To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Manning.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of this meeting held on 21 February 2017.

The minutes of the Policy Development and Decision Group held on 21 February 2017 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To note the submitted report.

The Group considered the submitted report which updated members on the actions to develop a sustainable independent sector market for social care and support for Torbay.  The report focused on the revised approach to the Market Position Statement (MPS) and aligning with the approaches of adjacent authorities.  Members noted the development the web-based system aimed at adult social care and support providers to raise awareness of upcoming changes likely in the local health and care system, given the new model of care that is being developed.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To receive a presentation and note the report on the above.

The Group received a presentation on the findings of the Personal Social Services Survey of Adult Carers in England which is co-ordinated by the Health and Social Care Information Centre.  Members were advised that the survey aimed to collect information about carer’s experiences of social care service and support and would feed into the monitoring of the National Carers strategy. 

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To receive the annual report of the Corporate Parenting Operational Group.

Consideration of this item was deferred.

To consider a report on the above.

The Director of Children Services and Executive Lead for Adults and Children presented the submitted report which set out a new permanence place policy and its operating principles.  It was noted that policy was supported by the Pathways to Permanence Practice Guidance and will be issued to all Children’s Social Care Managers and Practitioners and made available on the Children’s Services intranet space.

The Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Commissioning Team) made the following recommendation to the Mayor:

That the Permanence Policy attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved and that regular updates are provided to members.

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Policy Development and Decision Group (Joint Commissioning Team) set out above at the meeting and the record of decision, together with further information is attached to these Minutes.

To note a report on the above.

The Director of Adults presented the submitted report and explained that the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) is a five year health and social care plan for Devon (including Torbay and Plymouth), linked to NHS England’s Five Year Forward View which aims to build and strengthen existing local relationships and focus on long term sustainable outcomes.  The Group noted that local authorities within the Devon-wide STP have been asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. 

The Director further explained that the purpose of the Memorandum was to provide a mechanism for securing agreement and commitment to sustained engagement with and delivery of the Transformation Plan to realise a transformed model care in Devon.  It was noted that the intent was to ensure the common purpose of delivering a clinically, socially and financially sustainable health and care system that will improve the health and wellbeing of the population and address inequalities.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

To note the Children’s Services Improvement Plan.

The Director of Children’s Services outlined the submitted report and improvement plan which summarised progress against recommendations.  It was noted that some areas of improvement activity were less well developed particularly, those around cross cutting themes such as domestic abuse and early help.  The improvement plan would be kept under regular review to ensure that any remaining gaps were addressed, that agreed actions were delivered and determine the impact of activity on outcomes for children and families.

Resolved:

That the report be noted