Agenda item

To receive an update on the performance of Optalis.

David Birch, Chief Executive Officer Optalis and Matt Pope, Director Adult Services, provided a presentation on the performance of Optalis.

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

·       David Birch outlined the services provided by Optalis.

·       With regards to operational performance, maintaining operational standards through the pandemic had been a challenge, which staff had met well.  A good review of the START service had recently been received from the CQC.

·       Members were informed that Optalis were now halfway through a two-year programme designed to deliver efficiency savings for the Council, in line with the Council’s Adult Social Care strategy.  Optalis had been able to return £578k to the Council in 2020/21 and despite the impact of the pandemic, the programme remained on track to deliver a further £400k of savings in 2021/22.

·       Optalis was starting to grow its services in Wokingham Borough, including launching a new independent living service at Gorrick Square in Wokingham.

·       David Birch highlighted the success of the Supported Employment service.

·       Members were pleased to note that over the last 18 months, Optalis had not lost a single customer or member of staff to a Covid infection picked up in its services.

·       Optalis had supported the surge testing efforts in June, helping to deliver test kits in target areas, and providing the Trinity Court offices to the testing team.

·       As a result of the pandemic, day services offered had had to be restricted.  Wherever possible, alternative support had been provided.

·       David Birch went on to highlight lessons learnt from the pandemic.  Staff had coped well with new ways of working and had been flexible.  The pandemic highlighted opportunities to do things differently.  In addition, the pandemic had emphasised the importance of organisations working together for the benefit of residents.

·       The Committee was informed that in line with the Council’s Market Management approach, planning was well-advanced for Optalis to take on at least 10 new and existing services in the Borough, covering a wide variety of different care needs.  This expansion was underpinned by investment in a new Peripatetic Team, which gave Optalis the capacity to transfer and initiate new services successfully when required by the Council.

·        Members were informed of the Ability Travel service, which helped customers to gain higher levels of independence and confidence on public transport through skills training.  Projected savings over the next 5 years for adult social care transportation costs, were estimated at between £400k and £500k.  A Member questioned whether the voluntary sector played a partnership role in this service and was informed that this would be welcome, as public transport did not go to all areas.  Nick Durman indicated that Healthwatch Wokingham Borough had received positive feedback about the service.

·       Capacity and productivity enhancements were planned for the START reablement team.

·       The Out & About service was consistently oversubscribed.  Optalis was now investing to expand this service.  A reduced service had been maintained during the pandemic.

·       Optalis was working with the Council’s commercial advisers to develop a range of additional opportunities for income generation for the Council.  It was also evaluating options for setting up a Community Interest Company which would allow it to work more closely with the local voluntary and charitable sector in the Borough, as well as providing access to external sources of funding.

·       In response to a Member question, David Birch commented that the current most difficult challenge was resourcing.  The recruitment and retention of staff was important.  Optalis’ workforce would need to nearly double should all initiatives be put into place.  Optalis had a Resourcing Manager who would go into school and job centres amongst other places, to highlight the benefits of working in the care industry. 

·       Members questioned how Optalis could deliver savings without compromising on the service provided.  David Birch emphasised the importance of margins and identifying where savings could be made without services being compromised.  He indicated that Optalis had merged some management roles, made some changes with regards to insurance and had stopped using a consultant.

·       The Committee asked about the relationship with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council (RBWM) and ensuring a good deal for Wokingham Borough.  David Birch commented that building trust on all sides and transparency was important.  Matt Pope stated that there had been some work with RBWM over the last 18 months over who paid for what.  He was comfortable with the current position.  The Executive Member added that historically the aim of Optalis had been to grow quickly.  There had been a change in strategy 2 years ago, with a focus on a better run company with a better service provided. 

·       Members asked how the relationship with RBWM had changed.  The Executive Member responded that RBWM had initially focused on growing Optalis.  The Council had wanted a more focus service.  The councils’ focuses were now more aligned, and they were working well as partners.

·       Members asked about the potential new services.  Matt Pope indicated that the Council had secured and renovated a number of properties across the Borough for people with Learning Disabilities.  Optalis would provide support in these services.

·       Members questioned whether they would hear more about income generation during the Budget setting process.  It was confirmed that they would.  A Member referred to the benefits of dementia cafes.  David Birch commented that Optalis had commissioned research from the Council’s commercial advisor about where Optalis might be able to provide additional income and additional jobs for those being trained through the Supported Employment Service.  Cafes, horticulture, and corporate cleaning had been some of the areas considered.  Matt Pope added that Members would be kept updated regarding future services.  With regards to dementia, a sub group of the Wellbeing Board was looking at the establishment of a dementia alliance.

·       Members questioned what criteria was used to prioritise services provided and were informed that safety of the service for residents was integral.

·       Any efficiencies made were strategically reinvested to help ensure value for money was delivered.

·       David Birch indicated that when he had been interviewed for his position, stakeholders had participated in the interview process.

RESOLVED:  That

1)    the update on Optalis’ performance be noted.

2)    David Birch and Matt Pope be thanked for their presentation.