The rates of remuneration for independent social workers (ISW’s) are not reflective of the demands of the role with the disparity between ISW’s and other experts appointed by the Court “discriminatory” warned Nagalro, the professional organisation for children’s guardians, family court advisers and ISW’s.
Although ISW’s are referred to by the Courts as experts, their remuneration is not reflected in that title said Yvonne Wilson, Chair of Nagalro.
Until Independent Social Workers are recognised for their work and recompensed appropriately, the result will be the continued decline in availability of ISW’s “with an inevitably negative impact on the progress of many public and private law matters.”
ISW’s provide specialist social work assessments of children and families involved in care and private law cases, assessing complex issues such as neglect, sexual or physical abuse, substance misuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, and parental conflict.
The work, which involves interviewing vulnerable families, reviewing extensive documentation, preparing court reports, and giving evidence when assessments are challenged.
But the rates of remuneration do not reflect these demands argued Nagalro.
“This demanding, specialist work requires considerable expertise and experience…. The hourly rate of £35 for professional time has remained unchanged for four years. The fee for travel time charged by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is 1/3 of the professional cost, i.e., £23.33, which Nagalro added was a “derisory fee.”
“Family Courts and many local Authorities rely on Independent Social Workers to provide advice and recommendations on complex child welfare issues. Without ISW’s completing reports as directed, children’s cases cannot progress or conclude. The Family Court Service is dependent on ISWs for the management of many of its cases.”
Nagalro said the LAA, which sets the rate of pay, and is tied to Cafcass rates, is letting down the profession.
They also cite mileage rates which despite HMRC recently approving an increase from 45p per mile to 55p per mile, was still not approved by the LAA.
“A review in November will consider the rate increase, and until that time the LAA has refused to keep to the arrangement which aligns ISW fees with Cafcass.”
They add ISW’s are “increasingly reluctant to undertake this essential work” given the availability of locum and agency social worker which pays £45 per hour or more. The issues are compounded by late payments by Local Authorities and solicitors, as well as fee rates and travel costs not being competitive when compared to other Social Worker roles.
“Although ISW’s are referred to by the Courts as experts, their remuneration is not reflected in that title. Until Independent Social Workers are recognised for their work and recompensed appropriately, the availability of Independent Social Workers will continue to decline with an inevitably negative impact on the progress of many public and private law matters.”
