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<p>Cafcass pays overtime claims via a monthly payroll so calculations on a weekly
basis are not available. However, based on the last 12 months, an average of 476 hours
per week overtime was claimed across the whole workforce (more than 2,000 people).
On average, 353 hours ‘Time Off In Lieu’ (TOIL) per week were recorded across the
whole workforce.</p><p> </p><p>Cafcass staff are paid overtime in line with its organisational
policy. For staff in operational roles, the primary means of managing additional hours
worked is through TOIL but may, by exception, be paid at plain time. Staff in Business
Services and in some other roles receive overtime payments at premium rates depending
on numbers of hours worked and whether working at weekends or on bank holidays.</p><p>
</p><p>Ministry of Justice (MoJ) officials attend fortnightly meetings with Cafcass
senior management at which recruitment, retention and staff morale issues are discussed
in depth. We understand that for the period November 2021 – January 2022, new starters
(including those with confirmed start dates) will exceed the number of expected leavers.
Cafcass has been highly effective in recruiting and in the last 12 months has been
able to grow the workforce by almost 7% (140 Full Time Equivalent).</p><p> </p><p>The
MoJ recognises the additional pressures that the family justice system has faced since
the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequent impact on Cafcass staff. Cafcass senior management
routinely monitors the wellbeing of its workforce and has recently completed an all-staff
survey to assist in measuring levels of morale and engagement. The findings of the
survey are currently being analysed and will be reported and shared with staff shortly.
In addition, the Cafcass leadership team host regular live events open to all staff
to gather direct feedback and answer questions on current issues affecting all its
people.</p><p> </p><p>The most significant factor impacting the Cafcass workforce
currently is the volume of casework. Earlier this year, £6m in additional funding
was agreed to enable Cafcass to increase staff capacity to meet the increased open
caseload. The MoJ has also given approval to Cafcass spending up to £4.7m above its
budget during the current financial year in order to recruit additional staff.</p>
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