Why Are We Doing This for Ofsted? Rethinking Organisational Culture in Social Work
- Vicki Shevlin
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Why are we doing things for Ofsted?Why do we still hear, “Make sure your case notes are up to date for Ofsted”?It feels backwards. But it still happens.
This isn’t a rant. It’s a reflection.
When I was newly qualified, Ofsted felt like a shadow over practice. Something that’s meant to support us often creates pressure and fear instead.And it’s strange, because that’s the opposite of the relational, restorative work we want to do.
We’d never intentionally instil fear in families — so why do we accept it for ourselves?
The Fear We Don’t Name
Fear shapes culture. And when fear drives culture, reflection disappears.
We start doing things to avoid trouble, not to build trust.We rush notes, panic over visits, and forget why we’re doing any of it in the first place.
But here’s the thing: you can’t create safety in practice if your organisation feels unsafe.This is where leadership at every level, matters most.
For Directors: Messaging Over Fear
Positive messaging has to be louder than fear.It’s not enough to send one thank-you email or newsletter.People need to feel valued and they need to hear that message over and over again.
Think of it like marketing: people need around 11 touchpoints before a message really lands.So where are those touchpoints in your organisation?
Emails, meetings, posters, supervision; every one counts.
Be kind. Be clear. Be consistent.That’s how you build safety.
For Managers: Review With, Not To
Managers are the bridge between fear and reassurance.You hold the pressure from above and below — and you can transform culture simply by changing how you review work.
Sit with your social workers, not over them.
Review one part of a file together.
Show your thinking.
Ask theirs.
Learning side by side builds confidence faster than any checklist ever could.
For Social Workers: Reframe the “For Ofsted” Mindset
If you’re told to do something for Ofsted, reframe it.
Write your notes for the child who might read them one day.Do your home visit because seeing a child in their space helps you understand their world.You don’t work for Ofsted. You work for children and families.
Boundaries matter here too; sleep, food, breaks, fresh air, time offline.Those small decisions keep you grounded when everything else feels uncertain.
Rebuilding Culture, One Connection at a Time
We can’t fix inspection culture overnight.But we can make small, consistent choices that bring calm back into our work.
Connection is the antidote to fear — a chat by the kettle, laughter in a team meeting, or a quiet moment of reflection at your desk.
That’s what culture is built on. And it’s what Ofsted can never measure.
Listen to me talk more about this on the podcast:
Join me for our live masterclass on Managing Ofsted, Regulation & Change — Reflecting, Growing, and Staying Grounded.
🗓 Tuesday 9th December, 7:30–9:00pm (UK)
🎧 Free for members of The Social Work Collective Academy, or available to attend as a one-off.
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