Issue - meetings

(a)     That the Committee is assured by the content of the Annual Performance letter and CIW’s assessment of the authority’s performance during the year 2019/20;

(b)     That the pause in the CIW Performance Review Plan for 2020-21 be noted and that CIW will notify the authority once the programme of inspection re-commences; and

(c)     That a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the Committee to the Chief Officer (Social Services) and his team of officers for the positive outcomes from the report.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report on the content of the recent Annual Performance letter issued by the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) on 2 July 2020.  The letter was based on evidence and performance data submitted by the authority throughout the year, together with the outcomes from inspections, focussed activities and self-evaluation returns.  Due to the national emergency, it had not been possible for an annual performance review meeting to take place between CIW and officers.

Amongst the highlights in the report, the Senior Manager: Integrated Services, Lead Adults spoke about the success of ‘Project Search’ which was an employment support programme for young people with a learning disability.

The Chair asked about the potential for online reviews with looked after children using a platform such as ‘Zoom’.  The Senior Manager: Children said that digital meetings were being used more often and were well received by the children themselves.

Councillor Mackie referred to an earlier question and confirmed that the fostering panel was continuing as normal.  On the findings of the Annual Performance Letter, he welcomed the positive feedback and congratulated the team on the quality of services.  In response to queries, the Senior Manager: Children assured Members on the strength and quality of advice given by the Legal team on which he had no concerns.  He also spoke about the placement of children in unregulated settings which had become an increasing national issue during the emergency period.  He gave examples where such a situation was unavoidable due to all other options being exhausted and the lack of availability at the time, and that safeguards were put in place to support the individual.  Discussions were currently taking place with Welsh Government on the potential for the Council to establish its own regulated settings to accommodate emergency placements.

The Chair welcomed the comprehensive response given by officers.  Following positive feedback from Members in praising the Social Services team, she asked that the Facilitator formally write a letter on behalf of the Committee to thank the Chief Officer and his team.

The recommendations in the report were moved and seconded by Councillors Wisinger and Gladys Healey.

RESOLVED:

(a)     That the Committee is assured by the content of the Annual Performance letter and CIW’s assessment of the authority’s performance during the year 2019/20;

(b)     That the pause in the CIW Performance Review Plan for 2020-21 be noted and that CIW will notify the authority once the programme of inspection re-commences; and

(c)     That a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the Committee to the Chief Officer (Social Services) and his team of officers for the positive outcomes from the report.