Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

There were no declarations of interest.

            There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2018.

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

            The minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2018 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be approved; and

(b)       That the Facilitator in consultation with the Chair of the Committee be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings should this be necessary.

The Democratic Services Manager presented the current Forward Work Programme for consideration.  He drew attention to the items scheduled for the next meeting of the Committee to be held on 18 March 2019, and advised that an additional item to provide an update on the Digital Strategy had been included for consideration at the meeting.  The Democratic Services Manager also advised that the item on NEWydd Catering and Cleaning Progress Review which was scheduled for consideration at the meeting on 18 March, had been moved to the meeting to be held on 13 May 2019, to allow for a report on Social Value Strategy to be presented on 18 March.

 The Democratic Services Manager referred to the item to be scheduled on Connah’s Quay Swimming Pool – Cambrian Aquatics Mid-Year Progress Report 2018/19.  He reiterated that the Board members of Cambrian Aquatics had difficulty attending the meeting of the Committee at County Hall, Mold, on 28 January, and it had been suggested that the time and the venue of the meeting be reconsidered to enable them to attend.  Councillor Paul Shotton commented that a previous meeting of the Committee had been held at Cambrian Aquatics, Connah’s Quay, in the morning and asked if this could be considered.  Councillor Tudor Jones suggested that a small number of members of the Committee attend a meeting with the Board members of Cambrian Aquatics at a mutually agreed time and report back to a future meeting of the Committee.  It was agreed that the Democratic Services Manger would explore the suggestions put forward with Cambrian Aquatics.

Councillor Ian Dunbar suggested that a future visit to Hwb Cyfle be arranged on behalf of the Committee.

Councillor Paul Shotton suggested that the venue for the meeting of the Committee to be held on 18 March, be changed to Deeside Leisure Centre.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be approved; and

(b)       That the Facilitator in consultation with the Chair of the Committee be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings should this be necessary.

There were no members of the press or the public in attendance.