Plans to move Falkirk social work services out of council control ongoing

Work is ongoing to decide whether Falkirk Council should continue to run children's and justice social work services or integrate them into the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership.

Chief executive Kenneth Lawrie told members of Falkirk Council yesterday (Wednesday) that consultation is ongoing with service users, staff and trade unions about the proposal.

Mr Lawrie stressed that no decision has yet been made and the report to councillors "set out the benefits of the proposal along with some of the challenges".

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In December 2023, councillors agreed to separate the management of Children's Social Work Services from education.

That meant that when the Director of Children's Services, Robert Naylor, retired he was replaced with a Director of Education, Jon Reid.

According to the report, two trade unions have said they have concerns about what the change could mean for their members.

Unison has said it has concerns that the restructuring is unnecessary and would cause disruption, while Unite representatives have concerns that the proposal could result in a loss of democratic decision-making.

The report adds that the intention is to minimise disruption by transferring the services with no changes to the current structures, and any changes will be implemented over time.

Members were also told that the services will transfer with the same budget they currently have.

The leader of the council, Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, said the recent move of Falkirk Community Trust staff to Falkirk Council has shown that organisational change can be done successfully and they would follow the same process of engagement, "taking people along with the change".

She said: "We all know that change can be very difficult and can create anxiety and uncertainty and we want to mitigate the impacts it has, particularly during transitional periods."

Cllr Meiklejohn said the report highlighted several benefits, including a better transition for people moving from children's services to adult care and more opportunities for professional development for staff.

Many of the challenges highlighted, she said, would be present "irrespective of any organisational change".

Work will continue with the Integrated Joint Board and a further report will come to councillors before any decision is made.

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