The use of professional ‘agency’ social workers: some findings and recommendations from recent research in England

This paper looks at some of the findings from empirical research exploring the impact of the increased use of agency staff within statutory social work sectors in England. Alongside the long-term expansion of contingent employees in the delivery of social work the article also acknowledges the more recent greater regulation of the agency social work role. Research clearly indicates that there remain both benefits and drawbacks to the use of contingent labour. Professional locum staff can provide a rapid and reliable response to ongoing staff shortages within core areas of social work; however, they can also pose potential risks and their use suggests an evasion of underlying structural problems relating to staff retention and recruitment. With more regulation of contingent staff and less demand for qualified social workers the period of expansion of professional agency employees appears to be at an end. Nevertheless at least sporadic demand is likely to always remain and the article concludes with some recommendations of how to best manage and utilize professional agency staff.