During the summer, UNISON conducted a survey of members working at Sandwell Children’s Trust after numerous members had raised concerns around workloads, stress levels, oppressive management and ultimately the service provided to Sandwell’s vulnerable children.
A third of our members responded. Despite the Trust launching in April the results show serious issues remain to be resolved, with some staff stating the service had got worse, rather than better.
We have raised these matters with senior management and we hope they will work with the trade unions to resolve our members concerns. The ‘offer’ to staff, providing 12 reasons to work at Sandwell Children’s Trust, recently introduced, is a welcome step in the right direction. However, whether it is sufficient to resolve the workload and stress levels burdening staff remains to be seen. Particularly given that the number of children in care has increased by a third in the last twelve months.
If any members at Sandwell Children’s Trust have not seen the results of the survey please contact the Branch Office on 0121 569 5996 or email sandwellunison@btconnect.com