Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

No disclosures of interest were made.

To receive the notes of the previous meeting and agree as an accurate record.

The Panel agreed the notes as an accurate record of the meeting.

Questions must relate to matters on the Agenda and will be dealt with in a 10 minute period.

No members of the public were present at the meeting.

Deborah Reed, Interim Head of Adult Services

Deborah Reed, Interim Head of Adult Services updated the Panel on the re-procurement of domiciliary care and respite at home service in Swansea.

Discussion points:

·       Authority is looking to claw back 50% of the 27% it estimates providers are under delivering

·       Authority anticipates the new system will be better in meeting the current shortfalls as currently providers do not want to take on rural areas.  By offering a rural premium it is hoped this will increase the number of packages of care in these areas

·       Quality is being built into the process as zones have been constructed on efficient runs so helping providers put in bids which are more efficient for them.  This will help us to commission a quality service.  Also providers will have to pay expenses for travel, carry out proper appraisals etc.

·       Panel requested to see questions on quality included in the tendering requirements.

·       Panel to revisit this item in late Summer / early Autumn to look at the outcomes of this process.

Actions:

·       Circulate to Panel questions on quality included in tendering requirements

·       Add to work programme ‘Outcomes of Re-Procurement Process – Domiciliary Care and Respite at Home’.

Deborah Reed, Interim Head of Adult Services

The Panel received a presentation updating on Adult Safeguarding in Swansea.

Deborah Reed, Interim Head of Adult Services

The Welsh Government Anti-Slavery Coordinator, Stephen Chapman, attended the meeting and gave a short introduction about the role he carries out.  The Crime Agency has just published a document which he will send to the Panel for information.  The Panel was informed that we are in a far better situation now as we are aware of the issue.  A lot is being done but there is a lot more to do. 

Deborah Reed updated the Panel about this issue in Swansea. 

Discussion points:

·       Lots of ways to identify the people involved. 

·       We are the only country using MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) to help with this issue.  In Swansea MARAC meets on demand.

·       We do not know the true number of people being held in slavery.  Think it is in the thousands in Wales

·       There is a modern slavery helpline which people can use to report it.  This is beginning to be used more.

Actions:

·       Crime Agency document to be circulated to the Panel for information.

Dave Howes, Director of Social Services

Dave Howes, Director of Social Services briefed the Panel on the outcomes of the inspection by CIW on Swansea Council Domiciliary Support Services. 

Discussion points:

·       Verbal feedback from inspectors was excellent.  Really positive feedback around staff and managers leading the service

·       Some issues still to address but these are in hand

·       All feedback around practice delivery was very positive especially the verbal feedback

·       CIW inspection reports on providers will be used as part of the process for deciding on tenders.  These are used as business as usual.  It is part of how the Service contract manages at present

·       Local inspectors will expect to see the Action Plan and will monitor implementation of it

·       Panel feels personal plans should be more reflective of individual needs.  This is in respect of some of the re-ablement works.  The Service will be doing something about this.

The Panel considered the work programme.

a)    Convener’s letter to Cabinet Member (19 February 2019 meeting)

Letter received and considered by the Panel.