Agenda item

That the Committee expresses its satisfaction at the progress made through the service partnership with Hft following successful transition in February 2018.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced the report to provide an update on progress with the Social Care Learning Disability Day and Work Opportunities Service ADM, including delivery of the service post transfer to Hft Limited. He provided background information and advised that in addition to progress on the Authority’s partnership with Hft the report included an update on the construction of a new Day Centre in Queensferry which would help to transfer and modernise service for people in Flintshire.

The Chief Officer welcomed and introduced Andrew Horner, Director of Operational Projects, Hft Limited, and Jordan Smith, Regional Manager, Hft Flintshire, and invited them to give a presentation on Hft Flintshire which covered the following main points:

·         who are Hft and where we are

·         transition

·         Glanrafon, Hwb Cyfle, Tri-Ffordd, Rowley’s Pantry and Freshfields

·         Castle Connections

·         Work Options Team

·         case studies

·         model of support

·         people we support – feedback

·         challenges

·         workforce development

·         mandatory training

·         staff exchange

·         fundraising

·         Project Search Flintshire

Mr. Horner and Mr. Smith reported on the progress made since the Authority appointed Hft to run the service from 1 February 2018 and referred to the service model and workforce developments, progress on construction of a new adult day centre, partnership working, fundraising, future business plans and project search.  During the meeting a former service user who is now an employed by Hft, spoke to the Committee about her personal experiences of the service during the last 12 months, supported by her Job Coach.

Councillor Ian Dunbar spoke in support of the excellent work achieved at Glanrafon and welcomed the construction of a new community facility (Hwb Cyfle) to replace the existing day service centre which was due to open in June this year.

Councillor Paul Shotton expressed appreciation for the fundraising activities undertaken by Hft which had generated £31,000 for service improvements, investment in equipment, technology, and new activities.  He also commented on the Cranfield Trust Business School which had provided a business planning consultant at no cost.  Councillor Shotton welcomed the construction of the new community centre. 

Councillor Shotton asked Mr. Horner and Mr. Smith to provide more information on the work of the Job Coach Team.  Mr. Horner explained that Hft were reviewing all existing work placements supported by the Job Coach team. He continued that the Job Coaches were exploring options with employers where there were placements that have been unpaid and individuals are fulfilling job descriptions and commented on some of the successes that Hft have had in this task.  Mr. Horner also commented on the work undertaken by Hft to recruit and support individuals in volunteer roles. 

Mr. Horner reported on the Project Search programme which Hft had successfully delivered across the UK for a number of years and explained that this was a 12 month internship programme for young adults with disabilities.  The project worked closely with a host employer to provide work experience for interns and to enable them to learn and develop the skills needed to enter paid or volunteer work roles. Mr. Horner advised that Hft would launch Project Search in Flintshire in September 2019.

Councillor Carol Ellis congratulated Mr. Horner and Mr. Smith on the progress and achievements gained by Hft.  She said the enthusiasm and commitment shown was inspirational and looked forward to the opening of Hwb Cyfle and the opportunities it would provide in Flintshire.

Councillor Hilary McGuill suggested that there was an opportunity to expand the activities provided by Hft to include work and care for animals to develop social skills and interaction.  She said links could be developed with other organisations who supported disabled people to share the responsibility and costs associated with the care of animals.

Councillor Kevin Hughes reiterated the views expressed by Members and said that the presentation by Hft had been inspirational and offered his personal support if needed.  He also commented on the service provided by Arts and Business Cymru which provided live music in venues such as care home settings and said he would send details to Mr. Horner and Mr. Smith for information.

The Chair thanked Mr. Horner and Mr. Smith for their detailed presentation and answers to Members questions.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee expresses its satisfaction at the progress made through the service partnership with Hft following successful transition in February 2018.