Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies were received from Cllrs Anne Marie Moriarty, Lesley Dedman and Joe Salmon.

To receive information on any changes in the membership of the Committee.

Note – When a member of a Committee is unable to attend a meeting of a Committee or Sub-Committee, the relevant Political Group Leader (or their nominated representative) may, by notice to the Monitoring Officer (or their nominated representative) prior to the meeting, appoint a substitute member from within the same Political Group. The contact details on the front of this agenda should be used for notifications.

Cllr Sharon Carr-Brown was the substitute member for Cllr Anne Moriarty.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

Cllr Hazel Allen declared a personal interest as an employee of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2025.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 14 July 2025, be confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.

To check on any outstanding actions.

The action sheet was noted.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-

https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/documents/s2305/Public%20Items%20-%20Meeting%20Procedure%20Rules.pdf 

The deadline for the submission of public questions is midday 3 clear working days before the meeting (midday on 17 September 2025).

The deadline for the submission of a statement is midday the working day before the meeting (midday on 22 September 2025).

The deadline for the submission of a petition is 10 working days before the meeting (8 September 2025).

There were no public issues on this occasion.

‘Get Britain Working’ is a national initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ (Nov 2024), seeks to promote higher employment and reduced economic inactivity, whilst supporting individuals to enhance and improve their skills to transition into higher quality jobs.

All areas of England must develop local ‘Get Britain Working’ plans. Dorset Council, as Accountable Body, must deliver the plan across the Dorset Council (DC) and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) geographies in partnership with BCP Council, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

This Cabinet report seeks approval of the draft GD&BCPWP (see Appendix 1) for publication.   

The Head of Curriculum, Quality and Business and a representative from Dorset Chamber presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

‘Get Britain Working’ was a national initiative from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The ‘Get Britain Working White Paper’ (Nov 2024), sought to promote higher employment and reduced economic inactivity, whilst supporting individuals to enhance and improve their skills to transition into higher quality jobs.

All areas of England were required to develop local ‘Get Britain Working’ plans. Dorset Council, as Accountable Body, was required to deliver the plan across the Dorset Council (DC) and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) geographies in partnership with BCP Council, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The Committee discussed the report and responses to queries were provided, including:

• In response to a query raised on the White Paper’s link to local delivery, the Committee was advised that the initiative had ICB Board support and would be governed via the Dorset Skills and Workforce Board, with representation from BCP Council, Dorset Council, and health agencies.
• The Committee was advised that engagement had taken place with the Dorset NHS Widening Participation Working Group, colleges, universities, and other stakeholders to ensure inclusive design and delivery, particularly for the Connect to Work initiative.
• In response to a query raised regarding apprenticeships for young people post-18, the Committee was advised that efforts were underway to grow the apprenticeship market and align qualifications with local productivity needs.
• The Committee was advised that the plan aligns with the Local Skills Improvement Plan and local growth strategies, supporting employer engagement and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
• In response to a query raised regarding support for individuals with mental health or long-term health conditions, the Committee was advised that Connect to Work would offer tailored, wraparound support including benefits counselling and signposting, with a single front door approach.
• In response to concerns raised regarding employer readiness to support individuals with additional needs, officers acknowledged the challenge and outlined plans to help employers become disability confident, with a coordinated approach via Dorset Chamber and other networks.
• The Committee welcomed the plan’s ambition to improve job quality, referencing local data on low wages and in-work poverty, and suggested engagement with the BCP Poverty Truth Commission to strengthen the lived experience perspective.
• The Committee highlighted unpaid carers as a distinct group facing employment barriers and requested explicit references in the plan, supported by local data. Officers agreed to consider this and explore partnership opportunities.
• In response to a query on barriers for individuals without GCSE English and Maths, the Committee was advised that functional skills qualifications were available year-round and suitable for entry into apprenticeship training, with referrals via the Connect to Work information, advice & guidance service or directly to Skills & Learning Adult Community Education.
• In response to concerns raised regarding travel assistance for 16–19-year-olds, particularly those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To receive a presentation from the Chair and CEO of Tricuro.

The Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Tricuro Board presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee discussed the report and responses to queries were provided, including:

• In response to a query raised regarding the proposal for a charitable entity, the Committee was advised that some services currently undertake local fundraising, but the structure is not optimal. Establishing a Community Interest Company could improve engagement with local partners and businesses. It was noted that this proposal is under legal review as part of the shareholder agreement update.
• The Committee requested data on service capacity, particularly at the Moordown centre. Officers confirmed that capacity data is available via dashboards and would be circulated to the Committee. ACTION
• The Director of Adult Social Care highlighted the importance of prevention and early intervention, noting alignment with the Adult Social Care Strategy. The Committee was advised that future planning would focus on recovery-based models and short-term interventions, with investment linked to measurable outcomes.
• The Committee was advised of the ongoing work to develop a dementia hub model at the Moordown Centre, aimed at supporting carers and improving early access to advice and support. Reablement services were also being reviewed to enhance outcomes and maintain capacity.
• The Committee was advised that future KPIs would focus on individual outcomes such as confidence, independence, and mobility, rather than solely operational metrics.
• In a query raised regarding the importance of reaching individuals before the crisis point and supporting the wider network around service users, the Committee was advised that officers acknowledge this and are committed to broadening service accessibility and awareness.
• The Committee reflected on the significant changes within both Tricuro and BCP Council over the past year. It was agreed that regular updates beyond formal business plans would support collaborative working and service improvement.
• The Committee was advised of the officer’s commitment to ongoing engagement and agreed that progress updates should be provided between formal planning cycles to support continued collaboration and oversight. ACTION

The Committee noted the report.

The Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy (2025-2030) sets out 5 key strategic priorities to reduce, delay or prevent the need for long term care and support for people living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The strategy has been shaped by the views and experiences of local people, carers, the voluntary and community sector and partners. It aims to develop a sustainable approach to prevention in adult social care. The strategy emphasises early intervention, the promotion of wellbeing, and collaboration with key partners, to not only prevent the development of long-term needs, but also to enhance the overall quality of life for people living in the BCP Council area.

The Interim Director of Commissioning and Strategic Commissioning Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy (2025–2030) set out five key strategic priorities to reduce, delay or prevent the need for long-term care and support for people living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The strategy was shaped by the views and experiences of local people, carers, the voluntary and community sector and partners. It aimed to develop a sustainable approach to prevention in adult social care. The strategy emphasised early intervention, the promotion of wellbeing, and collaboration with key partners, to not only prevent the development of long-term needs, but also to enhance the overall quality of life for people living in the BCP Council area.

The Committee discussed the report and responses to queries were provided, including:

• The Committee welcomed the alignment of the Prevention Strategy with the Adult Social Care Strategy and the Future Care programme. It was noted that the approach focused on early intervention, recovery, and reducing reliance on traditional models of care.
• In response to a query raised regarding future targets and investment, the Committee was advised that officers were exploring short-term interventions and preventative models, with a view to reinvesting long-term funding into approaches that promote independence and avoid crisis escalation.
• The Committee was informed that work was underway to develop a dementia hub model at the Moordown centre, aimed at supporting carers and improving early access to advice and support. This was highlighted as an example of proactive, community-based prevention.
• The Committee was advised that reablement services were being reviewed to ensure individuals benefit fully from both at-home and residential support. It was noted that maintaining service capacity and improving outcomes were key priorities.
• The Committee was advised that future KPIs would focus on individual outcomes such as confidence, independence, and mobility, rather than solely operational metrics. This would support a more evidence-based approach to measuring the impact of preventative work.
• In response to a query regarding services that provide wider benefits beyond the individual service user, including respite and support for families and carers, the Committee was advised of the importance of reaching individuals before the crisis point and the commitment to broadening service accessibility and awareness.
• The Committee was advised that the strategy seeks to move away from models of care that create dependency and instead promote approaches that enable and empower individuals within their communities.
• It was noted that the three towns within BCP have distinct community needs, and the strategy aims to be dynamic and responsive to those differences.
• The Committee was advised that the strategy is informed by work with the LGA and national best practice, and that evidence of impact will be key to shaping future investment decisions.
• The Committee supported the direction of the strategy and welcomed further updates on its implementation and impact.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

In July 2024, BCP Cabinet and Full Council agree to support a four-year transformation programme called Fulfilled Lives, approving a total investment of £2.9m spanning the first three years.

The programme is made up of four inter-dependent projects:

·       How We Work

·       Short-Term Support

·       Self-Directed Support

·       Support At Home

An initial investment of £1.79m for the first 12 months of the programme was agreed, with progress monitored on a minimum six-monthly basis by members of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The programme entered its delivery phase in January 2025 and, since then, progress reports were presented to Committee in January, March and July.

The release of the remaining £1.11m funding for the programme was approved by Cabinet and Full Council in July 2025, and this report provides a further brief update for the programme overall including a deeper focus, as requested, on the Self-Directed Support and Short-Term Support projects.

