Agenda item

The Committee received the report on the key priority indicator information within Children’s Services, as detailed within the circulated report, for indicators:

·     Priority Indicator 1 – Average number of cases held by qualified workers across the Service.

·     Priority Indicator 2 – Staff supervision rates.

·     Priority Indicator 3 – The number of social worker vacancies across the service (including number of starters/leavers/agency staff/sickness).

·     Priority Indicator 4 – Number of approved foster carers within the Council.

In relation to Priority Indicator 3 it was noted that there had been four and a half vacancies in February 2016 and it was confirmed that those positions were now being filled, which would be reflected in the figures in future reports. Members highlighted that there seemed to be more staff leaving during the winter period and it was queried if there was a pattern or reason for this. Officers explained that there did not seem to be any trends or patterns. Members noted that there had been a significant reduction in agency staff and asked how many there were remaining in the Service. It was clarified that there were currently three agency staff within the Service.

It was highlighted that Priority Indicator 4 was indicating that the number of in house foster carer placements were increasing and fewer independent carers were being used by the Service. Members asked if the cost differential between in house and independent foster carers was similar across Wales. Officers confirmed that this was the case and the costs were negotiated across four local authorities. It was explained that the costs for independent foster carers included the costs to the agencies not just what the foster carers were paid.

Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.