Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 19, 2025

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.