People Scrutiny Panel – 13 September 2011

PRESENT:  Councillor Mrs Bromby in the chair. 

Councillors Barker (Vice-Chair), Evison, Godfrey, Jawaid MBE, Ogg and Robinson.

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representative) and Mr W Egan and Mrs W Witter (Church Representatives).

Councillors Collinson and Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

16  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests. 

No whip was declared. 

17  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAKThere were no requests received.

18  DOMICILIARY CARE IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – The chairman welcomed Mike Briggs, Director of Adult Services, and John Spicer, Quality and Performance Manager, to the meeting.  Mike explained that home support was provided to more than 800 people across North Lincolnshire, with 6,400 hours of care provided a week and around 12,000 visits into people’s homes.

Mike and John then explained a number of key elements of the system, answering questions throughout.  The discussion included issues such as the initial assessment of service users, staff training, links to safeguarding processes, contract management, geography and choice, and personalisation.

Resolved – (a) That Mike Briggs and John Spicer be thanked for their attendance, presentation and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that representatives from the main service providers be invited to the next meeting of the panel to discuss the issue further.

19  INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH The chairman welcomed Frances Cunning, Director of Public Health to the meeting.Frances gave an informal presentation on the findings from the recent Adolescent Lifestyle Survey.This survey involved over 4,800 pupils aged 11-15 across every school in North Lincolnshire.  Frances explained that, overall, the results were very positive, with measurable improvements on previous surveys completed in 2004 and 2007.

Members asked questions throughout on topics such as reporting structures back to individual schools, alcohol consumption and access, peer mentoring and the headline messages arising from the survey.

Resolved – That Frances Cunning be thanked for her attendance at the meeting.

20  VERBAL FEEDBACK ON SAFEGUARDING PROCESSES AND PODIATRY – The chairman explained that she and the Vice-Chair had met with children’s services officers on 2 August to discuss safeguarding and with representatives from NHS North Lincolnshire on 8 September to discuss some proposed changes to the podiatry model of care. The chairman explained the issues that arose and invited comments and feedback.

Resolved – (a) That an informal visit be arranged for all panel members to meet with some of the council’s social workers in order to gain a better understanding of children’s safeguarding procedures and (b) that the panel inform NHS North Lincolnshire that they have no objections to the proposed model of care for podiatry, if assurances are made about the continued provision of podiatry through FreshStart.

21  SHARED DIRECTORS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULT SERVICES – The chairman explained that an increasing number of authorities were looking at a joint post of Director of Children and Adult Services, in order to address traditional problems with transition, to join up services and to save money. The chairman invited views on the merits of the panel seeking further evidence on the pros and cons of such an appointment.

Resolved – That the panel seek further evidence on this issue, including informal discussions with an authority in the region that has moved to this model.

22  DEVELOPMENTS IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE – UPDATE FOR MEMBERS – The panel was updated on a number of key developments in the health, social care and children and young people’s field, locally, regionally and nationally.

Resolved – That the position be noted, and regular updates to the panel be continued.