The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing, presented a report, the purpose of which was to present to Council the Director of Social Services’ draft Annual Report for 2021/22, and request that Members endorse the report, the analysis therein of the strengths and areas for improvement in Bridgend social services, and the next steps set out.

By way of background, she explained that following the implementation of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act (SSWBA) 2014, Welsh Government developed a performance framework which aimed to ensure that authorities report, on and performance evaluated against, the well-being outcomes of the SSWBA. The SSWBA has two key policy objectives:

·         to improve the well-being outcomes for people who need care and support;

·         and to reform social services law.

It also seeks to:

·         transform the way in which social services are delivered, primarily through promoting people’s independence and giving them a stronger voice and control;

·         promote partnership working in social care;

·         and, enhance the preventative role of social care and health, setting out overarching well-being duties to reduce or delay the need for care and support.

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing confirmed, that SSWBA, places strong emphasis on promoting the well-being of people who need care and support and carers who need support. It is important that the views and voices of people and their carers are heard.

The aim of the Annual Report she added, (Appendix 1 to the report) was to provide the Council and people living in Bridgend County Borough with an overview of social care.  It aims to highlight the progress made over 2021/22, being clear about strengths as well as areas for improvement, and identify priorities for 2022/23.

The Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing, stated that preparation of the report involved an analysis, based on evidence of effectiveness. Workforce across the services had contributed to the development of this report and there is evidence within the report of feedback from people who use social services and carers together with feedback from third sector partners. 

The guidance for the report sets out the sections in relation to the six national quality standards for well-being:

•           Working with people to define and co-produce personal well-being  outcomes that people want to achieve;

•           Working with people and partners to protect and promote people’s physical and mental health and emotional well-being;

•           Taking steps to protect and safeguard people from abuse, neglect or harm;

•           Encouraging and supporting people to learn, develop and participate in society;

•           Supporting people to safely develop and maintain healthy domestic, family and personal relationships;

•           Working with and supporting people to achieve greater economic well-being, to have a social life and live-in suitable accommodation that meets their needs.

The report provided a summary of the main achievements in 2021/22 considering the challenges faced and the report also highlighted the priorities for social services in 2022/23.

The report evidenced key service developments and improvements made during 2021/22, whilst recognising those areas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44