​External recruitment agencies are the unsung heroes in keeping staffing levels safe within children's care services for several reasons.

Firstly, recruitment agencies can quickly provide additional staff to cover any staffing shortages that may arise, ensuring that there are enough qualified and experienced social workers and foster carers to care for children in care. This is especially important in situations where the safety and wellbeing of the children are at risk due to staffing shortages.

Secondly, recruitment agencies can help to maintain safe staffing levels by providing additional staff during periods of high demand, such as school holidays or during emergencies, when there is a greater need for support in children's care services.

Thirdly, recruitment agencies can assist in maintaining safe staffing levels by providing staff with the necessary skills and experience to care for children with complex needs. This can be particularly important when recruiting for specialist positions or when caring for children with complex medical or emotional needs.

Recruitment agencies can provide an extra layer of safety by conducting thorough background checks and referencing to ensure that all staff members are suitable for working with vulnerable children. This can help to prevent potential safeguarding issues and protect the safety and wellbeing of children in care.

Overall, recruitment agencies play a crucial role in maintaining safe staffing levels within children's care services, and their contribution to the sector should be recognized and appreciated.