How demoralising to see yet another example of IT systems being blamed for failure in meeting business deadlines (Concerns over child welfare IT continue).

Several years ago, government directives called for councils across the country to invest in computer equipment and software.

Social Services were additionally required to buy in applications that would support electronic case recording for all service users - adults and children - with each local authority responsible for deciding the most suitable application and  supplier.

Since then, several high-profile social cases involving children have rightly highlighted the need to tighten up the process. As a result, more structured methods of assessments and controlling workflow have been introduced - including eCAF and ICS - which require substantial upgrades to the computer systems already in use.

Unfortunately, some of these hitherto reliable systems are not upgradeable to the extent required and need replacing, involving substantial investment in new software, networks, staff retraining and data migration from existing systems.

The authorities concerned have been doing this as best they can within their timescale and budget and the fact that two-thirds missed the 31 March deadline merely reflects the amount of work involved. Having been involved in the training programmes of several authorities, I have seen these efforts first hand.

One positive aspect is that the business actually knows what is needed and is asking for the IT tools to make it happen, but in such a sensitive area the process cannot be rushed as any errors could have a negative impact on the very same vulnerable children whom these  systems are being installed to protect.

John McGhee