Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Committee considered the Q1 Adult Social Care performance report, which had previously been presented to Cabinet. Members were reminded of their responsibility to scrutinise the performance of service providers and to ensure that the health needs of local residents are central to the commissioning, delivery, and development of services.

Councillor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform, introduced the item and highlighted areas of progress and concern. He noted that performance improvements are ongoing, with digital transformation underway and developments in care home provision. Bury has achieved a strong national ranking 8th out of 154 and has secured its first veteran-friendly care home accreditation this quarter. Recruitment and retention remain key priorities, with 83 new carers identified and 5 carers supported under the current carers strategy.

Adrian Crook director of adult social care provided further detail, referencing the safeguarding audit which engaged 150 individuals, most of whom reported feeling safe. However, he acknowledged that further work is needed. The national Adult Social Care survey had a low response rate, and while some indicators have improved, others have declined. Locally, efforts are being made to make surveys more personal and conversational, including live verbal questioning. A supervision framework has been introduced to support social workers dealing with complex cases, and feedback on workforce engagement and internal systems has been positive.

Councillor Simpson welcomed the veteran-friendly accreditation and requested an update on the specific care home undergoing the accreditation process. This was noted as an action for follow-up. Councillor Quinn raised concerns about the limitations of national surveys, and Adrian Crook confirmed that while national formats cannot be changed, local surveys are being adapted to better reflect individual experiences.

Councillor Boles asked about support for carers managing increasingly complex cases. Adrian Crook explained that the new supervision framework allows staff to access support flexibly and efficiently.

Councillor Haroon expressed concern about the report’s findings on social anxiety and mental health decline, particularly the data on page 56. Adrian Crook confirmed that this issue has been flagged in red and will be added to the work plan following further discovery work. He also noted that the number of people reporting adequate social contact has increased.

Councillor McBriar stressed the importance of learning from areas of decline, particularly in relation to people with learning disabilities. Adrian Crook responded that while the sample size was small, this remains a priority area. Improvements to the Council’s website were also noted, with usability shifting from “really difficult” to “fairly difficult,” which was seen as a positive development.

Councillor FitzGerald welcomed the low vacancy rates and improvements in apprenticeship uptake. She requested clarification on the data presented on page 8 regarding resolution at first contact, and whether differences in local authority service models might explain the outcomes. Officers will investigate and report back.

The Committee agreed to revisit the issue of social isolation in six months and to schedule a future agenda item focused on carers and the evolving nature of their support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report outlining the delivery of the Adult Social Care Strategic Plan, preparation for the new CQC Assessment site visit on the week commencing the 6^th October, and reporting on the department's performance framework for Quarter 1. In response to Member questions, it was noted that 12 officers were coming through the workforce over a 2-year period and would contribute to the wider department. With regards to overdue reviews, this was cyclical in nature and in line with other authorities. Delays were reducing, owing to investment in the reviewing team, but work was ongoing in this area to make further improvements.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the report.

Reasons for the decision:

N/A

Alternative options considered and rejected:

N/A