northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT: Councillor Barker in the chair.

Councillors Wells (Vice-Chairman), Ali, Barkworth, Simpson, Sidell and P Vickers.

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

257 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – The following member declared a personal interest in the following matter:-

No whip was declared.

258 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

259 (1) FORWARD PLAN ITEM – DRAFT SAFEGUARDING ADULTS STRATEGY – Discussion with John Spicer, Service Manager Quality and Performance – The chair welcomed John to the meeting and invited him to present the above strategy to the panel.

John explained that for too long the abuse of older people and adults with disabilities had been kept in the dark. The purpose of the strategy was to raise the profile of such incidents and ensure people were better equipped to identify at-risk vulnerable individuals.

The strategy outlined North Lincolnshire’s vision on both a local level but also identified the need for a cultural change.

Members engaged in discussion with John, covering aspects contained within the strategy such as training, the need for assistance to be delivered on a preventative basis rather than reacting to problems, the need to engage all partner agencies and the involvement and membership of the Charter Project Group.John confirmed that the Charter Project Group was meeting the following day, and Cllr Barker agreed to attend on behalf of the panel.

Resolved – (a) That John Spicer be thanked for his attendance at the meeting and for his informative discussions, (b) that any feedback from Members be sent direct to John Spicer, and (c) that the position be noted.

260 PROMOTING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL EMPLOYEES – Discussions on the WorkSmart initiative with Jeff Tattersall, Programme Director WorkSmart – The Chair welcomed Jeff to the meeting and invited him to address the panel and explain what progress had been made so far.

Jeff explained the WorkSmart’s main objective was to reduce costs, increase productivity and help the council to make savings.This required a programme of change, which was dependent upon the cooperation of the whole workforce and all managers.

Discussions covered topics such as the benefits that might be felt from the changes, the introduction of touch down areas in all four of the main buildings and how these would be used, how home working would be monitored and the potential positive impact that these changes may have on sickness absence rate and productivity.

Resolved – (a) That Jeff Tattersall be thanked for his attendance at the meeting and for his informative update, and (b) that the position be noted.

(ii) Next stages – It was requested that figures be obtained via Jeff Tattersall to show what impact/improvements have been made to sickness absence and productivity rates in other authorities who have pursued the Worksmart theory or who operate more flexible work models.

Resolved – That the position be noted.

261 QUALITY ACCOUNTS – The Service Director Legal and Democratic asked for members to consider a response to the quality accounts for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber Mental Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Members were advised that they could provide a 500 word commentary for both groups.

Resolved – That the chair confer with the Service Director Legal and Democratic and provide a written response to both groups.

262 (2) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 2010 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for June to September 2010.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.

Resolved – That the position be noted.

263 UPDATES ON FUTURE SERVICE CHANGES – The Service Director Legal and Democratic confirmed that a number of changes were being considered within the NHS at local, regional and national levels. This included proposals to change the model of care for dermatology and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The panel was also informed of a local GP practice that had given notice of their intention to close. At a regional level, a new strategy for renal services had been adopted, and nationally, reviews of paediatric cardiac and neurology care were due to report shortly.

Resolved – (a) That the position be noted, and (b) that the panel would continue to receive information on all major service changes, acting as a stakeholder for consultation where appropriate.