Agenda item

The Presiding Member invited Councillor Lacey, Cabinet Member for Social Services to present the report.  Councillor Lacey, as incoming Cabinet Member, thanked Councillor Jason Hughes and Councillor Stephen Marshall for their commitment, contribution, and diligence as the previous Cabinet Members.

The report of the Director of Social Services provided an annual overview of the work across Adults, Childrens and Prevention and Inclusion. The case studies provided a snapshot of the work across Newport supporting the most vulnerable citizens. the impact of the services was crucial, and the stories breathed life into the data.

Councillor Lacey said that it was pleasing that despite the challenges and pressures staff were able to deliver excellence and maintain their commitment and enthusiasm. There were over a thousand staff in Social Services and their dedicated work underpinned the care and support for citizens.

Councillor Lacey added that it was a privilege to take forward the work of Social Services with the staff and welcomed the opportunity to learn more and provide support over the coming year.

The Strategic Director, as the designated Director for Social Services, had a statutory duty under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and as amended by the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 to produce an annual report to the Council.

The report was required to set out the personal assessment of the Director of Social Services and the performance of Social Services in delivering its social care functions during the preceding 12 months.

This report covered the period of 2023/2024. A mixture of case studies and examples from staff to demonstrate the work of Social Services was well received last year and this report utilised the same format. The data to support the qualitative materials was available in the appendices.

Despite the significant issues and challenges of 2023/2024, the Director of Social Services was satisfied that the Council continued to comply with its statutory duties.

Social services staff were able to look beyond the relentless demands and still delivered innovation, continued development of services and indeed excellence.

Councillor Lacey thanked all staff and also mentioned that Sally Ann Jenkins, Strategic Director for Social Services was retiring and welcomed Sally to say a few words about the report and the hard work and dedication of the officers in social services.

Comments of Councillors:

§  Councillor Fouweather mentioned that the report was discussed at Performance Scrutiny Committee, People recently, and it told a good story about the hard work social services carried out. Councillor Fouweather reflected that this was the most challenging portfolio that Newport City Council had.  Councillor Fouweather was concerned about staff sickness levels and the spike of young people going into custody and asked about the support did 19+ year olds receive.  The Strategic Director for Social Services advised that staff sickness was high but was being addressed and Social Services were working on this to emulate the success achieved in this area in Children’s Services. The Director reflected that there were some years when there were no young people in custody or on remand, and that the team was highly proactive in keeping a careful eye on these figures.  Regarding accommodation with 19+ year olds, there was a concern about how to support them and social services was working with agencies regarding safeguarding to ensure young people were protected with transitional safeguarding measures being developed to support people across that gap.

§  Councillor D Davies wanted to thank the preventative and inclusion team who worked hard but relied on grant funding and added that teams needed to focus on value for money.

§  Councillor Marshall remembered those children in the case studies, outlined in the report and felt that the Strategic Director was leaving Newport City Council with a positive memory of her time and impact there. Councillor Marshall thanked Sally for her work.

§  Councillor Hughes added that Sally was highly respected and mentioned her leadership both during covid and post-covid. The team was a safer place and had exceptional staff, adding that it was a pleasure working with Sally.

§  Councillor Hourahine commended social services staff on their outstanding work.

§  Councillor Reynolds mentioned that being a social worker was a stressful job and the case studies within the report emphasised facts that there were hundreds of success stories. Councillor Reynolds wanted it to put on record that Sally Ann Jenkins’ name was legendary within social care circles.

§  The Presiding Member also added his well wishes for Sally for her future endeavours.

§  The Leader also added his gratitude for Sally and her hard work during her years with Newport City Council.

§  Councillor Evans echoed the sentiments of colleagues and wished her a long happy and healthy retirement.

Resolved:

Council -

1                    Noted the Annual Report of the Director of Social Services.

2                    Was asked for comments on the content of the Annual Report of the Director of Social Services.