Report highlights significant achievements for social work services

The City of Wolverhampton Council's social work services have celebrated another successful year, marked by national recognition, high standards of practice, continued workforce growth and major progress in supporting people through trauma-informed practice.

Principal Social Worker Hannah Bates’ Annual Report highlights how the council has continued to strengthen high-quality, ethical and relationship-based social work practice across Adults' and Children's Services, while also supporting workforce wellbeing and development.

One of the year's biggest achievements has been the continued rollout of a ‘trauma-informed’ approach, with services designed to understand and respond to the impact that trauma can have on children, families and adults.

The report also highlights the results of quality assurance reviews carried out over the last 12 months, which demonstrate strong standards of support for children, adults and families across the city.

Investment in the social work workforce has remained a priority. Over the last year, the council has supported 11 social work apprentices and 12 Newly Qualified Social Workers undertaking their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, along with a number of Frontline participants who are training to become the next generation of social workers.

Efforts to retain experienced staff have also delivered positive results, and training and learning opportunities have remained a key priority, with more than 200 social workers attending the 10^th annual Joint Adults' and Children's Social Work Conference last November. The event featured nationally recognised speakers discussing topics including safeguarding, inclusion and tackling racism within systems and services.

Social workers in Wolverhampton also received national recognition for their work. The council received no fewer than 22 nominations in the British Association of Social Workers' Amazing Social Work Awards, highlighting the dedication and impact of teams across the city.

Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: "This report highlights the strength of social work across Wolverhampton and our ongoing commitment to supporting people through high-quality, relationship-based practice.

"We continue to invest in our workforce through training, development and wellbeing support, helping social workers to build rewarding careers and deliver the best possible outcomes for adults, children and families.

"We're particularly pleased to see the progress that has been made in embedding trauma-informed practice across services. This work is helping us to better understand people's experiences and provide support that is compassionate, effective and centred on individual needs.

"Our social workers make a huge difference every day, and it is important that we continue to recognise their dedication, celebrate their achievements and raise the profile of the profession."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: "We are incredibly proud of our social workers and the positive impact they have on the lives of children, young people and families across the city.

"This report demonstrates the strength of practice across our services, the success of our investment in learning and development, and our commitment to supporting social workers at every stage of their careers, and we should celebrate the progress made, which has been significant this year.

"National recognition through the BASW Amazing Social Work Awards is a fantastic achievement and reflects the skill, professionalism and commitment of our workforce.

"Recruiting and retaining talented social workers remains a priority, and it is encouraging to see that our continued focus on support, development and career progression is helping us build a stable and experienced workforce for the future."

The Principal Social Worker's annual report was endorsed by members of the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (8 July, 2026).