Tim Usherwood, Service Manager in Children’s Social Work service
I have worked for Plymouth City Council for four years, after moving as a Team Manager from a different local authority. I was promoted to Service Manager in 2022, initially under a secondment which then became permanent. I oversee social work teams working with children in need, children in need of protection and children subject to legal proceedings.
Safeguarding children is a challenging role and there is high demand on social workers and leaders to deliver good services for children. Standards are rightly high across the department, but individuals are not blamed for matters out of their control and the culture here is one of support and challenge rather than focusing on deficits.
Practitioners are given the training they need to do their jobs and there’s plenty of opportunities to engage with continuing professional development. Teams are close and social workers and leaders support within teams to keep children safe. Despite challenges felt by all local authorities around staffing, resources are always made available where there is a need to improve services for children.
In Plymouth, there is the support available from peers and managers to not only make a difference for children but also to succeed in a fulfilling career.
I love being by the sea and looking out across Plymouth Sound whilst in the office. Being able to walk in fresh air both in the summer and winter near the sea is refreshing and helps me to manage challenges for children.