Decision details

Implementation of Phase One

That approval be given to implement Phase One, which is Sandwell Adult Social Care adopting a one off Golden Hello and Market Supplement Payment scheme, for 12 months to be implemented from 1 January 2023, which equates to £570,600 per annum (including all on costs).

That, from 1 January 2023, approval be given for a one off Golden Hello payment, of £1000.00 that will be paid to all successful candidates, following recruitment to one of the identified eligible posts below.
• Social Workers
• Social Workers (with AMHP status)
• Advanced Practitioners
• Social Care Team Managers (Social Work)
• Team Managers
• Social Care Team Managers (with AMHP status)
• Senior Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapists

That from 1 January 2023, approval be given for implementation of a one off Market Supplement Payment Scheme, of £2500 that will be paid to those Registered professionals employed in substantive posts at grades E,F,G,H, I and J within the Professional Social work functions within Adult Social Care, specifically the teams referred to below;
• The 6 Community Social Work Town Teams
• Mental Health Team
• Hospital Social Work
• Learning Disability, Autism and Young Adults team
• Adult Safeguarding and DOL/LPS Team

That from 1 January 2023, approval be given for implementation of a one off Market Supplement Payment Scheme, of £2500 that will be paid to those Registered professionals employed in substantive posts within the Professional Occupational therapy functions within Adult Social Care, specifically the team referred to below;
• Therapy Team


Implementation of Phase Two

That the Director of Adult Social Care be authorised to implement Phase Two, which is a review of the professional roles within Social Work and Occupational Therapy in Adult Social Care. This is to assess whether these roles are aligned to expectations and/or whether any changes to the requirements of the role are necessary.

In Sandwell MBC, there are significant challenges in the recruitment and retention of employees in Adult Social Care within key posts, namely Social Work and Occupational Therapy services. This presents serious risks to the delivery of high profile, statutory and/ or regulated services and activities.

The implementation of a Golden Hello and Market Supplement Payment Scheme, in Adult Social Care, will ensure that the Local Authority, can recruit and maintain the stable, skilled, well performing and experienced workforce that is required, within social work and/or therapy services. It is these areas where the impact of vacancies and turnover create the greatest issues.

The alternative options listed below were considered and discounted.

The Implementation of Phase One only-i.e. Golden Hello and Market Supplement Payment schemes-as described above.

The option of doing nothing