Agenda item

To receive and consider a report by the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development providing information relating to the Independence, Wellbeing and Choice Inspection of Adult Social Services 2008, conducted by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) between 29^th July 2008 and 6^th August 2008.

(Note:  The Inspectorate has put an embargo on their report, therefore, the report will not be in the public domain until it has been considered at the Executive Board meeting to be held on 3^rd December 2008).

The Director of Adult Social Services submitted a late report on the outcome of the Independence Wellbeing and Choice inspection and presented an Action Plan relating to the 25 recommendations contained in the Inspection report.  (Minute 53 refers).

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:

·  Report submitted to the Executive Board meeting held on 3^rd December 2008.

·  Service Inspection Report on Independence, Wellbeing and Choice July/August 2008. 

-  Appendix 1 Inspection Themes and Descriptions

-  Appendix 2 Methodology

·  Leeds City Council Action Plan in response to the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI).

The Chair welcomed the following attendees/witnesses to the meeting who provided additional detail on the report and Action Plan and responded to Members’ questions and comments:-

-  Councillor P Harrand , Executive Board Member with the portfolio for Adult   Health and Social Care.

-  Sandie Keane – Director of Adult Social Services

-  Dennis Holmes – Chief Officer (Commissioning) – Adult Social Services

In summary, the main areas raised and discussed were as follows:

·  Following on from the previous item Members sought clarification of the governance arrangements for the Adult Safeguarding Board.

In response, the Director informed the meeting that the representative from the following organisations formed the membership of the Adult Safeguarding Board as follows:

·  Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust

·  NHS Leeds (formerly PCT)

·  Partnership Trust

·  Mental Health Trust

·  Police Authority

·  Leeds City Council – Adult Social Services Department

·  Service Users and Carers representatives

·  Voluntary representatives

·  Commission for Social Care Inspection

·  Probation Service

Members expressed their concern that 90% of the above membership were outside bodies who were renowned for sending substitute members.

The Director informed the Board that she had met with all of the Chief Officers from the above mentioned organisations and would continue to monitor the commitment and function of the Adult Safeguarding Board.  The membership of the Board listed above had all signed up to a Concordat, a copy of which would be provided.

It was also reported that details of attendance were included in the Annual Safeguarding Report.

·  It was also pointed out at the meeting that some Members had still not received a copy of the blue booklet on Safeguarding.

The Director informed the meeting that she would arrange for the booklets to be distributed.

·  Concern was expressed at the lack of Advocacy and the important role it can play especially in cases of abuse.  It was felt that there were many gaps within Advocacy.

The Director assured the meeting that there were proposals for a review of the Advocacy Service.

The Chair thanked the Executive Board Member and Officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That any outstanding issues referred to above be dealt with by those   Officers now identified within the minutes and reported back to  Board   Members. 

(c)  That future minutes of the Adult Safeguarding Board and its Sub Groups   be circulated to the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Board.

(d)  That a letter be issued to Tim Willis, Commission for Social Care   Inspection expressing the Boards disappointment that no CSCI   representative attended for this item.