Agenda and minutes

A spelling mistake was noted on page 7, and that ‘morale’ should read ‘moral.’

The Committee noted the Minutes.

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme and Actions Register.

Members received an update on the progress of Child Sexual Exploitation procedures in Neath Port Talbot as contained within the circulated report.

The Committee thanked officers for the style of the report which they felt was easy to read.

Members asked for further information in relation to the ‘network of professionals involved in multi-agency meetings’ and Officers explained that partners include Education, Police, Health, Schools, CAMHS, and voluntary organisations among others. Members queried the particular relationship with the Police and were assured that this has been improved and were given confidence that all actions are taken forward by specific assigned officers.  

Members noted that a risk factor is allocated from an assigned score and the Committee were pleased to note that the timescale from the allocation of this score to holding the meeting is 7-10 days. They went on to ask what happens if a young person scores below 16 and noted that they will remain on a care and support package with Social Services and that the score will be continually reviewed.

It was stated that 8 young people are currently on the protocol and Members asked for assurances to ensure that young people are not slipping through the net. It was explained that there are robust information sharing protocols and greatly improved working relationships in place.

The Committee discussed concerns in relation to social media and how parents can protect their children at home. A discussion was then held on Members’ roles as Corporate Parents and the role of the Western Bay Safeguarding Children’s Board as well as ongoing partnership work with foster carers, schools, police and other partners to continue to raise the profile and awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation.  

Members asked if the SERAF and CSE protocol could be circulated to the Committee.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

4.1    Social Services Health and Housing Adult Social Care Staff Survey 2017.

          Members received information in relation to the Social Services Health and Housing Adult Social Care Staff Survey 2017 as contained within the circulated report.

          Members noted that the survey had been completed in June 2017 and that this had been the first survey that staff had been asked to complete; out of 320 eligible questionnaires a total of 150 had been completed.  

          Members raised concern at the response level but noted that this had been the first survey of its kind and work would be completed with staff to build their confidence and encourage better participation with the survey.

          The Director gave the Committee an assurance that findings raised from the survey had been acted upon and that the results had been shared fully with the Trade Unions.

          The Committee requested that this item be deferred until this year’s staff survey is completed so that a comparison can be made between the results and the Director confirmed he would commence the Survey earlier than planned.

Resolved: that pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local

                   Government Act 1972, the public be excluded for the

                   following items of business which involved the likely

                   disclosure of exempt information as defined in

paragraph 12 and 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

The Committee scrutinised the following matters:

Cabinet Board Proposals

6.1    A Supportive Review of the Community Mental Health Teams Associated Primary Care Psychiatric Liaison Services by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

          The Committee received information in relation to the findings of the Supportive Review of the Community Mental Health Teams Associated Primary Care Psychiatric Liaison Services by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council as contained within the circulated report.

          Members heard how the review had encouraged staff to be open and honest and that lessons had been learnt about management arrangements of integrated services.

          It was noted that there will be links with Local Area Coordinators where possible.

          Members asked for progress against the ‘lack of administrative staff’ that had been noted in the report and were informed that in the interim agency staff have been utilised whilst the team structure is being considered.

          Progress was also requested on the sporadic attendance at Multi Discipliniary meetings and the Committee were informed that this has greatly improved.

          A discussion was held on the finding of the review that Gelligron is ‘not fit for purpose’ and Members agreed that there are clear issues and challenges with the building but noted that there is a wider ongoing accommodation review which is considering all options. The Committee were particularly concerned about the lack of space for storage of medical records and were pleased to note the plans to move to an electronic system.

          Members were pleased to note that supervision is now conducted consistently according to policy on a 28 day basis.

          The Committee asked for further information in relation to the governance and scrutiny arrangements of the Health Board and were informed of the existence of a Quality and Safety Committee and the establishment of a Strategic Group.

          The Committee appreciated the impact of when the previous Senior Management Team of the Council’s Social Services team departed and recognised the influence of the new management structure and that they had needed time to bed in.

          The Committee agreed that a Member Panel be instated to provide a format where Members can receive direct feedback from frontline Social Work Services and address any issues that arise with Senior Officers. 

          Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be noted.

6.2    Manager’s Report, Hillside Secure Children’s Home

          Members received information on the young people, information on staff and service planning and development for the period of 20^th August 2017 to 15^th December 2017 as contained within the circulated report.

          Members asked if in future a glossary of abbreviations be included.

          The Committee welcomed the achievements in education and congratulated the Unit in being used as an example of good practice in sports therapy. The Committee also looked forward to the opening of the Hair and Beauty Salon.

          Members raised concern at the significant increase in short term and long term sickness absence. Officers explained that the team members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.