To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Board held on 26 January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting of the Sub-Board held on 26 January 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

To consider a report on the Care Quality Commission Regulation of local authority functions relating to adult social care.

(Note: Jo Williams, Director of Adult and Community Services and Cathy Williams, Strategic Lead, Adult Social Care Co-production and Reform, will present this item)

Jo Williams, Director of Adults and Community Services and Cathy Williams, Strategic Lead for Adult Social Care Quality and Assurance presented their report on changes brought about by the Health and Social Care Act 2022, in relation to the regulation by the Care Quality Commission of local authority adult social care functions and responded to the following questions:

·         There were a lot of people in bedded care when there may be a better alternative based on individual needs.  How was this being assessed?

·         What was the position with regards to providing supported living as an alternative to residential care?

·         How were safeguarding issues being avoided?

·         Was the Deprivation of Liberty framework still included within safeguarding?

·         How many individuals carry out mental capacity assessments?

·         If an individual lacks mental capacity and was abused, would that individual still receive support?

·         What was offered in respect of short breaks for carers and what types of breaks were offered?

·         Would it be sensible to have a Devon wide approach to offering respite?

·         Was there anything that had come to light that we did not know at the time of the initial assessment?

·         How would impact on services be mitigated and managed given that it was unknown as to when the inspection would take place?

·         Were any further costs anticipated and if so, could those additional costs be met within the existing budget?

• How could the assessment be used to help care audits and review of weaker areas?
• There was a low take up on direct payments – what was the reason for that?

• Who replied in respect of the Table Two: Overall Assessment survey?
• Were key performance indicators included for training days in Table Six: Assessment Summary - Leadership?
• Was there a potential weakness around due diligence when using procurement frameworks for contracts?  If there were weaknesses how were they dealt with?

• Should person centred care really be embedded around a person’s needs? 

Councillor Stockman, as Cabinet Member for Adults and Public Health provided an update to the Sub Board following the Adult Social Care Continuous Improvement Board meeting (preparing for Assurance Workshop) which took place on 17 February 2023.

Resolved (unanimously):

1.         that the Members of the Board noted the contents of the report;

2.         that the Director of Adults and Community Services be requested to consult with the Integrated Care Partnership and look at the southern area overall to explore vacant capacity for respite beds and how the Council could work with Devon County Council and other partners in that respect;

3.         that the Director of Adults and Community Services to provide the Sub Board with a written response in respect of Recommendation 2 with the outcome of enquiries;

4.         that the Director of Adults and Community Services provide the Sub Board with a written response detailing further information in respect of Table 2: Overall Assessment; and

5.         that the Sub Board scrutinise and consider the CQC Assurance Improvement Plan once it is available.

To receive an update on the implementation of the actions of the Sub-Board and consider any further actions required (as set out in the submitted action tracker).

The Sub-Board noted the submitted action tracker.  The Clerk provided the following updates:

·                     Update on Minute 20 -  The review of the Transformation and Sustainability Plan for Adult Social Care has been added to the future Work Programme - complete.