| Description | Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2004 |
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| ISBN | N/A (Web Only) |
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| Official Print Publication Date | |
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| Website Publication Date | June 23, 2005 |
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STAFF OF SCOTTISH LOCAL AUTHORITY SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, 2004
23 June 2005
A Scottish Executive National Statistics Publication
ISSN 1479-7569 (online)
ISBN 0 7559 2603 X (Web only publication)
This document is also available in pdf format (304k)
This publication forms part of a series of publications which provide information on staffing of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services. It contains the results of a staffing census held across all Scottish local authorities on 4 October 2004. It presents findings from a range of statistics to provide an overall picture of demand for, supply of and outcomes from the social care workforce.
These staffing figures were originally planned for release on 28 April 2005. However, due to inconsistencies in the number of filled and unfilled social worker posts being recorded in this annual survey, with those previously published in quarterly surveys, the release of these statistics were postponed until the discrepancy had been fully investigated ( see Background Notes 7.4 to 7.6 for more details).
Headline messages are:
- There were 40,985 whole time equivalent ( WTE) staff employed by Scottish Local Authority Social Services in October 2004. This represented an increase of 4% from the 2003 total ( Table 1).
- The 40,985 WTE staff in October 2004 corresponded to 8.1 staff per 1,000 population, an increase from 7.8 per 1,000 population in October 2003 and 6.7 per 1,000 population in 1999. The number of staff per 1,000 population was highest in the island councils (16.9 in Orkney Islands, 16.3 in Eilean Siar and 15.1 in Shetland Islands), and lowest in Dumfries and Galloway (3.6), East Dunbartonshire (5.4) and East Lothian (5.6) ( Table 2).
- Twenty-nine per cent of staff employed by Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services in October 2004 were fieldwork staff and 28% were domiciliary staff (mainly home carers). A further 15% worked in residential establishments for adults and 9% were located in day care centres for adults ( Table 3).
- Almost two thirds of staff (62%) provided services for adults, a further 17% provided services for children and 4% provided services for offenders. Nine per cent of staff were attributed to generic provision, providing services for more than one client group ( Table 4).
- The majority (85%) of all staff in 2004 were female. This proportion was highest for staff providing services for adults, where 89% were female, and lowest for staff providing services for offenders (62%) ( Table 4).
- There were 2,874 WTE vacancies in Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services in October 2004. Of these, 557 were for qualified social workers, down from 603 in 2003 ( Table 10).
- Ten per cent of staff (whose age was known) were under 30 years of age, whilst 35% were over 50 ( Table 11).
Staff of Scottish Social Work Services by Client Group and Gender, 2004
All Staff in Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services
1.1 There were 52,376 staff employed by Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services in October 2004. This comprised 24,697 full-time staff and a further 27,679 staff who were employed on a part-time basis ( Table 1). The whole time equivalent ( WTE) number of staff was 40,985 ( see Background Notes, paragraph 7.5). This represented an increase of 4% from the 2003 total.
1.2 The 40,985 WTE staff in October 2004 corresponded to 8.1 staff per 1,000 population, an increase from 7.8 staff per 1,000 population in October 2003 and 6.7 staff per 1,000 population in October 1999 ( Table 2).
1.3 The level of staffing in each council is influenced to some extent by the level of social work involvement required which, in turn, may be affected by a range of factors, including deprivation and urban/ rural issues. Other factors affecting the level of staffing include the extent to which services are contracted out and the extent to which services are provided in partnership with neighbouring councils and other organisations. The number of staff per 1,000 population was highest in the island councils (16.9 in Orkney Islands, 16.3 in Eilean Siar and 15.1 in Shetland Islands) and lowest in Dumfries and Galloway (3.6), East Dunbartonshire (5.4) and East Renfrewshire (5.6) ( Table 2).
Staff by Type of Activity/Location
2.1 This section provides information on the number ( WTE) of staff by type of activity/location ( see Background Notes, paragraph 7.7).
2.2 Twenty-nine percent of staff employed by Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services in October 2004 were fieldwork staff and 28% were domiciliary staff (mainly home carers). A further 15% worked in residential establishments for adults and 9% were located in day care centres for adults ( Table 3).
2.3 Table 3 also shows that the number of WTE staff has increased in most activities/locations since 2003, with the exceptions of 'residential staff: services for children' and 'domiciliary staff', which have decreased slightly by 1% and 0.6% respectively. However, care should be taken in comparing 2004 data with previous years due to posts for which the location was unknown in 2004.
