Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for non-attendance were submitted on behalf of Ros Jervis, Anthony Ivco, Cllr Bishan Dass, Cllr Linda Leach and Cllr Patricia Patten.

There were no declarations of interest.

Resolved

That the minutes of the previous meeting be approved and signed as a correct record.

Cllr Paula Brookfield, Chair, highlighted several issues from the minutes to include in the Adult and Safer City work programme for 2016-17 as follows:

1.    Update on Universal Credit - early in the new municipal year.

2.    Update on Assistive Technologies and Telecare. To include the take up of technology and how well it is progressing and the capacity to deliver.

3.    Progress report relating to Aids and Adaptations. To include capacity and waiting times for assessment.

4.    A report relating to inspections, implementing change and the need for continued compliance post inspection.

5.    The annual report relating to Crime Reduction and Crime Strategy to the first meeting of the municipal year.

Resolved

1.    That the items listed be considered for inclusion in the work programme for 2016-17.

2.    A briefing note to be circulated to update panel members relating to working arrangements with the West Midlands Fire Service.

The provide an update on the November 2015 Full Joint Inspection (FJI) of the Wolverhampton Youth Offending Team (YOT), the outcome of which demonstrated a high performing organisation.

Sally Nash, Head of Service Youth Offending Team (YOT) provided a report to advise the panel of the outcome of a full Joint Inspection (FJI) of the Wolverhampton Youth Offending Team in November 2015.  She advised that the Wolverhampton YOT demonstrated a high performing organisation with extremely high scores, setting an example across the Country.

The Head of Service advised that the inspection had been intensive with 12 inspectors and over 40 people involved, including police, health, connexions, staff and partners. An improvement plan has been approved by YOT and the senior board (SEB).

Cllr Paula Brookfield, Chair, welcomed the report as an excellent good news story and recognised that the reduction in resource had meant shrinkage but the service had reacted and excelled in what it does, she indicated that this was due to the hard work of the team and asked that the team be congratulated.

Cllr Lynne Moran also congratulated the team for their work, she indicated that she was interested in engagement in jobs and training and asked if the YOT team carry out work to match up jobs and skills with opportunity and if they are pitched at the right level of skills and trainers.  The Head of Service clarified that the question related to the post 16 offer and advised that YOT work closely with Talent Match at post 16 level to deliver literacy and numeracy; she advised that the operations manager leads on training and connecting with opportunities and that the relationship with the college is much improved. The team are currently working towards getting accreditation with the college for schemes including woodwork on a Tuesday night.

In relation to paragraph 3.7 of the report Cllr Lynne Moran asked for more information about the bespoke piece of commissioned work to evaluate YOT interventions which will inform future planning and resource allocation.  The Head of Service advised that the intention was to utilise people in a voluntary capacity from university as part of their degree.  She clarified that this is not an agreement yet, but had been looked on positively and locally to give a student opportunity.

Cllr Lynne Moran asked for further information about transition to adulthood.  The Head of Service advised that there is process, assessment document and software package available to ensure the transition is carried out slowly and securely.  She advised that there was a nominated probation officer in the YOT to ensure they understand the type of work young people are pursuing but that there are challenges due to the probation officer allowance being reduced. 

Cllr Ian Claymore echoed the comments made about the reduction in resource and congratulated the team for achieving highly in face of the cutbacks.  He referred to the influences on young people and Panel heard that often issues arise for primary aged children from the home environment; they considered that secondary school pupils are more influenced by their peer group.  The Head of Service advised that evaluation of the post 16 offer will help  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

The purpose of this report is to provide Scrutiny Panel with a copy of the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Adult Board’s (WSAB)  Annual Report and Executive Summary (Appendix 1 & Appendix 2), to inform Scrutiny of safeguarding activity 2014/2015 and to present the progress made against the priorities for 2013-16.

Sandra Ashton Jones, Safeguarding Manager- Adults provided a copy of the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Adult Board’s (WSAB) Annual Report and Executive Summary. She informed the Panel of the safeguarding activity 2014-15, presented the progress made against the priorities for 2013-16 and provided an overview of how partners have discharged their safeguarding responsibilities over the preceding year.

The Safeguarding Manager outlined the implications to policy and practice contained within the Care Act 2014 and gave an update on progress against the priorities. She highlighted that the work had been undertaken to prevent neglect and abuse over the past 12 months and work that will be prioritised over the next 12 months.

The Panel were advised that the numbers of GP safeguarding referrals had increased particularly regarding the number of repeat falls for residents living in care homes, the move to provide awareness training to GP’s through the CCG  may have helped to address the issue.  When inspected by the CQC they were assessed on safeguarding matters, and it was suggested by panel that non-reporting of falls needs to be mapped.

Cllr Rita Potter voiced concerns about older people being the target group of recent scams and rogue traders in Bilston and Wednesfield areas; she wanted to ensure the elderly do not get involved with scams. The Panel was advised that there was a lot of proactive work happening with trading standards and involvement in a National scheme would raise awareness of the issues.

The Safeguarding Manager advised that this Council is one of the first in the Country to go for a joint Adult and Children Board Safeguarding Website.

Cllr Ian Claymore welcomed the number of partner organisations listed in the report as Board Partners.  Panel considered that workforce development really has to move away from children in isolation as there is so much overlap in what we do.

Cllr Paula Brookfield, Chair, indicated that the demographics are changing quickly in the City and that some cultures and norms in daily life are not acceptable in this Country, which may be acceptable in other Countries.

Cllr Rupinderjit Kaur recognised the link with faith groups and asked what  kind of response had been received.  Panel were advised that several new faith organisations and places of worship are being established, the Joint Board Communication and Community Engagement committee is taking a very proactive approach to engaging with faith groups in the City.

There followed a discussion relating to targeting resources and mapping, panel identified and the need to map out the strategic level to see how they fit and a need to invite trading standards.

There were some individual issues raised for further discussion as follows:

·         Private landlords – Safeguarding messages 

·         Migrant Community  - Care Act Modern Slavery

·         WASP (Linda Boyle) - Wolverhampton Anti-Slavery

·         Landlords – Sensitive housing taking culture and nationality into account.

The Chair thanked everyone for their contributions and she welcomed the progress that Safeguarding Board was making in the City.

In summary the Panel identified a need to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.