HR Processes - Baby P
08 December 2008
The independent report into the death of Baby P has highlighted a number of issues at Haringey Council, which has subsequently resulted in resignations and dismissals of senior members of the Children’s Services.
As part of the investigation internal HR processes were also reviewed, particularly to ensure that pre-employment checks were being conducted, such as identity checks and CRB checks. However new employees were being allowed access to patients before these checks were complete (with supervision). There was also a recognised problem that the nature of the social worker posts have a high turnover of qualified social workers, with a huge reliance of agency workers.
This report should be a warning for other employers who have a responsibility for working with children, and vulnerable adults, to ensure that robust pre-employment checks are in place and that processes are followed to ensure that the protection of those most vulnerable is maintained.