Issue - meetings

(a)       That the report be received;

(b)       That the Learning and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator request a breakdown from Human Resources on the Workforce sickness figures;

(c)        That concerns relating to the format of the report be submitted to Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee; and

(d)       That an awareness session on Disabled Facilities Grants be scheduled for Members. 

The Director of Community Services introduced a report for the Committee to consider the 2011/12 Quarter 4/Year End service performance reports, note the draft year end position of the Strategic Assessment of Risks and Challenges (SARC) and note the progress made against the Improvement Targets contained within the performance reports.                 

            Development & Resources

                        The Head of Development and Resources gave a short presentation on the performance within Development & Resources, outlining work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within the report. 

                        The Chair referred to paragraph 3.2 on page 95 on the introduction of locality working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and said that as a member of the Stakeholder Group, she shared the concerns reported. 

                        Councillor P. Curtis requested that a breakdown be provided to give information on short term/long term sickness figures.  Councillor S. Jones said that short term sickness was more of a concern and that this should be considered carefully.  Following a comment from Councillor M. Bateman on whether sickness was being caused by employees being in the wrong job, the Director advised that discussions with the employees concerned took place on a case by case basis.  The Chair suggested that the Facilitator contact Human Resources to clarify whether the information requested by Members was already considered at Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.  Councillor D.E. Wisinger also requested that the sickness figures breakdown include details of the department. 

            Social Services for Adults

                        The Service Manager gave a short presentation on the performance within Social Services for Adults, outlining work which had been undertaken to improve performance and areas where improvement was needed, as outlined within the report. 

                        In response to a question from Councillor D.I. Mackie on the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), the Chair indicated that the table on page 106 provided a breakdown of the average time taken for an Occupational Therapy assessment to be carried out and the average time taken in Housing/Care & Repair for the DFGs to be completed.  Councillor Mackie also expressed concern and confusion that the information for DFGs seemed to be repeated on pages 98, 102 and 106 in the report.  The Service Manager explained that DFGs featured as a national figure but also in the Council’s own improvement actions and this was the reason for the duplication; however she indicated that the information could be shown in a clearer manner. 

                        The Director of Community Services said that the template used was a new format which was being used corporately for the production of the quarterly performance reports following a pilot scheme within the Housing Directorate.  The Chair expressed her disappointment at the new format which she felt was difficult to follow.  Councillor M. Lowe suggested that a Member workshop be held on DFGs.  The Learning and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Facilitator advised that the new format had been developed following concerns raised in relation to quarterly performance reporting.  A group consisting of officers and Overview & Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13