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SOCIAL SERVICES NORTH WEST
MEETING ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2001 AT BLACKBURN
REPORT OF THE CO-ORDINATOR
VALUING PEOPLE
CONFERENCE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON LEARNING DISABILITY
1. Matter for Consideration:
To report plans for the above conference, to be held jointly with the Social Services Inspectorate and the NHS Executive North West, on 26 September at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.
- Introduction:
This organisation has a long tradition of securing joint action across the region to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities, often working jointly with the NHS to achieve that end. Whilst the ten-year joint strategy for the closure of the long-stay hospitals was completed in 1999, the organisation has retained its interest in this field, noting last year the Government guidance entitled ‘No Secrets’, on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. The publication of the White Paper Valuing People - shaping the future for people with learning disability in the Spring of this year also raises a raft of issues for members of local authorities and their counterparts in health organisations. This conference will enable both those issues to be addressed.
3. Information:
3.1 In March 2001, Health Secretary Alan Milburn unveiled the Government's White Paper Valuing People, the first major new strategy aimed at radically improving the life chances of people with learning disabilities for 30 years. It foreshadows a revolution in support services, to increase opportunities for thousands of people, their carers and families. Alongside better services there will be a new drive to improve education and employment opportunities.
3.2 Four key principles of civil rights, independence, choice and inclusion lie at the heart of the Government's new proposals which have cross-government backing and takes a lifelong look at people’s needs.
3.3 The Government envisages that the changes required to deliver the White Paper will require real leadership at both national and local levels, with action by key players across a range of public services and the wider local community, and a fresh approach to partnership working.
3.4 This conference is one of a series of events across the North West region, to highlight the key messages of the White Paper and promote discussion between agencies about the more immediate challenges and actions required at the local level.
3.5 The conference will also look at No Secrets - the Department of Health guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. Health and social care agencies in each locality are required to have these in place by October 2001, and we shall review the work in progress within the region and exchange good practice.
3.6 The conference is specifically targeted at members of Local Authorities, Non-Executive Directors of Health Authorities, Primary Care Groups, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts, and their Senior Managers. With particular relevance to the afternoon session, Chief Constables and members of police authorities have also been invited.
3.7 The morning session will begin with a personal perspective on Valuing People from Mrs Margaret Morris, who is Chair of Salford and Trafford Health Authority and a City of Salford councillor. She is also the parent of a woman with multiple disabilities, and can therefore speak about the White Paper from a wide range of experience. Other speakers will include a member of the National Implementation Group for Valuing People; Richard Jones, Assistant Chief Inspector, SSI North West; and a group of people who have undertaken the Partners in Policy Making programme. Themes to be addressed throughout the morning will include:
- Key messages and challenges from the White Paper.
- What it means for people with learning disabilities and their families.
- Setting up Learning Disability Partnership Boards.
- Local action and deliverables.
- Into the mainstream.
- New directions for the NHS, and links to the modernisation agenda.
- Involving people with learning disabilities and family members.
3.8 The afternoon session will focus on No Secrets - the Department of Health guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. It will begin with a description of the need for protective measures for vulnerable adults, and a brief overview of definitions and incidence of abuse. The key points in the guidance, and their implications, will then be highlighted, and local examples given of how the different agencies are working together, at the level of strategy and policy, and in practice at grass roots level.
4. Recommendation:
Members are asked to endorse the arrangements for this Conference
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