Staff by Client Group
3.1 This section provides information on the number of staff by client group. Information on the gender of staff is also provided.
3.2 Almost two thirds (62%) of staff provided services for adults, a further 17% provided services for children and 4% provided services for offenders. Nine percent of staff were attributed to generic provision, providing services for more than one client group ( Table 4).
3.3 The majority (85%) of all staff in 2004 were female. This proportion was highest for staff providing services for adults, where 89% were female, and lowest for staff providing services for offenders (62%) ( Table 4).
3.4 The 25,408 staff ( WTE) who provided services for adults corresponded to 6.4 per 1,000 population aged 18 and over ( Table 5). This proportion was highest for the island authorities (19.1 in Eilean Siar, 16.7 in Orkney Islands and 15.2 in Shetland Islands), and lowest for Dumfries & Galloway (1.9). There were 6.4 staff per 1,000 population aged under 18 providing services for children, although this rate varied from 12.4 in Glasgow to 1.7 in Eilean Siar.
Numbers and WTE by Staff Group
4.1 This section provides information on numbers and WTEs by staff group for 2003 and 2004. See Background Notes, paragraph 7.8 for further details on the staff groups used.
4.2 Over one quarter of staff ( WTE) are home care staff and managers, and 22% are support staff. Residential managers & qualified care staff account for about 12% of staff and social workers account for about 11% of staff ( Table 6).
4.3 The total WTE of staff has increased by 4% since 2003. However, the total WTE has decreased in 2004 for 'other qualified fieldwork staff' (14%), 'home care staff and managers' (1%), and 'residential care staff' (28%). Some care should be taken with comparing 2004 figures with previous years due to some posts for which the staff group was unknown.
4.4 The reason for the large drop in numbers of 'residential care staff' is that care staff in residential accommodation for children and young people were re-classified as 'residential managers & qualified care staff' in 2004.
Vacancies in Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services
5.1 Vacancy figures exclude home care staff, given the different employment conditions which apply for such staff in many councils. Therefore, all the vacancy tables show vacancies and vacancy rates which exclude home care staff.
5.2 Each year the City of Edinburgh has reported 'negative vacancies', or above complement numbers of staff, in some areas. In order not to distort aggregate analyses, these have been set to zero for this publication.
5.3 A total of 2,874 WTE vacancies were reported in October 2004. Vacancy rates were highest in Midlothian (17.1%) and Renfrewshire (13.7%). Rates were lowest in East Lothian (3.2%) ( Table 7).
5.4 In terms of client groups ( Table 8), vacancy rates were highest for staff providing services for people with mental health problems (14%) and children (9.5%) and lowest for those providing services for people with physical disabilities (5%).
5.5 Looking at type of activity/location ( Table 9), vacancies were highest amongst residential staff providing services for children (10%) and lowest amongst day care staff providing services for children (2%).
5.6 The vacancy figures can also be expressed in terms of staff groups, with staff classified by function.
5.7 Table 10 shows that vacancies were highest amongst 'social workers' and 'other qualified fieldwork staff' (10.9%). While only 8.4% of Support Staff posts are vacant, these vacancies account for 29% of all vacancies reported.
Staff Numbers by Age Group
6.1 The October 2004 staffing census also requested information on age of staff. One council was unable to supply information on age, and four more were unable to supply information for some staff. The data reported here includes these councils/staff as unknown.
6.2 Sixty five per cent of social services staff were at least 40, and 4% were under 25 years of age. Looking at the percentage in the different age groups by type of activity/location ( Table 12), it can be seen that 'day care staff: services for children' has the highest proportion of staff under 25 (8%), while domiciliary staff have the highest percentage aged 40 or over (71%).
6.3 Table 13 shows the percentage in the different age groups by client group. The highest percentage of staff under 25 work in generic provision (8%), while the lowest percentage work with 'people with physical disabilities' (2.5%). The highest percentage of staff aged 40 or over work with 'older people' (70%), while the lowest percentage work in generic provision (57%).
6.4 Table 14 looks at age in relation to staff groups. Support staff have the highest percentage under 25 (9%), and the lowest percentage aged 40 or over (58%). The staff group with the lowest percentage under 25 is senior managers (0.4%), while the highest percentage aged 40 or over are 'senior managers' (80%).
