Agenda item

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

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

This report provides a further update for the programme overall to reflect the achievements to date, the current challenges, and the next steps to be taken over the following six months.

The Interim Director of Adult Social Care 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.

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

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

The report provided a further update for the programme overall to reflect the achievements to date, the current challenges, and the next steps to be taken over the following six months.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

•          The Committee heard that a six-month IT system change freeze had been implemented by the system supplier, with advance notice provided and critical changes completed beforehand. 

•          The Committee noted that the remaining system changes were refinements which may be delayed by the freeze, although service delivery and achievement of savings targets were not expected to be affected. 

•          In response to a query, it was noted that home care contracts were delivered through a framework of approved providers, supported by robust contract management arrangements, performance indicators and quality monitoring. 

•          The Committee was advised that care packages were allocated through a brokerage process which took account of provider capacity, geographical considerations, individual preferences and specific care requirements. It was noted that providers submit regular capacity information to support timely matching of individuals with available services. 

•          In response to a query regarding direct payments, the Committee was advised they were increasingly managed through payment cards, allowing expenditure to be monitored and reducing administrative burdens for service users. It was noted that monitoring arrangements were in place to identify any spending that does not align with an individual’s agreed care and support plan. 

•          The Committee welcomed the development of the Complex Case Network and the positive impact of collaborative support for individuals with complex needs. 

•          In response to a query, the Committee was advised that there were currently 11 community micro-enterprises in operation, with a further 17 in development. It was noted that community micro-enterprises provided a broad range of support, including companionship, wellbeing activities, technology support, fitness and nature-based services. 

•          The Committee heard that gaps in provision were identified through co-production with residents and addressed through ongoing engagement with Community Catalysts. 

•          The Committee received assurance that delays to IT system development would not affect the delivery of frontline practice or the overall programme objectives. 

•          The Committee discussed the reablement pilot and heard that while early outcomes were positive, further work was required to increase referrals and demonstrate long-term value before permanent arrangements could be considered. 

•          The Committee heard that specialist frameworks were in place for people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and other complex requirements, enabling more tailored provider matching. 

•          The Committee noted that housing, safeguarding and social care assessments were undertaken collaboratively to support vulnerable individuals living in unsuitable accommodation. 

•          It was highlighted that community micro-enterprises were primarily accessed through direct payments, although services could also be commissioned directly where appropriate. 

•          The Committee noted that the use of smaller community providers was considered to offer a more personalised and cost-effective alternative to larger commissioned services. 

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes the current work-in-progress with the Adult Social care Fulfilled Lives Programme.

Voting: Nem. Con.