The Director of Adult Social Care and Head of Service/Programme lead presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

In July 2024, BCP Cabinet and Full Council agreed to support a four-year transformation programme called Fulfilled Lives, approving a total investment of £2.9m spanning the first three years. The programme was made up of four inter-dependent projects:

• How We Work
• Short-Term Support
• Self-Directed Support
• Support At Home

An initial investment of £1.79m for the first 12 months of the programme was agreed, with progress monitored on a minimum six-monthly basis by members of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview & Scrutiny Committee. The programme entered its delivery phase in January 2025 and, since then, progress reports were presented to Committee in January, March and July. The release of the remaining £1.11m funding for the programme was approved by Cabinet and Full Council in July 2025, and this report provided a further brief update for the programme overall including a deeper focus, as requested, on the Self-Directed Support and Short-Term Support projects.

The Committee discussed the report and responses to queries were provided, including:

• In response to a query raised regarding the oversight of individual service fund providers, the Committee was advised that providers are subject to a two-stage accreditation process. The first stage involves assessment through the care and support framework, followed by accreditation specific to individual service funds. Ongoing monitoring is undertaken either by the Care Quality Commission or by the Council’s service improvement team, depending on the provider’s registration status.
• The committee was advised that providers deemed unsuitable would be decommissioned, with packages of care transferred to alternative providers as appropriate.
• The Committee raised concerns regarding the availability of suitable housing and the role of housing associations. Officers advised that supported living and care-linked accommodation were being included within the commissioning framework, and that work was underway with housing colleagues to identify appropriate provision for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and other vulnerabilities.
• In response to a query raised regarding the importance of safeguarding individuals who are self-directing their support, the Committee was advised that all individuals must have eligible needs and that governance mechanisms, including regular reviews and financial checks, would remain in place to ensure safe and effective use of funds.
• In response to a query raised regarding market capacity and whether individuals were able to access the support they needed in the right place and at the right time, the Committee was advised that work was ongoing with trusted reviewers and community groups to identify gaps and develop appropriate services. This included the development of services through Community Micro Enterprises.
• The Committee noted that the programme aimed to support individuals to access existing community resources, such as walking groups or social activities, where these meet their outcomes, rather than solely developing new services.
• The Committee welcomed the conversion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee is asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny (O&S) Committee was asked to consider and identify work priorities for publication in a Work Plan.

The Chair advised the Committee that the Social Care Budget item would be shared with Members during an upcoming Committee briefing session, which was agreed by the Committee. The Chair also reminded Committee members of the items scheduled to be presented to the Health and Adult Social Care Committee at the next meeting.

To receive a verbal update from the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing.

The Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing provided the following verbal update to the Committee:

• Continued work on the Adult Social Care Fulfilled Lives transformation programme, including the approval of an additional £1.1 million in funding by Cabinet and Council.
• Highlighted the effectiveness of recent presentations to Members, particularly the animated slide explaining the three conversations model.
• Noted ongoing changes within the Integrated Care Board (ICB), including clustering with neighbouring areas and senior management restructuring.
• Attended the Integrated Care Partnership meeting in July, potentially the last of its kind due to structural changes, with future responsibilities likely to shift to the Health and Wellbeing Board.
• Reported positive developments in the working relationship with Tricuro following recent board and shareholder governance meetings.
• Confirmed preparations for the upcoming CQC assurance visit, scheduled for the week commencing 1 December.
• Participated in the Senior Leadership Network meeting in July, which focused on wellbeing and included a case study illustrating lifelong service engagement.
• Visited the BCP Lifeline service at its new location in the Kinson Hub:

-       Observed the call centre and mobile response operations.

-       Noted plans to expand mobile response coverage across the conurbation, including Christchurch and East Bournemouth.

• Addressed the liquidation of NRS Healthcare in July:

-       Praised the successful transition of services to Mediquip with minimal disruption.

-       Described the response as a quiet but significant success in managing a major provider failure.

• Provided an update on Public Health:

-       Confirmed successful recruitment of 2.6 public health consultants, strengthening in-house expertise.

• Informed the Committee of the recruitment of a new Corporate Director for Wellbeing, Laura Ambler, whose appointment was confirmed at Full Council.

-       Anticipated that this would enhance strategic oversight and leadership capacity across wellbeing services.

• Expressed confidence in the Council’s preparedness for the CQC visit, citing the breadth of ongoing work and improvements.

The Chair thanked the Portfolio Holder for the update.