certain types of case intervention and assessment with identified training provision.
  • A series of 'rules' describing the 'exceptions' for when an assessment should be passed on for review and approval.
  • A central 'confirmation' team that quality assures assessments. Around 5% of assessments are moderated to check that practitioners are continuing to maintain standard and correct application of the 'exception' rules.
  • The central team also authorises the assessments that are passed on under the 'exception' rules.

Why we did it

The changes were introduced to significantly reduce the management time taken up by having to review and sign off all assessments and as a result the ability to progress to support planning and delivery of support.

Outcome

The revised process means that 70% of assessments are now completed by competent and experienced practitioners and management time spent on approvals has reduced by more than two thirds. The elapsed time in delivery of a completed assessment has reduced, in many instances by up to two days. Other benefits have been releasing experienced senior and supervisory social workers to concentrate on more complex cases, releasing team management staff back to undertake developmental activities, and providing detailed feedback on areas for practice development from the central 'confirmation' team.

Contact details

Shaun Lancaster, Senior Project Manager, Tel: 07584 262932, shaun.lancaster@essex.gov.uk