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78
fitted with mechanical hoists are required. It was particularly
disappointing, therefore, that the two further vehicles I felt were
needed were not included in the priorities approved for inclusion
in the revenue estimates for 1968/69. The implication of this
limitation on the provision of transport for physically handicapped
people has been felt in all parts of the Borough. Facilities have
increased considerably in the voluntary and local authority spheres
and the disabled have become more anxious to avail themselves of
the services. Consequently, the demand for transport has increased
considerably—it is often the key to giving adequate support to the
seriously disabled.
The training programme for social welfare personnel has now
entered its third year. Four students commenced the two year
course leading to the Certificate in Social Work in September,
1967, and two welfare assistants were recruited for in-service
training prior to their making application for places in colleges of
further education for the course starting in September, 1968. One
of these, and one other experienced officer, have been offered places
on courses starting in September, 1968. There were two students
due to complete their course in June, 1968, but one withdrew
during the second year.
The North-Western Polytechnic has used the department as a
placement agency for first and second year students, and in the
past year four students have been placed.
Advantage has been taken of courses arranged for experienced
social welfare officers, residential homes staff, and administrative
staff within the limits of approved expenditure. The programme of
the London Boroughs Training Committee has been especially
helpful in meeting these training needs. The first in-service training
course for attendant staff in Homes was organised in the early
part of 1968. Certificates of attendance were presented by the then
Mayor, Aid. Mrs. A. L. Gunn, J.P., to eleven attendants. Courses
of this nature were commended by the Report of the Williams
Committee (of which I was a member) and are likely to be repeated
at frequent intervals. It was of some regret to me, however, that
the local authority did not feel able to appoint a Homes Adviser.
The new pattern of training for social workers with the deaf
agreed between the College of Deaf Welfare and the Council for
Training in Social Work required a placement agency in the
London area which could set up a student training unit for those
on recognised courses for social work with the deaf. This authority
agreed to set up the student training unit which will also provide
facilities for the continuance of the existing placement arrangements
with colleges of further education providing Certificate in
Social Work courses.
My appointment to the Ministry of Labour (now the Department
of Employment and Productivity) Committee on the needs