Our key challenges and areas for improvement

How we’ve performed

• Waiting times for assessments, services and review

We have introduced a risk-based rating approach to ensure people with urgent needs receive timely assessment and support. The performance figures are updated quarterly and published on our website

• To increase the number of people receiving direct payments

We are working to increase the number of people receiving direct payments and the uptake of pre-paid cards as part of our Improvement Programme. Part of our focus has been on reviewing and simplifying the arrangements for people already in receipt of direct payments.

• To strengthen our information and advice offer with a focus on early support and signposting to preventative services

This will include the development of an Adults’ Services Information and Advice strategy to be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Strengthening our hospital discharge service

We are working with the NHS to extend intermediate care. We have our ‘Discharge to assess with reablement’ services which support people to continue their recovery at a care home with 24-hour carers. We also provide a Regaining Independence Service for people in their own homes which is time-limited and provided free of charge, and our Home First Service, where health and social care professionals work with care providers commissioned by the council to help people recover at home.

• Improving financial reporting and budget monitoring

This is part of a workstream in the Improvement Programme.

Supporting people when they need it in a way that works for them

• To continue work to embed strength-based working
• Insufficient supply of supported living options for people with lifelong disabilities

We are holding regular market engagement events to address the insufficient supply of supported living options, particularly the accommodation needs of young people transitioning from Children’s to Adults’ Services.  As of March 2024 we are funding 1,446 people in supported living placements – a 14% increase since November 2023.

• Supporting people with lifelong disabilities into employment

To improve outcomes and performance we co-designed a new, strength-based support model for day opportunities that included opportunities for paid work and volunteering. The new contracts went live on 1 July 2024.

• Embedding feedback from people we support into safeguarding processes.

The workforce – our staff and providers

• Challenges with recruitment and retention in the care market

A commissioning strategy 2023-25 has been published and we are working with our NHS partners on the development of a number of market position statements aimed at stimulating a diverse market that supports people to remain as independent as possible. We have also co-produced the Great Care Employment scheme with providers which is designed to attract people into the care profession.