Councillors praised steps taken to recruit and retain social workers.

Kirklees Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Children and Young People was tasked by Cabinet to oversee efforts being made in the service.

Last year it was reported that some social workers had left – some due to a financial incentive offered by Calderdale Council.

Paul Johnson, Assistant Director for Family Support and Child Protection, said: “The overall situation is that as result of a long-standing relationship that we have with the local university, who run a well-thought of programme for social work, we are providing practice-based placements for students and we’ve found that they eventually turn into applications for full time jobs.

“It’s a two-way process, it gives the students the opportunity to take a look at what we do and it gives us the opportunity to see them.

“Of course being a student is not the same as being a practitioner but nevertheless it provides us with a useful route into recruiting social workers.

“What is more of a challenge is closing the door behind them. Our geography means qualified social workers are able to take jobs at other local authorities without having to think about moving home.

“Retaining experienced social workers continues to be something we’re focusing on. New blood in an organisation is not a bad thing, it’s about getting the balance right.”

Clr Cahal Burke asked: “The link with the university is encouraging. It’s a highly-pressured and demanding role and I’m proud of what we’re doing. Are there incentives can we offer? Car parking is an issue, how can we deal with that?

Mr Johnson replied: “It is something that could be done in theory, but the council has to balance it against the message that gives the rest of the workforce.”

Mr Johnson agreed to explore the balance between experience and inexperienced social workers a the request of the Scrutiny Panel.

He added: “There is no room for complacency. I’m proud of the manner they work in and they continue to do a really good job in difficult circumstances.”