SCRA introduces localities model
SCRA has moved to a new localities model across Scotland. This change was implemented between May and September 2011. There are now nine localities, supported by a Head Office.
The nine localities are: Highlands & Islands, North Strathclyde, Glasgow, Grampian, South East, Tayside & Fife, Ayrshire, Central, and Lanarkshire/Dumfries & Galloway. Click on this link to view the map of Localities.
Why was this necessary?
SCRA recognised that we need to use our resources more efficiently to improve our resilience as an organisation, and to meet the changing needs and increased expectations of children, families and our partners.
We also developed this model to ensure there was a fair and equal distribution of workload for our staff across the country.
We also wanted to ensure our available resources are firmly focused on the frontline to provide the best possible service to children and families and our partners in the Hearings System.
What this means for people, property and partnerships?
SCRA will continue to have a presence in local communities. Some of our staff have been moved to centralised locations in localities to ensure we make maximum use of our office space. The efficiency savings we make from disposing of surplus office space will be redirected to the frontline.
We remain committed to holding Hearings in each local authority. Our Property Strategy highlights our commitment to improving our property estate, and ensuring that all our Hearing facilities are modern and child-friendly. As we go forward, we will work together with Children’s Hearings Scotland to further improve and develop Hearing facilities.
We have introduced a suite of new roles to contribute positively to the role of the Reporter, which remains unchanged. The Locality Reporter Manager has responsibility for partnership working and will continue to be the main point of contact for partners. Within the new suite of practice-related roles there are Senior Practitioners, Trainee Reporters and Assistant Reporters.
We have also listened to the feedback from our Modern Apprentices and from our children and families survey. As a result, we will introduce new child-friendly roles, which are much more focused on customer care and improving children and families’ experiences of attending Hearings.
What are the benefits?
- More efficient and effective processes.
- Better and more sustainable use of available resources.
- Improved engagement with children and families.
- Improved engagement with our local partners
- A dedicated point of contact for partners.
- Continuity and additional support for the role of the Reporter
- Property efficiency savings will be redirected to improving Hearing facilities.
- A more diverse, skilled workforce in more customer-focused roles.
Timescales
- The nine localities were introduced by the end of September 2011.
- The new roles were introduced by December 2011.
- Our new Case Management System is being rolled out in early 2013.
Next steps
We want to ensure that our partners are fully aware of the changes being implemented and we will continue to communicate and engage with you via local contacts, our partner e-news bulletin and by letters and briefings.
Our Principal Reporter/Chief Executive, Neil Hunter has already met with several Panel Chairs and Directors of Social Work, while Senior Managers continue to meet with local partners to update them on our plans.
We have consulted with you during this change process to make sure we are doing the right things. A partners survey was held in summer 2011 and a children and families survey took place at the end of 2012 - the results of which will be available in spring 2013.
In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please email us at communications@scra.gsi.gov.uk
