Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health is asked to approve the recommended option for the future delivery of the Council’s sensory provision, in order to achieve the outcomes identified through the recent review of sensory services.

Resolved: That Option 3 as detailed below be approved:

CYC would approach the market to deliver against agreed future sensory outcomes. Consortia approaches, with a lead provider, would be encouraged. (Although an alliance approach could also be considered).

The successful provider(s) would be encouraged to deliver various statutory ‘givens’ that have been identified within the Care Act within a budget envelope of £160k. The provider(s) would also be expected to demonstrate a substantial amount of added value - delivering additional activity and leveraging added resource.

Reason:   As this will ensure a joined up approach is taken across services and that services are firmly people focused.

Consideration was given to a report which asked the Executive Member to approve an option for the future delivery of the Council’s sensory provision, in order to achieve the outcomes identified through a recent review of the Council’s sensory services. An annex to the report included findings from focus groups and questionnaires distributed to users of CYC and voluntary sector sensory provision, and user-led voluntary organisations.

The following Options were considered by the Executive Member:

Option 1: Continuation/Strengthening of Existing Arrangements

To maintain the status quo by retaining and strengthening the current in-house operational arrangements i.e. by filling the vacant Dual Sensory Social Care Worker post. The current levels of voluntary sector provision being protected – and the continuation of funding to support the same organisations, at the same level as at present.

Option 2: In House Delivery Model

The council seeking delivery of sensory provision through an entirely in-house approach. The current contracts / Service Level Agreements ceasing in December 2016 and all sensory activity would thereafter be delivered by the Adult Social Care Sensory Impairment Team.

Option 3: Commissioning of Sensory Provision (Preferred Option)

The council approaching the market to deliver against agreed future sensory outcomes. Encouragement of Consortia approaches, with a lead provider. (Although an alliance approach could also be considered).

The successful provider(s) being encouraged to deliver various statutory ‘givens’ that have been identified within the Care Act within a budget envelope of £160k. The provider(s) being expected to demonstrate a substantial amount of added value – and the delivery of additional activity and leveraging added resource.

Officers recommended Option 3,- approaching the market due to the size of the current service. This option would also allow for- the  sensory provision delivered by voluntary services, which was at present fragmented, to be united. In addition, assessment for hearing and sight problems could be processed together. The Executive Member noted the implications of the sensory review and expressed support for the services being brought together as particularly as some residents could have both sight and hearing problems.

Resolved: That Option 3 as detailed above be approved.

Reason:   As this will ensure a joined up approach is taken across services and that services are firmly people focused.