High praise for social work teams in Chief Social Work Officer's Annual Report 2023-24
On Tuesday 25 February, East Lothian Council’s Chief Social Work Officer Lindsey Byrne presented her Annual Report 2023-2024 to elected members highlighting the level of need and complexity of the county’s most vulnerable citizens has never been higher.
Ms Byrne advised Council Members that residents are facing significant challenges that make day-to-day life increasingly difficult to manage. The cost-of-living crisis, barriers to accessing mental health support and with more people than ever facing poverty and disadvantage, demand for social work services in East Lothian continues to be significant.
As we know, Social Work is never an optional extra, it is a critical frontline service with responsibility for the care and protection of our most vulnerable citizens. We strive for positive outcomes, in very difficult circumstances.
High praise for staff
Both in her presentation and the detailed report, special recognition was made to the significant efforts of the social work and social care workforce who work tirelessly to protect people from harm and to support them to live safely and as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.
Ms Byrne commented: “I never take for granted the skills and commitment of our staff, who regularly go above and beyond to meet the needs of the people that we serve. I would like to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to them, the relentless passion for the work that they do, and for continuing to make East Lothian a place where we can take real pride and assurance in our social work practices."
These sentiments were repeated by numerous Councillors following the presentation of the report, thanking staff, praising their dedication and commitment to the people of East Lothian.
Full press release is available to view here.
Annual report contents
The report provides an overview of the successes and challenges faced by each of the social work teams; children's services, adult services, justice social work and the mental health officers.
Read the full Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report 2023-2024 here
Presentation at Council Meeting
You can view the presentation by Lindsey Byrne to the East Lothian Council Meeting on Tuesday 25 February.
Web cast recording of Council Meeting (Agenda Item 3)