Local authorities across the UK are struggling to recruit and retain key staff in both adult and children’s social work. Staff are desperately needed to help address historically high waiting lists for care and manage increasingly complex client needs. Vacancy rates for social workers sit at around 10.5%. This has led to many local authorities hiring newly qualified, inexperienced social workers and relying on expensive locums. The use of agency social workers in adults’ services is up by 25% year on year. But are local authorities’ own recruitment processes holding back their ability to attract and retain potential candidates? One of the big benefits of using a recruitment agency is their ability to offer a streamlined approach to hiring, providing a quicker, more positive experience to candidates and providing access to a pool of qualified professionals ready to address the sector’s needs more efficiently.
The Cost of Using Locums
The costs associated with using locums for social work roles are substantial and growing. Councils across the UK spent at least £2.1 billion on agency staff, which represents about 6% of local authority spending on staff, both agency and permanent.
Locums command high hourly rates, which significantly inflate the overall expense compared to permanent hires and there have been extended delays on government plans to introduce caps on locum spending in children’s services which will now come into effect in 2025.
Beyond the obvious costs, there are hidden expenses such as training and integration of locums, which can put further strain on financial resources. This mounting cost pressure underscores the need for a more sustainable solution to address councils staffing needs in social work effectively.
Problems with Existing Recruitment Methods
Many local authorities struggle with recruitment because their recruitment process is long, complex or difficult to access. This can cause candidates to drop out or even put them off applying in the first place.
- Complicated Application Procedures
Candidates might be required to fill out extensive and repetitive forms or submit multiple copies of documents that complicate the application process. Online application systems might be difficult to navigate or not optimised for mobile discouraging candidates from completing their applications. - Slow Decision Making
Timelines may not be clear to candidates, leaving them waiting for their CVs to be reviewed, to receive feedback or an interview invitation. There may be several rounds of interviews, each scheduled weeks apart, which can delay the hiring decision. After interviews, the decision-making process might require multiple approvals, extending the time before a job offer is made. - Poor Communication
Vague or incomplete communication such as unclear interview instructions or ambiguous job descriptions, can confuse applicants. Candidates may not receive timely updates on the status of their application, leaving them uncertain about whether they are still under consideration. There might be significant delays in responding to candidate inquiries or follow-up questions, leading to frustration and a poor candidate experience.
Extended hiring times mean councils struggle to fill critical positions promptly, leading to service gaps and increased workloads for existing staff. This can affect the quality and timeliness of social services provided to the community. Recognising the benefits of using a recruitment agency can help you address these challenges by streamlining the hiring process.
Benefits of Using a Recruitment Agency
Specialist recruitment agencies like Vetro are experienced at creating effective recruitment processes that can deliver quality social work candidates at a much quicker rate.
- Faster Recruitment Processes
We offer simplified recruitment processes that reduce your administrative burden and speed up candidate sourcing and screening. Thanks to industry insights, extensive candidate networks and streamlined scheduling, we can significantly shorten your hiring timeline, ensuring that you find quality social work candidates more swiftly than traditional methods. - Long-Term Cost Savings
Because we focus on matching you with your ideal candidate based on skills, experience and culture we can reduce the long-term costs associated with locum hires, ongoing recruitment and high turnover rates. Helping you manage your staffing budget effectively for better financial planning. - Access to Quality Candidates
Our extensive network of pre-screened, qualified candidates gives you access to a high calibre of social work candidates. A thorough vetting process guarantees that only the most suitable candidates are matched to your role. This immediate availability of quality candidates accelerates the recruitment process and improves placement success. - Better Candidate Experience
A simplified and user-friendly application process means candidates are encouraged to apply. We also offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout the hiring journey, which leads to higher candidate satisfaction. This positive experience not only attracts top talent but also contributes to better retention rates within social work roles.
Partnering with a specialist recruitment agency like Vetro makes it easier for local authorities to access the talent they need by streamlining recruitment processes. The benefits of using a recruitment agency include faster hiring, cost savings, and a better candidate experience. Embracing these strategies can help you effectively meet your staffing needs and improve service delivery.
At Vetro our dedicated consultants have years of experience working in the social work sector to draw on. This means they are well placed to give you guidance and support when it comes to attracting and retaining talented social workers for your agency.
Learn more about Vetro Social Work or contact a consultant to discuss your hiring needs