The following tables are available:
Table 1 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Numbers and WTEs by Mode, 1997-2004
Table 2 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Number of Staff and Staff per 1,000 Population by Local Authority, 1999-2004
Table 3 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Staff ( WTE) by Type of Activity/Location, 1998-2004
Table 4 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Numbers and WTEs by Client Group and Gender, 2004
Table 5 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Staff ( WTE) and WTEs per 1,000 Population by Client Group and Local Authority, 2004
Table 6 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Numbers and WTEs by Staff Group, 2003 and 2004
Table 7 - Vacancies in Scottish Social Work Services: WTEs by Local Authority, 2002-2004
Table 8 - Vacancies in Scottish Social Work Services: WTEs by Client Group, 2002-2004
Table 9 - Vacancies in Scottish Social Work Services: WTEs by Type of Activity/Location, 2002-2004
Table 10 - Vacancies in Scottish Social Work Services: WTEs by Staff Group, 2002-2004
Table 11 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Numbers and Percent by Age Group, 2004
Table 12 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Activity/Location by Age Group (Percent), 2004
Table 13 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Client Group by Age Group (Percent), 2004
Table 14 - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services: Staff Group by Age Group (Percent), 2004
ANNEX - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services, 2004
BACKGROUND NOTES - Staff of Scottish Social Work Services
7. Notes and Definitions
Method of Collection
7.1 Each local authority is asked to submit an annual census form detailing the staff employed by its social work/social services department, whether free-standing or part of a larger department. The census date is the first Monday in October. Details on terms of employment, type of activity/ location, gender of staff, age of staff, qualifications held by staff, qualifications in progress by staff, and number of vacancies were collected in 2004. Information on age and qualifications were incomplete.
Organisation of Social Work Services
7.2 Social work services can be organised in a number of different ways, and this may impact on the results reported in this publication. For further details, see the Annex to a previous statistical bulletin, 'Staff of Scottish Local Authority Social Work Services, 2000'.
Estimates and Revisions
7.3 In 2004 data for Falkirk were not provided so 2003 data were used. WTE data for part-time staff in some councils were not provided and have been estimated.
7.4 Figures from a quarterly survey on the number of filled and unfilled social worker posts for October 2004 and January 2005 have been previously published (8 November 2004 and 14 February 2005 respectively) by the Scottish Executive. Results from these quarterly surveys showed a higher number of filled and vacant social worker posts than shown in this annual (October 2004) survey (see below).
The following chart shows the scale of the difference between the previously reported figures and revised figures for filled social worker posts:
The above chart shows that previously published data showed a relatively higher number of filled social worker posts than now being reported. Previously published October 2004 figures showed that the number of filled social worker posts was 4,703 WTE (based on the quarterly survey), but this figure has now been revised down to 4,576 WTE (based on the annual survey) - a downward revision of 3%.
The below chart shows the scale of the difference between the previously reported figures and revised figures for vacant social worker posts:
The above chart shows that previously published data showed a higher number of vacant social worker posts than now being reported. Previously published October 2004 figures showed that the number of vacant social worker posts was 584 WTE (based on the quarterly survey), but this figure has now been revised down to 557 WTE (based on the annual survey) - a downward revision of 5%.
7.5 Investigations into the discrepancy in the number of filled social worker posts highlighted a number of inconsistencies in reporting of social worker posts between the annual and quarterly surveys. For example, some staff who were social worker qualified (but who were not carrying out a social worker role) were incorrectly included in the quarterly survey; some staff who were carrying out a Senior Social Worker role (but whose job title was Team Leader/Manager) were being included in the quarterly survey as a Senior Social Worker but were being recorded as a Team Leader/Manager in the annual survey; some staff were being counted as Main Grade Social Workers (but whose job title was Care Manager) in the quarterly survey but were being recorded as Care Managers in the annual survey; and some vacant social worker posts were being counted in the number of filled social worker posts in the quarterly survey.
7.6 We now believe that the number of filled and unfilled social worker posts reported in this publication provides a more accurate picture. As such, the results of the October 2004 and January 2005 quarterly social worker survey have been withdrawn.
Changes Over Time
7.7 As a result of changes in the classifications used on census forms, breakdowns into different activities, locations or staff groups are not always strictly comparable across years. It should also be noted that different local authorities may classify staff differently, according to the way work is organised in their area. Social workers, for example, may be classified either under generic provision, or by the nature or location of their work (adult services, children's services etc.). In addition, an increase in care management services has resulted in many staff previously designated as social workers or occupational therapists being assigned to care manager roles.
Whole Time Equivalent ( WTE)
7.8 Whole Time Equivalent ( WTE), where used, is an addition of i) the number of full-time staff, and ii) the total number of hours worked by all the part-time staff in a week, divided by the number of hours considered to be the standard full-time week for a member of staff in each category. A reduction to a 37 hour working week is currently at various stages within councils. This reduction however only affects a proportion of council staff, as some are already working less than 37 hours per week. Therefore, it should be borne in mind that WTE figures may be calculated using different weekly hours in different categories and also between councils. This can have the effect of WTE figures being slightly higher in councils who have reduced their standard full-time working week, but the number of part-time hours worked remains the same.
7.9 WTE figures have been rounded independently. As a result, WTE totals in tables may not equal the sum of the categories shown.
Type of Activity/Location
7.10 The following terms are used in the tables:
Strategic/ Central Staff | Staff with a strategic and/or central role, including senior management, administrators and support staff; |
Criminal Justice Staff | All staff providing services for offenders, regardless of location; |
Fieldwork Staff | Fieldwork staff in divisional and area offices; |
Residential Staff: Services for Children | Staff based in residential establishments for children ( e.g. local authority children's homes and residential nurseries); |
Residential Staff: Services for Adults | Staff based in residential establishments which are not primarily for children. This covers local authority homes for older people (including sheltered housing) and residential establishments for other client groups ( e.g. people with learning disabilities); |
Day Centre Staff: Services for Children | Staff based in day care establishments for children. This includes local authority children's centres, family centres, day nurseries and playgroups, together with any childminders or day carers regularly employed by the local authority; |
Day Centre Staff: Services for Adults | Staff based in day care establishments which are not primarily for children. This includes staff in adult training centres, day centres for people with learning or physical disabilities, and day centres for older people; |
Domiciliary Staff | Home care staff and managers, and other domiciliary staff ( e.g. community alarms staff and respite staff); |
Staff on Secondment | Staff who, on 4 October 2004, were on full time secondment for professional training or to the Scottish Executive, Health Boards or other organisations. |
Staff Groups
7.11 The following terms are used in the tables:
Senior Managers, etc | Directors/Heads of Service, Service Managers, Other Senior Staff, Area Managers, Team Leaders/Managers, Planning, Commissioning and Contracting Staff, Registration/Inspection Officers; |
Social Workers | Senior Social Workers and Main Grade Social Workers; |
Other Qualified Fieldwork Staff | Care Managers, Senior Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Welfare Rights Officers, Community Service Staff, Supervised Attendance Staff, Other Qualified Fieldwork Staff; |
Fieldwork Assistants | Social Work Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants; |
Home Care Staff & Managers | Home Care Managers, Assistant Home Care Managers/Supervisors, Home Care Staff; |
Other Domiciliary Staff | Sheltered Housing Wardens, Community Alarms Staff, Respite Staff; |
Day Care - Managers & Qualified Care Staff | Unit Managers, Assistant Unit Managers, Other Qualified Care Staff; |
Day Care - Care Staff | Care Staff |
Residential - Managers & Qualified Care Staff | Unit Managers, Assistant Unit Managers, Residential Resource Workers, Other Qualified Care Staff; |
Residential - Care Staff | Care Staff |
Support Staff | Research & Information Officers, Human Resources Staff, Finance Staff, Ancillary Staff, Support Services; |
Secondments | Full-time Secondments |
Additional Analyses
7.12 Additional analyses are available on request.
8. Resources
8.1 For historical statistics and background information on Staff of Scottish Social Work Services, please see the previous publications:
Scottish social work employee statistics 2001 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00197-00.asp
Scottish social work employee statistics 2002 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00273-00.asp
Scottish social work employee statistics 2003 (published 8th July 2004) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/bulletins/00355-00.asp
8.2 The information in this News Release was obtained from the statistical return. The attached link gives details of the statistics collected from each local authority:
Requested data: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16135/20591/
Guidance notes: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16135/20592/
9. General
9.1 This is a National Statistics publication. National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.
9.2 Public enquiries ( non-media) about the information contained in this News Release should be addressed to Children, Young People and Social Care Statistics, Scottish Executive Education Department, Area 1-B(S), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ (telephone 0131 244 0311 or e-mail children.statistics@scotland.gsi.gov.uk).
9.3 Media enquiries about the information in this Statistics Publication Notice should be addressed to Vikki Quinn on 0131 244 2560.
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