This report presents the findings of the “Functional review of the Government social service workforce in relation to child protection”. The review was commissioned by Uganda's Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Coordinating Comprehensive Services for Children (4Children) Uganda System Strengthening project. The goal of the functional review was to inform efforts geared towards strengthening the functionality of the social service workforce, taking into account changes in the legal and policy framework and global trends in social protection and child protection in particular. The purpose of the review was to support the MGLSD’s Directorate of Social Protection and the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG)’s Directorate of Local Government Inspection to harmonise and clarify the roles and responsibilities of Probation and Social Welfare Officers (PSWOs), District Community Development Officers (DCDOs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), and sub- county Community Development Officers (CDOs). Elements explored included: a skills inventory of the social service workforce, performance-based management standards and processes, capacity-strengthening needs and strategies, communication and coordination at different levels, and the organisational environment. An organisational development approach was adopted, involving a participatory and consultative process led by a technical working group. National-, district-, and sub-county-level staff and stakeholders were consulted through regional workshops and interviews with key stakeholders.
