Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
4.1 Directorate Strategic Priorities 2017-19
The Committee received a presentation on the
Directorate Strategic Priorities 2017-19 as contained within the circulated
PowerPoint Presentation. Officers commended the contents as an outline to a
strategic plan which would be further populated if agreed to form the basis of
the priorities going forward.
Members were pleased to note the ongoing
discussions with other Heads of Service outside the Directorate and with
partner organisations in relation to breaking down silos.
It was queried if one Principal Officer with
responsibility for Safeguarding and Quality Assurance was sufficient. It was
agreed that the remit is large but that the post is a strategic one subject to
careful ongoing scrutiny and monitoring.
The Committee felt it was important that no target
is attached to reducing the numbers of Looked After
Children (LAC) as the wellbeing of the children within the care of the Authority
is paramount. They were pleased to note that Officers confirmed that no target
will be placed on reducing the numbers of LAC.
The challenges of working across Directorates in
the Council were discussed and the importance of sharing lessons learnt and
best practice.
Whilst praise was issued to the teams, concern was
raised at the departure of the Director and the appointment of a new Director
and the different ‘visions’ that could become apparent although the Committee
were keen to see the ‘Asset Based’ Approach being taken forward.
Following scrutiny the Committee were supportive of
the proposals included in the presentation.
4.2 Commissioning of a 24 Hour Call Monitoring Service for
Assistive Technology Service
The Committee received information in relation to entering
into a 3 year agreement with Camarthenshire County
Council for the provision of a Call Monitoring Service as contained within the
circulated report.
Members asked for further information in relation to the
funding formula and were informed that it is the agreed Western Bay formula
that is utilised.
Following scrutiny the Committee were supportive of the
proposals to be considered at Cabinet Board.
4.3 Homecare Service Inspection Report November 2017.
The Committee received information in relation to the
out-come of the CSSiW Inspection of the in house
Homecare Service as contained within the circulated report.
The Committee congratulated the staff for the positive
outcome of the inspection.
Members asked for further information in relation to the
Medication Errors that had occurred. They were informed that a Regulation 26 report to CSSIW is made for any incident that happens in a service
user’s home whilst staff are in attendance an example of which is medication
error. The
team are confident that high levels of vigilance and monitoring are in place.
Internal audit had highlighted errors in medicine management such as pharmacy
labelling and administrative mistakes such as not signing forms. The Committee
were pleased to note that if an error occurs it is discussed and addressed with
lessons learnt being shared and were also pleased to note that the margin of
error in medicine management was 0.01%.
The Committee queried if there is a grading system
for standards of care and were informed that the judgement is made by an
inspector at a particular moment in time and the Council is unaware of the
scoring system used by the Inspectorate.
Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be
noted.
4.4 Quarter 2 Performance Report 2017-18 Children and Young People
Services.
Members received the Performance Information on the
2nd Quarter for Children and Young People Services as contained
within the circulated report.
Members noted that the highest average caseload has
decreased but asked for further information in relation to the average caseload
per worker and what the numbers have been previously. They went on to ask if
Officers were confident that the numbers are manageable and it was stated that
they are happy with the current levels.
Members noted in relation to PI 27 the local
percentages are quarterly but the All Wales data is yearly which makes
comparison difficult.
In terms of PI 29a and 29b Members asked if a
breakdown of the discrete areas was available for English Maths and Science but
it was explained that this is a Welsh Government Indicator so the information
is not provided here but it is provided in detail to the Education Skill and
Culture Scrutiny Committee.
The Committee noted the data in relation to P28
concerning length of time in days for all children on the Child Protection
Register. It was discussed how being on the register is not what protects
children but it is the plans and arrangements that are in place around them
that contribute towards their safety. Officers explained that a child is moved
off the Register when they are no longer at risk of significant harm and that
the situation is continually monitored.
Members asked if next time figures could be
included of Young People who have come off the Child Protection Register.
A discussion was had in relation to LAC; Members observed
that and the fact that some of the cases represent stable and
long -term
placements whilst some are more complex.
Members drew attention to what the department had
committed to improve and asked what links were intended to be strengthened
between the Fostering and Children’s IT Systems. Officers explained issues such
as staff training and development, data capture and forward planning were all
be considered going forward.
The Committee asked for further information in
relation to Personal Outcomes and learnt that the plans were to increase
reviews on personal outcomes by talking to families and service users and to
update the system to record what is being achieved. Members looked forward to
be kept up to date on the progress of this.
Members asked for further information in relation
to ensuring the wellbeing of staff and officers explained the processes that
are in place including the Member Panel, monthly supervisions, open door
policy, team visits and staff survey.
Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be
noted.
4.5 Quarterly
Performance Management Data 2017-18 Quarter 2 Performance.
Members received the Performance Management
Information on the 2nd Quarter for the Social Services Health and
Housing Directorate as contained within the circulated report.
The Committee raised concern on homelessness within
the County Borough; it was explained that this pressure will be mitigated by
the opening of Beaufort House but ongoing work and monitoring will be required.
Members were disappointed at the continued lack of
take up of carer’s assessments and agreed there seemed to be cultural issues
which are preventing levels of take up.
Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be
noted.
4.6 Social Services Complaints and Representations Annual Report
2016/17
The Committee received information relating to the Social
Services Complaints and Representations Annual Report for 16/17 as contained
within the circulated report.
Members discussed the section ‘why do people complain’ and
felt that people usually complain because they want to be heard; it was
explained that the explanation in the report is Welsh Government guidance and
is not written by the Local Authority.
Members asked that patterns and trends be identified and
information in relation to compensation the next time the report is considered
by the Committee.
Following scrutiny it was agreed that the report be noted.