Children’s services scoops second place at business awards

Doncaster Children’s Services Trust scooped second place among major business sector entries at a national awards event this month for its work in analysing and supporting the skills development of its workforce.

The Association of Business Psychologists Workforce Experience Awards held at the Oval cricket ground, London, showcased the best in business psychology across a wide range of major business sectors. Award nominees included giants such as IBM, British and American Tobacco, Boots UK, Capita Health Partners, PwC and GlaxoSmithKline. 

Doncaster Children’s Services Trust is the first children’s social care organisation in the country to be run independently from a local authority. It was set up last year following an agreement with the government and Doncaster Council and its remit is to pioneer new, dynamic ways to provide outstanding care to local children and families.

The Trust was singled out at the event for its in depth exploration of the abilities, skills, knowledge and motivation of its social worker teams. Working with business psychology experts Ben Williams and Sten10, the Trust gained unprecedented insight into its frontline workforce using actors and computer-based simulations to test out abilities in real life scenarios. This has paved the way for shaping professional training and development to bring the best services for Doncaster children and families.

Trust Director of Transformation Jackie Wilson said: “It was a real surprise and honour to be ranked so highly against such prestigious entries. It’s further confirmation that we’re on the right track to transforming our workforce culture and capability, and the quality of our services for Doncaster children.

“We are now designing bespoke professional development programmes for our social workers such as a major new ‘Signs of safety’ learning programme in the autumn. These steps are essential towards us achieving our vision – to provide outstanding services for children.”

Ends

For media enquiries please call 01302 734 418 or email media.enquiries@dcstrust.co.uk

Doncaster Children's Services Trust is a new and independent organisation - the first of its kind in the country - set up following an agreement with national government and the local authority. We are developing and pioneering innovative and improved ways to provide social care and support services to children, young people and families in Doncaster.

We believe that every child and young person in the borough deserves the best start in life, and support when they need it, to reach their full potential. We will support children and young people of all backgrounds, races, disabilities and cultures at times of need or crisis in their lives. www.doncasterchildrenstrust.co.uk