Cabinet Member: Cllr. W. Gareth Roberts
To consider a report by the Head of Adults, Health and
Well-being Department on the above.
10.45 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.
Minutes:
A report was
submitted by the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department in response
to questions from Members following the receipt of the Overview Report on the
Council's performance.
Members were given
an opportunity to ask questions and the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being
Department responded as follows:
(a) that there
were new requirements in relation to welfare duties, however, nothing specific
had been received from the Government thus far. The duties would have to be undertaken
within the existing resources and it would be necessary to conform to a wider
restructuring within the Department. It
was trusted that a Well-being Manager would be appointed next month.
(b) that
approximately 20 students per annum attend the MA course in Social Work at
Bangor. The Department had recently
advertised for staff in the Meirionnydd area and the response was good.
(c) It was
explained that it was proposed to raise public awareness of the Care Challenge
and as a first step they would contact the Town Council and dependent on the
response a wider work programme could be determined to meet with specific
groups. It was noted that there was an
appeal to visit the Penllyn area where five Community
Councils were working together. It was
assured that the awareness of Local Members would be raised in these visits in
order that they are aware if there are any visits in their area.
(ch) an undertaking was given that the figures would be
circulated to Councillor Linda Ann Wyn Jones regarding the number who are on
the waiting lists of Social Workers.
(a)
A great deal of research had been undertaken
regarding career pathways, however, there was a great deal of work yet to be
achieved. It was acknowledged that it
was difficult to recruit Social Workers and care workers in rural areas, and
some of the external providers recruited care workers from overseas. However, an assurance was given that a great
deal of effort had been made to contact Colleges of Further Education to raise
the profile of opportunities but care was not an attractive career in terms of
wages. More attention needed to be
given to ensure that individuals identify the field soon and that there are
opportunities to develop a further career.
It was confirmed that a great deal had been done at a professional level
in order to develop individuals in their career. It was recognised that the training
structures of some external providers appeared stronger than others. It was noted that the Council should perhaps
consider setting specific clauses in contracts in order to ensure an element of
investment to develop career pathways.
(dd) Regarding the cuts, that the main elements in terms of
impact had been presented and some would have an impact on the service such as
on visits and timely assessments etc. and this meant difficult choices. However, having made an effort to get rid of
waste, it was trusted that the impact would be less on individuals, but it
would be slower in terms of providing services.
(b)
In the context of
recruitment problems and competition by external providers, it was noted that
whilst accepting that it was a feat to retain individuals in post for a long
period, it was easier for the Council to retain staff due to work conditions,
pensions etc. A member stated that they
should look at imaginative and innovative ways to retain staff such as a car
lease scheme.
(c)
In response to a comment made by a Member
regarding a report by the third Sector, regarding the impact of wages/payments
by local authorities on the viability of providers, it was assured that a copy
would be sent to the Members of this Scrutiny Committee.
(d)
In the same manner, it was suggested that a copy of
the Carers Career Path should also be sent to them.
(ng) In terms of
dual registration, it was added that the commissioning work was procceeding and it was anticipated that it would be
completed around April and following this a further report could be submitted
to the Scrutiny Committee on the possible models. If there are examples of
Committees that had undertaken the provision then these would be included
within the investigation.
Resolved: (a)
To accept and note the report.
(b)
To request that the Head of Adults, Health and Well-being Department submits a
further report to this Scrutiny Committee on the findings of the commissioned
work on dual registration.
(a)
To request that
the Members' Support Manager - Scrutiny sends the information outlined in (j)
above to the Members of this Scrutiny Committee.
Supporting documents: