Issue - meetings

To receive the Adult Social Care Market Position Statement. (15 mins)

Jenny Lamprell, Category Manager, (People Commissioning) presented a report regarding the Adult Social Care Market Position Statement.

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         The Care Act 2014 had introduced a duty for local authorities to shape their local market for adult social care.  The Market Position Statement was a mechanism for this.  It summarised supply and demand in the local area, highlighting any gaps, and was informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

·         The Council last published a Market Position Statement in 2013 so it was very out of date.  Since this publication, guidance had been provided on incorporating information on self-funders, which was one of the largest parts of the Borough.

·         Lots of consultation had been carried out, including two provider events and the Carers Survey. 

·         The Board noted the proposed chapter headings and were informed that seven chapters had already been drafted so far.  Julie Hotchkiss questioned whether Chapter 4 would include information regarding the different care homes and the number of available beds.  She was informed that whilst it could, it was more likely that information about the predicted model of need and direction of travel would be included as the number of care homes and beds available, changed.  However, information on this was available on the Berkshire Care Directory.

·         With regards to Chapter 7 Local Care and Support Workforce, Clare Rebbeck questioned how the Board could influence matters such as reducing staff sickness levels.  Jenny Lamprell indicated that the Quality Assurance Team did offer support to the work force.

·         It was agreed that action plans for delivery would need to be developed.

·         Some Board members expressed concern about the concept of the Board owning the Market Position Statement and felt it more appropriate for the Board to be kept updated.

·         Katie Summers indicated that a wider conversation about adult social care services going forwards, needed to be had across the Berkshire West community and that collaborative work was vital.  Jenny Lamprell indicated that some of the joint working which was already in train would be reflected in the final position statement which would be presented to the Board at its February meeting.

·         Katie Summers suggested that the Board’s priorities were represented within the Position Statement.  She wanted to know how providers would help achieve outcomes.

·         Dr Milligan asked that the Position Statement provide information on how it was anticipated that care would be provided in the future. 

RESOLVED:  That the progress of the Adult Social Care Market Position Statement be noted and the final product brought to the Board’s February meeting.