Unsung heroes – social workers transforming lives

By Angela Prichard,

Social workers, called unsung heroes by Children and Families Minister Will Quince, play a vital role for families facing challenges. Despite reduced budgets, resources under pressure and media attention on high-profile cases, there are few professions that can claim to transform lives as much as child and family social workers. 

When children are in need of help or protection, social workers are working hard on their behalf to ensure that they receive the love and care they deserve.

Social Personnel, with offices at Epsilon House in Ipswich and in London, Leeds and Liverpool is a leading recruitment agency providing services for clients and candidates in social care and social work.  

“It’s all about relationships,” says Neil Clements.  With 14 years’ experience, he joined Social Personnel last June to develop the business, focusing on permanent staff.

“We work closely with local authorities and others to match the best talent for their needs, and offer training and career progression to candidates, with the security of a permanent position.  Some recruitment is for temporary staff, but that’s a more expensive option even though it gives flexibility.”

The growing team at Epsilon House know the pressures faced by social workers with high case-loads and increased demand during the pandemic.  Neil Clements champions an industry he thoroughly believes in, where sympathy and empathy, support and care are all vital skills.

   

“Social work isn’t a job, it’s a calling,” he says.  “Continuity is so important, whether it’s children and families or vulnerable adults, they all need a social worker who knows and understands them.”

He vets candidates on behalf of clients, offering a full compliance package.  Training as a social worker is a three year course. It’s a regulated profession that requires registration with Social Work England. Every day, social workers support millions of people to improve their chances in life. 

For Social Personnel in Ipswich, with new members joining, Neil Clements leads new business development. They enjoy the support given by the Masterlord Estates team and the availability of meeting rooms for interviews.  “It’s a real business community here,” he says, “and the onsite café is a bonus!”

Contact Neil Clements:  neil@socialpersonnel.com

For more information: socialpersonnel.com

Key to a dynamic property market

By Angela Prichard,

House prices rose almost 10% in 2021, the fastest for any year since 2004, with the average UK property price hitting a new high of more than £276,000.  The stamp duty holiday during the pandemic and a race for space for home-working produced a dynamic market.

This year, growth is expected to slow as energy prices and the cost of living head skywards. Navigating the home property market requires local knowledge, experience and skill which, says Simon Wakefield at Martin & Co, is what their company is known for.

Based in Epsilon House at Masterlord Office Village, this branch of Martin & Co covers Ipswich and Colchester.  Owned by Gary Everett, it’s part of one of the largest independent networks of estate agents in the UK.

“We’re busier than ever finding new properties, advising investors on buy to let homes and managing those properties,” says Simon Wakefield.  “The rental market has seen solid growth, but navigating energy efficiency improvements, electrical installation reports, gas safety certificates and other regulations required by government is putting pressure on landlords.”

With almost 160 pieces of legislation governing rental properties, ensuring that a home is managed and maintained effectively and profitably is Martin & Co’s role, taking that pressure off the owner.

“One challenge is to persuade more landlords to let properties, as demand is so high and property is a very sound investment,” adds Simon Wakefield. “Our biggest growth is buying and selling homes, as Suffolk is a property hot-spot.”

Knowledge of the market in Suffolk and Essex is an important element in offering expert advice, ensuring that potential buyers and sellers know what’s available and achieve the best price.

Being in a serviced office at Epsilon House places Martin & Co at the heart of a business community with all the support services, and direct access to the A12 and A14 for viewing properties across Suffolk and Essex.

For more information call 01473 289794 or email simon.wakefield@martinco.com

Website