19 June 2008
Don’t be immune to the need for change. This key message has been delivered to over 180 social services professionals attending a major social services improvement conference today in North Wales.
Councils across Wales have been asked to engage in bold schemes that will transform existing approaches to delivering social services in the future, such as even greater individualised care packages, a more collaborative approach to the commissioning of services and smarter procurement.
Cllr Meryl Gravell, WLGA Spokesperson (elect) for Social Services said:
“Over the last few months we have seen visible changes to many of our councils. Now it’s time for change in the way in which our social services are delivered. Four years ago I launched a set of nine social services commitments that have provided the framework for progress. Four years on and we can honestly say that we have delivered excellent results through locally tailored improvement programmes, but now with a sharpened awareness of the challenges ahead and a greater knowledge of the potential solutions we must re-launch these commitments as a framework for delivering even bolder leadership and action over the next four years.”
Addressing some of the future challenges, Cllr Gravell added:
“We are serving many people well and there is so much talent here in Wales that we should be proud of. However, gaps in performance will continue to threaten our reputation. Our mistakes are costly and visible and unfortunately we are disproportionately judged by these few mistakes against our many successes. Therefore, we need to work more closely together, sharing knowledge, expertise and skills where possible, but most importantly act as a critical friend to one another to drive forward improvement”
“We need to work more collaboratively over the commissioning of services and think smarter over procurement. This is how we will be able to release vital funds that can be re-invested back into social services over the next few years, particularly given the current funding pressures. The national database for finding appropriate placements for looked after children is an excellent example of this and over the next few years we will see the benefits of this investment start to materialise.”
“We have a committed workforce that does a difficult job that often gets unnoticed. We have a strong culture of working together and by even more joined up working with our unique ADSS Cymru partners and the Welsh Assembly Government we will continue to improve social services for the people who need them most.”
Professional and political leaders from across the public, private and independent sectors will meet in Llandudno until Friday to explore improvements in social services, experiences of partnership working and future challenges. Key note speakers include:
• Gwenda Thomas, AM, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Welsh Assembly Government
• Sir Jeremy Beecham, Vice Chair, Local Government Association
• David Behan, Director General of Social Care, Department of Health (UK)
• Cllr Meryl Gravell (OBE), WLGA Presiding Officer (elect)
• Stewart Greenwell, President ADSS Cymru
• Neelam Bhardwaja, Vice President ADSS Cymru
• Rob Pickford, Chief Executive, Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
• Keith Towler, Children’s Commissioner for Wales
• Ruth Marks, Commissioner for Older People in Wales
• Graham Williams, Director of Social Services, Welsh Assembly Government.
• Rhian Huws Williams, Chief Executive, Care Council for Wales
Notes to Editors
Cllr Meryl Garvell’s position as WLGA Spokesperson for Social Services is subject to ratification at the WLGA AGM next Friday (27th June)
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks