Agenda item

Measures and Objectives

To consider measures and objectives for Q4 for Children’s Services.

Minutes:

Documents:

·         Measures and Objectives at Q4

 

Discussion:

·         The main area of concern was that 62% of statutory assessments had been completed on time against a target of 90%.  There were mitigating circumstances and the Committee was assured that the service was being delivered and every child had been visited.

·         Senior managers meet weekly

·         There is considerable focus on data provided

·         Demands have been random during the pandemic – during February 2021, 47 assessments were opened, in March 2021, 103 assessments were opened.  The fluctuation in demand is creating a number of pressures

·         An increase in referrals had been expected as lockdown eased and other agencies began to operate as usual, including schools

·         Contacts at the Front Door had averaged between 400 and 500 – the most recent information reports that this has increased to 600.

·         A decision is made on these referrals within 24 hours or they are referred through for assessment.

·         The Committee were advised of significant issues with WCCIS – the online recording system for case files – and this was having a considerable, negative impact on work including the writing up and sign off of assessments.  The Head of Service reiterated that every child is being seen and their needs met, but the administrative function is causing considerable difficulties.

·         The pandemic has seen an increase in more complex issues.  Additional resources have been sourced including one additional decision maker and two social workers in the assessment team.

·         The issues raised are having an impact on the health and wellbeing of staff

·         The Committee asked if the increase in demand was a trend or a short term issue.  The Head of Service reported that performance against assessments had not improved over the last month.  There was an increase in demand, in children being taken into care and being included on the Child Protection Register.

·         The Portfolio Holder noted that prior to the pandemic, staff had support from other professionals which provided additional resilience.  This had not been available during the pandemic.

·         The Committee asked if there was sufficient management support in prioritizing issues to help alleviate the pressures on staff.  The Head of Service noted the pressures in peoples lives in addition to work and that challenges were being addressed.  A quarterly Road Show allowed all staff to ask questions of the Senior Management Team.  A number of other wellbeing measures were also in place including mindfulness sessions and a virtual tea shop and choir.  These have been welcomed by staff alongside other corporate support.  There had been no increase in the levels of long term sickness absence.  Management was addressing means by which staff could access offices and colleagues in a safe way to improve team resilience.  Duty Social Workers were now operating from an office and Assessment Teams were working from an office one day a week in appropriate ‘bubbles’.

·         Members requested a performance report in addition to the information they have been provided with

·         A weekly return of demand is provided to the Welsh Government with national trends being monitored

·         The Committee noted that statutory visits were not all completed within the time frame – many of these were one or two days outside the target.  Visits can take place via Zoom, phone etc.  Of 799 statutory visits to children on the Child Protection Register, 734 were completed within the time frame and 65 outside.  Of the 65, 35 were one to two days over target.

·         The Chair questioned whether the regulator would accept the mitigation given to demonstrate that a quality service was being delivered despite the administrative difficulties – the Head of Service confirmed that this was the case, and that the Authority could be proud of the service being delivered.  The Portfolio Holder stated that quality was paramount and welcomed Members’ recognition of the difficulties being encountered.

 

Outcomes:

·         The report was noted

·         A performance report would be circulated to Members

Supporting documents: