Technical Notes 2024, Issue 57 - Staff Survey - Joint Inspection of Adult Support and Protection Arrangements in East Dunbartonshire

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to advise on the Staff Survey feedback received as part of the Joint Adult Support and Protection Inspection which formed a part of the inspection assessment methodology.
2. The ASP Staff Survey was issued to approximately 250 staff across Social Work, NHS, Police Scotland and key third sector partners in East Dunbartonshire and was completed between the 13th and 28th November 2023.
3. The Staff Survey sought staff views on adult support and protection outcomes for adults at risk of harm, key processes, staff support, training, and strategic leadership.
4. There were 59 separate questions although the survey was structured to take into account the fact that different staff had more regular and intensive involvement in adult support and protection and as such the number of individual questions posed was far less and determined by experience and response pathway. Responses were returned anonymously.
5. A total of 201 staff members responded by the closing date.
6. Of the 201 respondents 43% were returned by Social Work; 35% Health, 10%  Police, and 11% Provider or ‘other’ organisation.

Survey Response:

7. The Staff Survey Analysis is provided as an Appendix and contains a full and individualised breakdown for each response. 
8. The Staff Survey result and analysis was provided to the partnership with the draft report on the 21st February 2024; the final report was published on the 12th March 2024.
9. A summary of the Staff Survey key responses is provided below;

• 99% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “I fully understand my role and what to do if I have concerns about an adult at risk of harm”.
• 90% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “Adults at risk of harm are supported to participate meaningfully in ASP decisions that affect their lives”.
• 92% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “We are making a positive difference to adults at risk of harm through ASP interventions”.
• 86% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “Adults subject to ASP, experience a safer quality of life as a result of the support they receive”
• 99% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “I know where to get advice if I am unclear about an adult at risk of harm concern”.
• 89% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “I receive regular supervision that supports and encourages me to achieve a high standard of practice”.
• 100% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “As a result of the training I have completed, I have the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake the role required of me”.
• 82% of respondents agree/strongly agreed that “Local leaders provide staff with a clear vision for their adult support and protection work”.

Conclusion

10. As part of the Joint Inspection Team’s feedback to the partnership the Staff Survey results were very highly commended. 
11. The Staff Survey response was described as particularly positive, and sector leading and reported by the Lead Inspector to be the foremost partnership Staff Survey return received by the Joint Inspection Team across Scotland from 28 of 31 partnership inspections completed.
12. The Staff Survey response and analysis reflects a highly knowledgeable workforce with significant procedural competence, and confidence in the outcomes for adults at risk of harm. Staff training and support was similarly positively reported as was confidence in local strategic leadership.
13. The response rate from our staff was particularly high and again reflects upon a particularly engaged and committed workforce across our adult support and protection work in East Dunbartonshire and that which offers further reassurance in respect of the protection and safeguarding of our most vulnerable citizens and adults at risk of harm.