Adult services ‘must improve’
CIW undertook its inspection in January after receiving complaints concerns by people who use services, members of the public, Assembly Members and issues identified during the children’s services inspection in 2017.
The main findings show:
· Inspectors saw evidence some people received good care and support but this was not consistent
· Some people faced significant delays in being assessed for care and support and in receiving a service. Significant improvement is required
· There was good co-operation between frontline health and social care staff and a range of voluntary sector and community groups
· Urgent safeguarding referrals were dealt with swiftly and effectively.
· There was an unacceptable backlog of safeguarding work at screening and enquiry stages
· Inspectors noted the commitment of staff who have shown professionalism whilst coping with many changes and depleted resources
The existence of an Improvement and Assurance Board, which is independently chaired and includes external advisors to secure improvement across social services, and the appointment of a permanent Director of Social Services, should now drive the required improvements and ensure positive outcomes for adults in need of care or support and their carers in Powys.
CIW acknowledged Powys County Council had developed a three-year improvement plan prior to the inspection. Inspectors were pleased to note senior managers accepted the findings and have committed themselves to achieving the necessary improvements.
Chief Inspector Gillian Baranski said: “Although our inspection has identified significant areas for improvement, the local authority has taken positive steps to improve and stabilise the service, including the appointment of a permanent Director of Social Services.
“With the support of the Improvement and Assurance Board, we expect to see swift improvement across social services to ensure positive outcomes for people with care and support needs, their families and carers in Powys.
“We will continue to monitor progress in implementing Powys’ improvement plans for both children’s and now adult services.”
Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris, said; “We have had in place for some time a comprehensive improvement plan for adult services and provided significant resources to help make the necessary changes. This has been acknowledged by the inspectors.
“We recognise that there are improvements to be made and we are confident the work is well under way. We have just put in place an Improvement and Assurance Board, with increased support from Welsh Government and the Welsh Local Government Association. This will perform an independent role, monitoring our progress in delivering reform and also providing new ideas about how to sustain the positive changes being made.”
Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Councillor Stephen Hayes added that the report is “fully accepted and its recommendations are fair”.
Fully supported by the Cabinet, Management Team and Corporate Support Services, the improvement plan has identified the financial investment needed to strengthen reform of services and the council is committed to investing up to £6.5 million over the next 12 months. The investment will increase the numbers of frontline care staff and provide Powys People Direct - the single point of access to services – with more resources.
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