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SOCIAL SERVICES NORTH WEST
MEETING ON 21 DECEMBER 2001 AT WARRINGTON
REPORT OF THE CO-ORDINATOR
LEARNING DISABILITY
1. Matter for Consideration:
Learning Disability was selected as a key theme of this year's work programme for Social Services North West. This report describes the recent conference on this issue, and on the further involvement of Social Services North West in regional work on issues related to people with a learning disability
2. Information:
2.1 The recent conference at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton was the best attended of all Social Services North West conferences,, attended by over 80 people from the statutory health and social care organisations in the region. Held jointly with the Social Services Inspectorate and the Regional Office of the NHS Executive, the conference was for the non-executive members and senior managers of health organisations throughout the North West, as well as councillors and senior staff of social services authorities. Entitled 'Valuing People', it focussed on the recent White Paper which sets out the Government's strategy for learning disability for the 21st century. The afternoon session focused on 'No Secrets' - the Government guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse.
2.2 The conference began 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, and the parent of a woman with multiple disabilities. Richard Jones, Assistant Chief Inspector, SSI North West; then outlined the key messages and challenges from the White Paper. Peter Rowe, Director of Primary and Community Care, NHS Executive North West, then outlined the measures to be taken to implement the White Paper in the North West. The morning was brought to a dramatic conclusion by a group of people who, as people with a learning disability or as parents, have undertaken the Partners in Policy Making programme. Their novel approaches brought vividly to life some of the challenges (and joys) of being, and caring for, a person with a learning disability.
2.3 In the afternoon, the conference examined progress across the region in implementing 'No Secrets', the Government guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. All the presentations at the conference are summarised at Appendix 1, and it is clear from the evaluation sheets that the conference was highly rated by almost all who attended.
2.4 A regional structure has been established to take forward the work of implementing the White Paper in the North West, and the Co-ordinator represents Social Services North West on the Regional Task Force. This is chaired by Steve Jones, Chief Executive of Wigan MBC and has a strategic role in monitoring and steering development of services to people with a learning disability right across the region
2.5 It is, as yet, early days in the implementation process, but wherever Social Services North West can play a role in promoting member involvement and participation, proposals will be brought back to the Committee.
3. Recommendation:
That the report be noted, and a further report prepared in due course.
Appendix 1: Summary of Conference 26 September 2001
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