Call for outsiders on welfare agency boards

Social workers have called for legislation to allow 'outsiders' a say in the governing boards of subsidised welfare agencies.

The proposal was put forward at a meeting yesterday between social workers' representatives and Director of Social Welfare Stephen Fisher.

The meeting came amid growing complaints by social workers about a lack of checks and balances, which they say has resulted in poorer services and lower staff morale.

Peter Cheung Kwok-che, president of the Social Workers' General Union, said he appreciated Mr Fisher's willingness to listen to their concerns and that he had not expected a quick fix in one meeting.

'We believe that in the long run, there is a need for changes by means of legislation. Like school boards, outsiders can be given seats on the boards of welfare agencies,' he said.

Mr Cheung complained that the power of boards had grown out of proportion since the introduction of the lump-sum grant system in 2001 and accused some boards of hoarding money instead of using it to improve workers' conditions.