We appointed Belinda Oates, an external consultant and trainer, in September to quality assure written records across the operational teams in Adult Social Care. This is a vital step in ensuring that we follow best practices in providing care to our residents. 

Belinda has delivered safeguarding training and workshops in Camden for many years. She has long experience in social care practice and is also a consultant offering independent practice reviews combined with individual mentoring and learning conversations.

Belinda reviewed 40 written records from across the service, that were selected at random. Of the 40 cases, she met 18 of the responsible practitioners and their respective managers for a mentoring session.

Findings from the audit

The audit looked at recording and practice and considered whether the standard had been ‘met’ or ‘not met’.

Of the 40 case records reviewed there were the following findings:

• 19 case records - Met in both practice and recording
• 4 case records - Not Met in recording and not met in practice
• 17 case records Not Met in recording but Met in practice

Of the 4 case records where neither recording nor practice was met, there were interventions to support an individual – but the intervention did not follow the correct procedure (eg in safeguarding).

Belinda shared a film at the all-staff event on 29 November which goes into more detail on the findings of the audit. 

Practitioners who had mentoring sessions found them very useful for their personal development:

Kemi Ola-Bello, Social Worker

‘’I found the session insightful and educative especially around record keeping. This has altered the way I record events on mosaic to depict what actually happened during each encounter with clients as opposed to writing to show I completed the event in line with guidance and procedure’’

Kelly Peasnell, Social Worker

“The experience was daunting, but it helped me to realise my strengths and also the limitations of the role I am in and contributing factors. It was a very positive learning experience”