A campaign is under way to recruit new social workers in Derbyshire and encourage former employees to return to the profession.

The Derbyshire County Council campaign also aims to boost morale among staff and dispel the negative image associated with social workers.

The county's social services department particularly wants to recruit social workers to children's services as it has become more difficult to recruit them.

A council spokeswoman said: "There have been difficulties recruiting people because of the public perception of social workers arising from some high profile cases involving children. This, in turn, has led to a reduction in the courses available at universities and colleges, meaning that fewer people can qualify."

She added the length of training had been extended from two to three years, which had also put people off.

The council ran a similar campaign last year, when vacancies were running at 10 per cent. It resulted in more than 20 new recruits.

Children's services now has 13 vacancies out of 170 posts - just over seven per cent. Now the department - which has a staff turnover of around 10 per cent each year - wants to ensure that the number of vacant posts does not rise to previous levels.

The drive will include encouraging ancillary workers and social worker assistants to become full social workers and staff will be seconded from adult services to train for working with children. The council is also offering bursaries and other incentives to recruits.

Derby social worker Janet Foulds, national deputy chairman of the British Association of Social Workers, said there were a number of reasons for people leaving the profession.

These included the public image of social workers, poor pay and an under-funded service.
Ms Foulds said: "The BASW believes that if we are to have the best service for the public we need good quality staff who are well trained and supported, and recognised for the work that we do.
"We support any moves that will attract good quality personnel into the profession."

Councillor Anne Western, council cabinet member for health and social care, said: "By introducing flexible working hours, bursaries and support to people we are confident that working as a social worker in Derbyshire is an attractive proposition."