Following yesterday’s report on what a Family Court judge in Portsmouth called a ‘cover up’ by a social worker now employed by the Isle of Wight council, the council have responded to some of OnTheWight’s questions.
Prior to publishing yesterday’s report, OnTheWight had sought answers to a series of questions (here) but had been initially told,
“This case is a matter for Hampshire County Council. The Isle of Wight Council does not comment on internal staffing matters.”
Lack of accountability
Given the seriousness of the case and concerned at the lack of accountability being shown by the Isle of Wight council, we posed some further questions.
We asked:
On the IWC “does not comment on internal staffing matters” bit – Can you help us with this? We’re struggling to understand. What the Judge said in court is incredibility serious.
1) Is your comment a holding comment and action will follow?
2) Are the IWC social workers how completely controlled by Hampshire, so IWC can’t do anything about this person?
Is there another reason?
Council: “Will be investigating the situation”
This afternoon, an Isle of Wight Council spokesperson replied,
“The council will be investigating the situation and looking into the implications of the case with Hampshire County Council officers.”
They went on to confirm,
“Staff employed by Hampshire County Council provide strategic leadership and management of the Isle of Wight Council’s children’s services.
“The services are provided by staff directly employed by the Isle of Wight Council.”
Questions to Executive member
OnTheWight also posed the following questions to Cllr Jonathan Bacon, as Executive member for Children’s Services.
- Are you concerned that someone (Kim Goode) the Judge says attempted “to keep the truth” from him during the court case and oversaw an attempted cover-up is an area manager at IWC?
- Would you support her position at IWC being reviewed?
- Have you enquired into whether IWC was aware of the court case Ms Goode was involved with, prior to her being employed?
- What answer did you receive from Q3?
- Do you find it satisfactory that IWC take the line that “does not comment on internal staffing matters” to press enquiries about Kim Goode?
- Are social workers (Full time and agency) within Children’s service employed/contracted by IWC, or Hampshire?
We’ve yet to hear back from him , but will update once we do.
