Agenda item

Issues Raised by the Committee:

Responses Received:

What level reduction of supervision would cause concern? What actions would be taken following a concern in supervision rates?

It would be worrying if the level had fallen well below 70%. The aim was to get as close to 100% as possible, however the summer months often shown a dip due to annual leave.

Assurance was given that weekly performance meetings were held with supervision being brought up as a key performance indicator, so changes would be noted quickly.

Supervision was just one format of conversation between practitioner and manager. There were multiple other methods for communication taking place.

It was noted that there was a 100% appraisal rate in the summer.

The data showed that 50 SP Statutory Visits were carried out ‘out of time’ in September 2024. Was this a worry? What was the risk? At what point would supervisors be expected to highlight this?

The target was above 90%. It would be worrying if a significant downward trend was seen.

It would be a concern if the number of days was increasing between children being seen.

But this was monitored regularly on a weekly and monthly basis and assurance was given that problems would be picked up quickly.

The WICCIS Service had been down during September, which prevented the timely recording of information. It was not that the Children were not seen, but that the information from the visits could not be uploaded onto the system.

The Committee requested the identification of the top 5 to 10 most critical service metrics to streamline evaluation of the monthly performance reports.

The Head of Children’s Services suggested the following:

• Increase in Child Protection Registrations
• High-Cost Placements

• The Front Door Data

The Head of Adults Services suggested the following:

• Number of assessments completed needed to be added to the Performance Report to allow for qualitative data in understanding outcomes.
• Could focus on a theme every month rather than provide all information at once.

The Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder for a Caring Powys noted that the monthly report had the potential to provide a holistic view of the work being done by demonstrating the whole system.

The committee requested an update regarding WICCIS and sought assurance of the new system.

The Head of Children’s Services answered that the WICCIS system was on a phased decommissioning process.

The tendering process had been completed. The service was now in the testing phase of possible suppliers.

The Director of Social Services could provide a more detailed report to the Committee - ACTION

Would the new system only be available in Powys?

Yes, Powys had independently sourced its own system, but it would still be attached to the National Board.

Concern was shared regarding the potential risk of using un-unified systems when keeping track of at-risk children who had moved to different areas. How could a smooth transition and reduction in risk be ensured?

Assurance was provided that tracking of dangerous or at-risk individuals would continue to take place through multiple data bases throughout the UK. And it was offered that the Director of Social Services and Wellbeing could provide a more detailed report to the Committee.