National Workload Action Group calls for national guidance on use of AI in children’s social care

In a report published last month (25 September) by the Department for Education - summarising the work of the action group led by Research in Practice - recommendations were made for continued innovation, investment in technology, and a “systems approach” to reform.

The Government set up the National Workload Action Group in response to the independent review of children’s social care.

The key aim of the action group was to find ways to reduce social workers’ workload.

Firstly looking at administrative burdens, NWAG warned that the proportion of time spent on “unnecessary administrative activities” can reduce time spent building relationships and engaging in direct work with children and families.

The report noted: “Relational practice is constrained by the volume of contacts and referrals, compounded by set assessment timescales and other audit driven demands.

“Analysis and complex judgements require time and sufficient knowledge of a child and family’s circumstances, and too much focus on outputs does not allow for the exercising of interpersonal skills and research engagement necessary for effective social work practice.”

Making recommendations in this area, the action group called for “clearer guidance” on which tasks require social work expertise, and those that can be delegated or automated.

It also called for evaluation of whether time saved through administrative support translates into more direct work with children and families.

Meanwhile, report authors observed that existing and new AI tools are “showing promise” in automating administrative tasks, with the potential to reduce unnecessary administrative burden on social workers.

The report stated: “Evidence should be gathered from local authorities already experimenting with AI to understand best practices and potential impacts on social work efficiency and effectiveness and to explore the ethical complexities of using AI in children’s social care.”

On the use of AI in case recording, the action group made the following two recommendations:

1. That national guidance be developed on the use of AI in children’s social care.
2. An independent consultation be conducted with children and families to fully explore their views on the use of AI in case recording.

Turning to the issue of supervision quality, researchers described reflective supervision as an “essential ingredient” in quality social work practice.

The report said: “Supervision cannot achieve its full potential if the work environment is unsupportive. Therefore, it's essential to cultivate a culture that prioritises supervision and provides the work conditions conducive to retaining social workers and enhancing their expertise.

“A workplace that fosters honest discussions requires a culture where staff can seek help, admit mistakes, accept challenges, and raise concerns. Safety management literature indicates that organisational culture significantly influences adverse outcomes.”

On workload and caseload management, the NWAG recognised the challenge in identifying existing tools which accurately measure a social worker’s workload.

The action group noted that accurate measurement of workload is an important factor in determining safe workloads.

Making recommendations in this area, the report asked the DfE to define “safe workload limits” and develop a national workforce strategy to support the social worker workforce.

It suggested that a review of existing statistical workforce data would ensure this includes accurate, timely data on workforce numbers, caseloads, vacancies and sickness/absence levels. 

Responding to the report’s recommendations on AI, the DfE said: “DfE recognises the significant potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support and enhance the delivery of children’s social care. In particular, AI offers opportunities to reduce administrative burdens on social workers, improve the quality and timeliness of decision-making, and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for children and families.

“DfE will help to facilitate and empower local authorities and the social work workforce to make the most of AI. DfE is committed to ensuring that the development and deployment of AI in this context is ethical, evidence-informed and aligned with the needs of the workforce and the children they serve.”

Lottie Winson