Listening to social workers is one of the most important things the sector can do to ensure a strong and sustainable future for children’s services.
The Big Conversation, a workforce research project led by the London Innovation & Improvement Alliance (LIIA) and the South East Sector Led Improvement Programme (SESLIP), is now open for responses.
2023’s Big Listen research gathered vital insight from across the children's services workforce. It demonstrated a profession filled with purpose and passion, but also highlighted real pressures affecting morale and retention. Now, The Big Conversation goes further, providing a renewed opportunity for child and family social workers, students, managers and agency staff to shape practice, and provide and evidence base prior to the significant reforms promised by the UK Government.
Findings from the research have directly influenced local & regional workforce strategies; in London, these strategies have led to:
- Workforce growth and retention: Over 450 more social workers are in post than in 2022, with turnover down from 19.5% to 15.3%, marking London's strongest workforce position to date.
- Racial equity and disproportionality: Regional action has intensified. All 33 boroughs back the recommissioned Racial Equity Leadership Programme, embedding anti-racism across children’s services.
- Practice sharing: Practice Spotlight continues to build a collaborative learning culture, enabling boroughs to share innovation and evidence-based approaches region-wide.
- Reducing agency use: London now has the lowest agency worker rate since 2017. The 2.1% drop between 2022 and 2024 reflects growing investment in permanent staff and career development.
- Caseloads and working conditions: Caseloads are at their lowest since records began, driven by cross-borough efforts to improve conditions and promote safe, effective practice.
- Flexible working: Boroughs are offering more flexible and part-time roles, helping retain experienced staff and meet workforce needs, especially for those balancing care.
- Practice leadership: Investment in SEND leadership and the cohesive leadership of Practice Leaders Network is boosting regional capacity and driving consistent, strategic improvements across services.
The Big Conversation provides social workers with the opportunity to:
- Share honest feedback on their experiences
- Compare how things have changed since 2023
- Identify current priorities for improvement
- Highlight what support social workers need most
- Inform regional and national strategies for workforce reform
This is an important moment for children’s social care with major reforms underway across England. How these reforms are designed and delivered must reflect the lived experience of those working with children and families every day. With all 33 London boroughs and 19 South East local authorities involved, the scale of this collaboration shows a shared commitment to listening. The more responses received, the more accurate the picture and the stronger the case for action.
How can I participate?
The survey is now open. It takes just 10 minutes to complete at this link. There are also a range of focus group discussions for staff at different career stages, click to book onto the group that is relevant to you:
Who should complete it?
We want to hear from:
- Local authority employed social workers
- Social work managers
- Students and ASYEs
- Agency social workers and managers
What will the information be used for?
Findings will help 52 local authorities improve working conditions for social workers. They will also be shared with the UK government to support national reform.
When will the findings be published?
The Big Conversation report will be published in October 2025.
Is it anonymous?
Yes. No individual will be identified or attributed in the results.
By taking part, every social worker has the chance to help shape a more supportive and sustainable sector. The evidence gathered will be used to drive real change, from tackling racism and discrimination, to supporting career development and building better regional collaboration.