Agenda and minutes

To receive any declaration of interest by any Member or Officer in respect of any item of business.

None received.

To present the report of the Director of Social Services.

The report of the Director of Social Services and Head of Adults’ Services incorporating the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Report following the recent inspection of Social Services – Performance Evaluation Inspection (PEI) was presented for the Committee’s consideration. 

The Portfolio Member for Children’s Services (Social Services) and Youth Services in presenting the report said that the Social Services Departments, both Children and Families and Adults Services were inspected by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) on the 10^th – 14^th October, 2022, as part of their routine Performance Evaluation Review Inspection (PEI).  He noted that the report is to be welcomed as CIW identified areas of strength, good practice and service development and did not highlight any areas of significant risk or safeguarding matters.  CIW has identified that the Authority demonstrated a strong enthusiasm and readiness to work with partner organisations and the third sector together with other services within the Council.  He referred to the excellent work between the Social Services Department and the Housing Department as regards to the Cartrefi Clyd project.  The Department also works closely with the Education Department as regards to the Hubs within the Secondary Schools.  He further said that there is consistent, positive messages from the workforce regarding the quality of leadership and culture across both the children and adults’ services.   He further noted that he was glad that CIW has recognised the political and corporate support the Social Services Department has received since 2016.  In light of the financial challenges, it should be ensured that the support continues in order to further drive improvements across the children and adults’ services. 

The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services reiterated the comments made by the Portfolio Member for Children’s Services (Social Services) and Youth Services and welcomed the positive CIW report on the Social Services Department.  He noted that this is the first time that there has been focus on the Adult’s Services which is to be welcomed.  He wished to thank the staff of both the Children and Adult’s services for their work.

The Director of Social Services reported that he was appreciative that the CIW report was a positive report on both the Children and Adult’s services and especially during the immense pressure on the Care Sector, cost of living crisis and the pressure on the workforce to address these issues.  He noted that there is an open and constructive relationship between the service and CIW with regular meetings held to discuss improvements within the service.  He further said that whilst the report is positive there is continued work required by the service to address the needs of the residents of the Island and especially those with more complex needs within the Children and Adult’s service.   Working in partnership with partner organisations and the third sector is paramount which has shown benefits to the vulnerable individuals on the Island. The Director of Social Services further reported that a Development Plan will be produced for both services which will be submitted to the Scrutiny  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To present the report of the Scrutiny Manager.

The report of the Scrutiny Manager incorporating the Committee’s updated Forward Work Programme for 2022/2023 was presented for the Committee’s confirmation.

The Scrutiny Manager referred to the next meeting of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee to be held on 28 February, 2023.  She noted that the Council’s Plan for 2023 – 2028 will be included as an additional item for discussion at the next meeting. 

It was RESOLVED :-

·      To agree the current version of the Forward Work Programme for 2022/23.

·        To note the progress thus far in implementing the Forward Work Programme.