Agenda item
Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr Dilwyn Morgan
Decision:
To accept
and note the information in the report, and request that the Chief Executive
considers the situation with regard to posts funded through annual grants along
with the difficulties this situation creates for services and the staff members
themselves.
Minutes:
Presented by
Cllr Dilwyn Morgan.
DECISION
To accept and
note the information in the report, and request that the Chief Executive considers
the situation with regard to posts funded through annual grants along with the
difficulties this situation creates for services and the staff members
themselves.
DISCUSSION
The report was presented which reported on the work of the
Council, and that the Cabinet Member was satisfied with the progress of
projects on the whole. It was added that it was a challenge for the department
to realise the savings schemes.
Attention was drawn to the Supporting People Strategy, expressing
that the work of identifying the need and mapping what support was available
had been completed. It was reiterated that the department had achieved their
short-term work programme by setting up the Gwynedd Family Hub which provided
information about the available support. The department's priority for the rest
of the year was highlighted, namely to agree on a clear vision with the key
partners in order to ensure joint planning in the services for families.
In terms of the Department's performance, it was expressed
that the safeguarding arrangements were robust. It was noted that extending the
screening work of the Welcomm tool in the Early Years field was being carried
out, which would attempt to improve the developments of a child's language. The
success of the Bridging the Generations scheme was highlighted, where sessions
had been held between the residents of the Bryn Seiont care home and the
children of the Plas Pawb nursery. It was emphasised that there was concern
about schemes funded through grants. It was added that funding was often
received for a short period of time, and that it was becoming increasingly
difficult to retain experienced staff, noting whether it would be possible to
obtain long-term or permanent agreements. It was asked for a piece of work to
be created in order to consider the situation.
Observations arising from the
discussion:
¾
It was expressed that the number of jobs funded
from annual grants made it difficult to retain staff and created uneasiness for
them every year. A message needed to be sent to Welsh Government noting our
concerns about the jobs being funded through annual grants. The Chief Executive
was asked to consider the situation and the difficulties it created for
services and the staff members themselves in order to be able to present firmer
evidence to the Government.
¾
An update was requested on the work of the Youth
Service in terms of working with other youth organisations. It was expressed
that work was being carried out with the organisations, and that the youth
provision now reached more places than ever before.
¾
The department's financial situation was
discussed, expressing that there was financial pressure across the country. It
was added that the number of out-of-county placements were higher in comparison
to previous years, and that the cost was high. It was expressed that
discussions were being held in order to see whether it would be possible to
bring the provision closer to home across the North Wales region. In addition
to this, it was expressed that work was being undertaken with Anglesey County
Council in order to develop services to work with families through this and
reduce the need for out-of-county placements.
Awdur:Morwena Edwards
Supporting documents:
- Item 8 - Performance Report of the Cabinet Member for Children and Supporting Families, item 8. PDF 167 KB
- Item 8 - Performance Report Children and Supporting Families - Appendix 1, item 8. PDF 27 KB