The challenge
Oldham Council needed experienced social workers to support its Children's Duty and Advice service, operating within a highly competitive recruitment market.
The council required professionals who could quickly integrate into frontline teams and help maintain service continuity for children and families. This meant securing experienced, reliable social workers, on both a temporary and permanent basis, across key operational areas, including safeguarding and frontline services.
With services under pressure, Oldham needed people who could respond quickly and make an immediate impact, without any compromise on quality or suitability.
The solution
Due to the urgent nature of this requirement, Reed Talent Solutions’ consultant Molly Lamen, took a consultative approach from the outset.
Following a detailed consultation with the hiring team, Molly developed a thorough understanding of Oldham's workforce and team, including service structure, caseload expectations, statutory requirements, and the personal qualities required for success. This early alignment ensured every professional she put forward was a genuine fit for the role.
With the brief clearly defined, Molly implemented a multi-channel sourcing strategy, drawing on Reed Talent Solutions’ extensive talent pool as well as external job boards, referrals, and targeted headhunting to engage experienced professionals aligned with the council’s needs. A rigorous screening process ensured only the strongest applicants progressed, while regular communication kept the process moving and gave the council a seamless experience throughout.
For Oldham, this consultative partnership made all the difference. As Natassja Gollcher, Head of Service for Complex Safeguarding at Oldham Council, explained: "Reed Talent Solutions provided a professional and efficient service throughout. Their understanding of social care recruitment and commitment to quality has made them a valuable partner."
The results
The focus on quality rather than quantity proved effective. The campaign generated strong market engagement, with 21 carefully selected CVs submitted and nine applicants progressing to interview.
From this shortlist, Oldham Council successfully secured two experienced social workers who matched the service requirements.
Key outcomes included:
Two experienced social workers secured
21 CVs submitted and nine interviews facilitated
Recruitment successfully supported across frontline services
Saved approximately £17,000 per placement annually
Reduced workforce pressures and improved service continuity
High-quality applicants delivered through a consultative recruitment approach
By taking the time to understand Oldham Council's service structure, statutory requirements, and the qualities needed for success, we were able to deliver two experienced professionals who fit the brief and have since made a measurable difference, all while generating meaningful cost savings.
With the new social workers settling into their roles, the foundations are in place for a continued partnership that helps Oldham respond confidently to future workforce needs and maintain high standards of care.
Find out more about our qualified social work recruitment solutions or get in touch with one of our experts to talk through what's next for your workforce.
Reed provided a professional and efficient service throughout. Their understanding of social care recruitment and commitment to quality has made them a valuable partner.
Head of Service for Complex Safeguarding, Oldham Council
