Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Trenholme

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted stating that the Children and Supporting Families Department was responsible for two projects within the Council Plan. An update was provided on these projects namely the Autism Scheme and the Small Group Homes Scheme. They progress that had been made was detailed and the work in progress was noted.

Challenges impacting service performance such as workforce capacity were detailed. Reference was made to the efforts being made to improve the situation noting that the Workforce Planning and WeCare Wales project was carrying out recruitment campaigns. It was also noted that there was an increase in demand and that the nature of cases showed that the needs of children and families were becoming more complex and intensifying. There was concern that the Department's staff workload was high and not sustainable or healthy in the long-term.

To conclude, the Department's financial position, which was now £3.7 million of overspend, as a result of the rising costs of out-of-county placements, was summarised and reference was made to the Department's savings plans. All Department staff were thanked for their work noting that the work was challenging and extensive.

The Head of Children and Supporting Families Department added that the situation of the workforce had improved somewhat over the years but was a persistent concern. It was noted that there were currently no permanent vacancies, only temporary posts as a result of maternity leave. It was added that the Department promoted staff development and was supportive of providing opportunities and experiences to staff within the Department's services.

It was noted that it was difficult to attract qualified Social Workers and that the numbers on the courses had decreased. It was believed that the Care Academy work would make a difference to the staffing problems of some of the services.

The benefits of the Small Group Homes schemes were recognised stating that they would be positive to the budget in meeting needs locally and they looked forward to seeing children returning to their area. The opportunity was taken to thank the community of Morfa Bychan for the welcome and for the special collaboration with Ysgol Eifionydd. It was hoped that this example would be repeated with the other homes.

Observations arising from the discussion:

•           The Department was congratulated on the work on the Small Group Homes noting that it was great news. It was noted that the work was having a positive impact on children and they were proud that some had already returned to their area and pride was expressed that other schemes were in the pipeline.

•           The excellent work of the Care Academy and the recruitment effort was recognised and Gwenno Williams, Marketing and Care Careers Development Officer was thanked for her work and she was congratulated on receiving an honorary award from Careers Wales.

•           There was concern about the reduction in numbers who completed Social Work courses in Bangor and it was asked whether there was a risk of the course being cancelled if there were too many surplus spaces.

-           In response, it was stated that there were no discussions to end the course at Bangor but rather discussions on how to attract more to want to complete the Social Work qualification. It was also reiterated that the Department wanted to appoint three new Social Worker posts as a result of a successful financial bid; it was believed that these positions would benefit the workload and well-being of the Department's existing staff.