To consider the Director of Social Services Annual Report.
Minutes:
Documents:
· Director of Social Services Annual Report 2019/20
Discussion:
· Production of the report had been a challenge whilst maintaining vital services during the pandemic
· Some formatting and editing was still required
· The report was later than usual but there had been a relaxation of requirements
· The report shows the commitment to developing a sustainable, quality social services offer for current times and for the future
· The report highlights the challenges that the service faces
· The last year has seen the service continue to deliver and build upon improvements
· A permanent management team is now in place and all are committed to driving the service forward
· The Corporate Director has welcomed the constructive challenge and support from Cabinet, Members and the Improvement Board
· Covid 19 has caused significant disruption with the service invoking Business Continuity on 16 March 2020 – the Corporate Director paid tribute to managers and staff for their support over the period
· The Chair noted that the Improvement and Assurance Board was coming to an end and a new structure was being put in place. A number of Corporate Improvement Boards had been set up – the Social Services Improvement Board has already met and includes an independent member who had previously sat on the Improvement and Assurance Board.
· The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services informed the Committee that a report had been prepared. The pandemic had provided an opportunity to work creatively but a qualitative perspective was also in place.
· The Corporate Director acknowledged that the performance data was now 6 months old, but the service continued to improve, maintain and sustain during the period
· It was noted that the number of agency workers had reduced to 29 from 43 in Children’s Services. Adult Services had less than 10 agency workers which was typical of business as usual. A recruitment drive had been undertaken and some agency staff had been recruited to permanent posts. New social workers speak positively of their experience within the service.
· It was suggested that the report should inform the scrutiny work programme for the coming year
· Both the Portfolio Holder and Corporate Director recognised the need for scrutiny to hold them to account and to ensure constructive challenge continued once the Improvement and Assurance Board ceases to ensure that improvement continues
· A query regarding the cost of rebranding was raised – this was important for ownership. Whilst there had been a cost there had been benefits which outstripped those costs.
· A significant number of organisations work with the service. They have differing roles and duties but are coming together to align services. Honest discussions continue in finding ways to move forward and partnerships are improving continually.
· The Committee were aware that a Performance and Evaluation Inspection across Children’s and Adults’ Services was imminent. The Corporate Director was looking forward to showcasing the work of the service. An Improvement Conference was to be held on 9 October and a self-assessment had been completed
· An outcome letter would be provided in due course which would be shared with Committee. During the process, the Corporate Director would meet with the Inspectors at the end of every day for immediate feedback
Outcome:
· The Director of Social Services Annual Report for 2019/20 was noted
Supporting documents: