Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th September 2009 be approved as a correct record.

John Mansergh, Service Performance Manager presented the submitted report which outlined the 2008/09 key performance indicator year end results for the Adult Social Care elements of the Directorate.

At the end of the year 55% of our Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) achieved their targets compared to 58% last year.  82% of the indicators had improved upon their position from last year which compared to 56% in the previous year.

Two significant issues led to changes in forecasted outcomes.  The success of our safeguarding champions and the raised profile of this issue nationally had led to an unprecedented increase in the number of incidents reported and investigated, from 251 referrals in 2007/08 to 526 in 2008/09.  Response to this trend was positive with significant resources being deployed (£400k) into adult protection.  Additional resources of £4.3m committed for 2009/10 and beyond would enable pace of improvement to pick up once again.

Measures taken by the Council to extend the range of services available and provide new ways of delivery led to improved outcomes and VFM but resulted in lower scores on some performance indicators because of the national definitions.

The following performance measures did not achieve their targets:-

• Reviews of care packages (reference D40)
• Achieving independence for older people through rehabilitation and intermediate care (reference NI 125)
• People supported to live independently through social services (reference to indicators NI 136, C29 and C32)
• Percentage of vulnerable people who are supported to maintain independent  living (reference NI142)
• Services for carers (reference C62)
• Equipment delivered within 7 working days (reference D54)
• Timeliness of social care assessments (reference NI132 and D55)
• Adults aged 18-64 admitted to permanent residential or nursing care (reference C72)
• Percentage of people receiving a statement of needs (reference D39)
• Ethnicity of older people receiving assessment (reference E47)
• Safeguarding cases completed (reference LPI 4)

The following Indicators were able to demonstrate significant step change improvement from last year:-

• Carers receiving needs assessment or review and a specific carers service, or advice and information (reference (NI 135)
• Percentage of vulnerable people achieving independent living (reference NI 141)
• Adult with mental health problems helped to live at home (reference C31)
• Acceptable waiting times for care packages (reference NI 133)
• Direct Payments (reference C51)
• Older people admitted to permanent residential or nursing care (reference C72)
• Number of safeguarding reports (reference LPI 3)

A question and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised and discussed:-

• Concerns were raised that the target had not been met in relation to reviews of care packages.  The Strategic Director for Neighbourhoods and Adult Services confirmed that over the past 2 years the rate had improved from 46% to 72% despite having to put more resources in Safeguarding and it was anticipated that this would improve further during the current year to 77%.  He added that an Inspection had taken place in respect of Safeguarding during June/July, and out of the 40 councils inspected there was only one had received a better result.  A report had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

John Mansergh, Service Performance Manager presented the submitted report in relation to the self assessment 2008, which identified the areas of strength and areas of development arising from the 2008/09 submission.

A presentation was given which drew specific attention to:

• CSCI Annual Performance Assessment Score
• Neighbourhoods & Adult Services Achievements
• Improving health and emotional wellbeing
• Improved quality of life
• Making a positive contribution
• Increased choice and control
• Freedom from discrimination and harassment
• Economic wellbeing
• Maintaining dignity and respect
• Challenges

CQC had assessed our submission and asked further questions at the Annual Review meeting on 12^th August 2009.  The judgement for adult social care would be made in December 2009 once CQC had completed quality assurance and moderation processes which were designed to ensure a consistent application of judgement throughout the Country.

A question and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised and discussed:-

• Whether any training was provided for carers.  Confirmation was given that extensive training was available to carers at all stages.  Training was also available to people working for independent and voluntary sectors.  It was felt that that improvements could be made and that it was necessary to create a workforce development
• A query was raised as to whether a Joint Disability Equalities Officer had been appointed yet.  It was confirmed that it had been decided that it was not necessary to appoint a new member of staff, but to merely identify a lead officer from across the Council.

Resolved:- (1) That the Self Assessment submitted to the Care Quality Commission on 14^th May 2009 be noted

(2) That the user friendly version of the self assessment be noted

(3) That the remaining timetable for the Annual Performance Assessment for 2009 be noted.