Agenda and minutes

Venue: held remotely via video-conference

Contact: Dwynwen 

Items
No. Item

7.

Apologies

Minutes:

Councillor Paul Hinge apologised for his inability to attend the meeting due to being on other Council business.  Councillor Odwyn Davies, Keith Evans and Mark Strong apologised for his inability to attend the meeting.

 

8.

Disclosures of personal interest (including whipping declarations) Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct. In addition, Members must declare any prohibited party whip which the Member has been given in relation to the meeting as per the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011.

Minutes:

None

9.

Through Age and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 2027 and Action Plan pdf icon PDF 3 MB

Minutes:

The Corporate Director delivered a presentation and video on the Through Age & Wellbeing Strategy 2021 – 2027 and Action Plan.

 

It was explained that this strategy is a key part of the Ceredigion County Council Corporate Strategy that illustrates the main priorities for the Council. The priorities aim to enable the delivery of services that will enhance the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being for the people of Ceredigion.  Providing support for all ages and needs is a significant challenge for the Council with limited resources. The profile of society and demographics have changed considerably over the last decade with a significant increase in the prevalence and impact of substance misuse, poor mental health and domestic abuse and older age groups living in Ceredigion. As a consequence, demand for certain services has increased placing a greater financial pressure on those service areas. In addition, the unemployment levels coupled with the low income levels has placed increased difficulties on the ability of people to access safe, affordable housing.

 

The Committee noted that it was agreed in 2017 that a systematic review of all structures and service areas should be undertaken to ensure that services across the Council have the capacity and capability to meet the priorities of the Corporate Plans and Objectives.

The transformation of services has progressed well with the final major change being the integration of social care and lifelong learning into the three services Porth Cymorth Cynnar, Porth Gofal and Porth Cynnal who along with Customer Contact make up the 4 main areas that fall within the Through Age & Wellbeing Programme of change.

 

Formal restructuring of these services started in late 2019 with the implementation of the Corporate Manager structure across the services. The pandemic then delayed progress during 2020 but this was then further progressed from September 2020 onwards. It was recognised that a clear strategy was required to drive and communicate the need for change and how this would be achieved.  Updates and workshops with members have taken place throughout the period of change. Staff and Trade Unions have been engaged and consulted during each part of the process.

 

At the outset of the programme a vision was created that reflected the ambitious programme of change:

 

‘To ensure every child, young person and adult in Ceredigion will be able to reach their full potential. To ensure fair access for all to excellent universal and targeted services that supports the health and wellbeing of all citizens.  To develop skills and resilience that will last a lifetime and enable individuals to cope well with the challenges and pressures that they may face.’

 

The Through-age & Wellbeing Strategy clarifies the vision and plans for the implementation.  The Through Age and Wellbeing strategy sets out the vision and associated approaches that will be taken to transform how the wellbeing and safety of the people of Ceredigion is supported. Giving a timeline of 2021-2027 to achieve the changes.

 

The strategy describes the journey the Council will take, alongside its partners,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Assurance Check 2021 pdf icon PDF 464 KB

Minutes:

The Corporate Lead Officer – Porth Cynnal and Statutory Director of Social Services informed the Committee that a letter had been received from Care Inspectorate Wales (‘CIW’) on 2nd July 2021 following the Health Assurance Check carried out during May 2021.  The letter summarises the findings of the assurance check on 10 May to 14 May 2021.  They focused their key lines of enquiry within the four principles of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and have recorded their judgements and findings aligned to these: People - Voice and Control, Prevention, Partnerships and Integration, Well-being.  The summary of findings and priorities for improvement were outlined to the Committee. 

 

            Following discussion, Members agreed to note the contents of the letter and praised all Social Services staff for their hard work and commitment to their roles prior to and during the pandemic. 

 

            Members wished to note that staff and the service are under increased pressure and are doing the best they can having to work within the current service pressures .