National Care Standards: Foster Care and Family Placement Services

13 Management and staffing

Standard 13
You can be confident that the management and staff of the agency have the professional training and expertise they need to provide an effective service.

1 You know that the agency managers, staff and volunteers are recruited and selected through a process that takes account of safe recruitment practices. This includes:

• criminal record checks;
• checks with previous employers;
• taking up references; and
• cross-reference to the registers of the Scottish Social Services Council, or other professional organisations.

2 You know that agency staff are suitably qualified and trained for their roles. There is a staff development strategy and an effective yearly training plan for all staff.

3 You can be confident that all the staff use methods that reflect up-to-date knowledge and best-practice guidance, and that the management are continuously striving to improve practice.

4 You can be confident that staff are supervised and appraised. They have access to advice and support when they do their jobs. The roles and responsibilities of the management and staff of the agency are clear to you.

5 You can be confident that all staff employed by the agency have access to legal advice.

6 You can be confident that the agency has effective recording and information systems. All significant contacts and incidents are recorded.

7 You can be confident that a system of quality improvements based on reviewed practice is in place. Plans to improve the quality of service involve foster carers and children, young people and parents, where possible. Information (for example, annual reports) is produced, describing the performance of the agency.

8 You can be confident that the finances of the agency are properly managed. The accounts are audited and reported on every year. When staff members are involved in any financial transaction, it is carefully recorded. This is in a way that can be checked by the Care Commission.

9 You know that external managers monitor the service that foster carer receive from the agency. The quality and performance of the agency, sthe way the agency works, views and complaints are recorded and monitored.

10 You know that the external manager or board makes sure that the manager is suitable for the role.