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83
REPORT OF THE CHIEF WELFARE OFFICER
WELFARE SERVICES STAFF
Chief Welfare Officer: J. Hanson, o.b.e., d.m.a., f.i.s.w.
Deputy Chief Welfare Officer: J. Gill, d.m.a„ a.i.s.w.
Casework Supervisor: Mrs. E. K. M. Lemare-Long, a.i.m.s.w.
Senior Social Welfare, Officer, D. Hilditch, c.s.w.
Senior Social Welfare Officer for the Blind: A. A. R. Clay,
a.i.s.w.
Specialist Welfare Officer for the Deaf: P. Coward, d.d.w.
This is the fourth report on the work of the Welfare Service in
the London Borough of Bromley. The basis for the statistical data
is the calendar year compared with the financial year used in
previous Reports. This appeared to be sensible in view of the
demands made upon the administrative staff to produce data, which
related to the calendar year, for government departments and other
agencies.
For social workers the most significant event during 1968 was
the publication of the Report on Local Authority and Allied
Personal Social Services. The Seebohm Committee considered that
the organisation of the personal social services should be such as
to provide a client and community based service that is accessible,
acceptable and comprehensive to those who need to use it. I have
tried since 1965 to apply this philosophy in the development of the
Bromley Welfare Services. The gradual build-up of social work
teams based in three areas of the Borough, each capable of providing
a variety of skills, has brought the service closer to the
people it seeks to serve. The personnel were under a great deal of
pressure, and there were a number of staff changes, especially at
senior level. Because of these factors, which continue to dominate,
this is a brief Report.
Training
In-service training courses for attendants at residential homes
commenced in January, 1968, following the Report of the Williams
Committee, and two such Courses were held during the year. Each
Course was of 10 days duration spread over 10 weeks. It is
intended to continue the courses at periodic intervals so that new
recruits will have an opportunity of in-service training. For women
with family responsibilities this is often the only form of training
possible. The special emphasis courses for Homes staff provided by
the National Old People's Welfare Committee and other courses
arranged by the London Boroughs' Training Committee have
proved of value to Matrons and Assistant Matrons.
The training programme for social welfare personnel