Issue - meetings

(a)       That the draft Annual Report be noted; and

(b)       That the final Annual Report be considered by the Committee at its  meeting on 1^st July, 2021.

Prior to introducing the report the Chief Officer (Social Services) provided informal verbal feedback on the outcome of the Commissioning Inspectorate Wales (CIW) assurance review which was held week beginning 19 April.  He advised that feedback from the CIW to date confirmed that overall the Inspection had been positive and reflected many areas of very good practice in Flintshire.  The CIW felt assured that vulnerable people (both children and adults) and their families were well supported in Flintshire and during Covid a good level of support both corporately and within Social Services was being provided.  Some areas of improvement were identified and an action plan had been commenced in response.  The Chief Officer explained that a comprehensive report on the findings of the CIW Inspection would be submitted to the Committee in due course.

In introducing the report the Chief Officer provided background information and advised that a draft of the Social Services Annual Report 2020/21 and 2021/22 Priorities was attached as Appendix 1 to the report and a mock-up of the cover and format was attached as Appendix 2.  The Chief Officer paid tribute to the role and contribution of key workers at all levels in supporting vulnerable people throughout  the Covid-19 pandemic and spoke of the innovation, success, and quality of social service  provision in numerous areas. .

In presenting the report the Commissioning Manager drew attention to the improvement priorities identified for 2021/2022 listed in section 1.11 of the covering report.  She reiterated the comments expressed by the Chief Officer around the challenges of the pandemic and said nevertheless projects and schemes had continued in earnest despite the restrictions and innovative ways of providing services had been developed.

The Chair congratulated the Chief Officer and his team, and all involved on the outcome of the CIW inspection.  She also congratulated Officers on the high standard of the report on the Director’s Annual Report. 

In response to a question by the Chair on the impact of Covid-19 on the provision of micro-care, the Commissioning Manager explained that due to the pandemic there had been increased interest and as a result of social media campaigns and online information there were currently 19 micro-care organisations set up which provided a further option in social care provision.

Members spoke in support of the report and congratulated the Chief Officer and his workforce on the high quality and innovative provision of social services in Flintshire.  Councillor Paul Cunningham expressed thanks to the Council for the continued support of Double-Click. 

Councillor Dave Mackie highlighted a number of typographical errors on the draft report.  He also asked that consideration be given to the formatting of the report to provide ease of access by electronic devices. 

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Mike Lowe and seconded by Councillor Jean Davies.

RESOLVED:

a)         That the draft Annual Report be noted; and

(b)       That the final Annual Report be considered by the Committee at its meeting on 1^st July, 2021.