Accelerate pace of reform to child protection system, urges Munro

There is an urgent need to accelerate planned reforms to the child protection system, the author of a major Government review has said.

In her latest report Professor Eileen Munro accepted that a “culture change” was underway, but called for faster progress in three areas in particular.

The first was in delivering a reduction in statutory guidance so that there was more scope for professional and local autonomy. However, Prof. Munro acknowledged that delays in this area had partly stemmed from the need for proper public consultation.

She meanwhile called on the Government to encourage better understanding between services as reforms in health and policing are implemented.

Prof. Munro also emphasised that all the proposed reforms should be implemented in full.

She said: “We are finally moving away from the defensive rule-bound culture that has been so problematic. Reforms are rightly moving the focus of help and protection firmly onto children and young people and away from excessive bureaucratic demands.

“What is particularly encouraging is that some local authorities are already developing innovative ways of working that are enhancing the quality of help received by families.”

Prof Munro added: “I believe there are many front line managers and social workers who now have the confidence to exercise their judgment and provide effective help, based on the individual needs of a child. However, I am concerned there are also some who are uncertain how to do this and I hope the examples of good practice that I have included in this report will lead further change.” 

Her progress report pointed to positive results from the trial of the removal of fixed assessment timescales. It also highlighted Ofsted’s revised child protection inspection framework, as well as moves by the Government to appoint a Chief Social Worker and local authorities to recruit Principal Social Workers.

Children’s Minister Tim Loughton said: “We agree the pace of reform now needs to be accelerated and are committed to creating a system that is sustainable in the long term.



“This report shows progress is being made towards freeing hardworking social workers and other professionals from excessively restrictive structures, procedures and rulebooks so they can do their best for vulnerable children and their families. It is encouraging to see evidence in Professor Munro’s report that services are increasingly stepping in early, rather than waiting for problems to escalate.”