MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SOCIAL SERVICES NORTH WEST HELD ON 21^st MARCH 2003 AT COUNTY HALL PRESTON

Present

Members

Councillor Morris (Chair)                                    Bolton

Councillor Gorton                                                Blackburn with Darwen

Councillor Wright                                                 Blackpool

Councillor Parker                                                Cumbria

Councillor Mallinson                                            Cumbria

Councillor Morley                                                 Halton

Councillor Cheetham                                          Lancashire

Councillor Holtom                                                Lancashire

Councillor Ormrod                                               Lancashire

Councillor Heffernan                                           Oldham

Councillor Joynes                                                Oldham

Councillor Robinson                                            Rochdale

Councillor Hudson                                               Salford

Councillor Parry                                                   Sefton

Councillor Candler                                              Stockport

Councillor Middleton                                           Tameside

Councillor Frogatt                                                Warrington

Councillor O’Neill                                                 Wigan

Councillor Irving                                                   Wirral

Officers

David Kerambrum                                        Blackburn with Darwen

Andy Robertson                                            Bolton

Larry Barker                                                  Lancashire

Linda Priest                                                   Oldham

Ian Davey                                                       Rochdale

Paul Woltman                                                Salford

Bob McConnell                                             Sefton

Phill Warrilow                                                Trafford

David Whitehead                                         Warrington

Bernard Walker                                            Wigan

Michael Murphy                                            Senior Lecturer, Salford University

E Rafferty                                                      Co-ordinator, SSNW

P Viggers                                                      Professional Assistant, SSNW

L Hollingworth                                               Administrator, SSNW

SSNW 02/36 Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of:

Councillors:

Councillor Connolly (Bury), Councillor Keith, (Knowsley), Councillor Cooley (Manchester), Councillor Easton (Lancashire), Councillor Phillips (Liverpool), Councillor Roderick (Liverpool), Councillor Thompson (Rochdale), Councillor Quayle (Trafford), Councillor Dally (Sefton), Councillor McLaughlin (Wirral)

Officers:

S Pullan (Blackpool), E Ionnides (Bury), M Siegal (Cumbria), D Terris (Halton), A Marsland (Knowsley), P Oliver (Lancashire), V Jackson (Liverpool), P Newman (Manchester), S Lightup (St Helens), J Daintith  (Stockport).

SSNW 02/37 Presentation:  What are the Training Implications of the Laming Inquiry by Michael Murphy

The Co-ordinator introduced Michael Murphy, a senior lecturer at Salford University, who gave a presentation, highlighting Lord Laming’s recommendations regarding the need to equip staff with the relevant skills and knowledge to do their job.  He demonstrated that there seems to be three clear training themes running through the Laming Report:  better inclusion of single and interagency child protection training on vocational training courses, a minimum level of single agency training to equip practitioners to do their basic child protection tasks and a minimum level of interagency training to be provided so that staff can understand their own and others roles in the wider system.

Resolved

1. That Michael Murphy be thanked for his presentation.
2. To note that Salford University proposed to undertake research on the impact of the Laming Inquiry on child protection organisation and practice and that the University would make approaches to SSD’s shortly to participate in this.

SSNW 02/38 Minutes

Resolved

1. That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th December at Warrington be approved as a correct record and signed by Councillor Morris (Chair).
2. Councillor Irving (Wirral) referred to 02/31 and asked that the cross boundary work regarding NHS overlap issues be progressed.
3. There were no other items under matters arising, except those arising later in the agenda.

SSNW 02/39 Co-ordinator’s Report

The Co-ordinator presented the report, mentioning work that has been done since her appointment in January.  She advised members that SSNW are now looking for a new administrator and she would let them know as soon as the position has been filled.

The Co-ordinator informed members that SSNW had received a letter of thanks for their significant contribution towards the development of Topss North West from its Chair, Vic Citarella. 

The Co-ordinator advised members that she is involved in hosting a visit from the GSCC at the end of the month and invited any comments that members wished to be passed on.

Members were asked for their opinions regarding the work programme of SSNW for the coming year.  The Co-ordinator asked members to keep this in mind for the AGM in Cumbria.

The Co-ordinator suggested to members that due to the sound condition of the budget, SSNW annual subscriptions should remain at the same level as the current year.  This was agreed.

The Co-ordinator reminded members that one of the aims of SSNW is to promote good practice and it was agreed that this could be a formal part of every meeting.  It was decided that the host authority would make a brief presentation at the start of each meeting to share ideas of good practice in their region.  Councillor Gorton, (Blackburn with Darwen) agreed this was a good idea. 

Resolved

1. That the report be noted.
2. That the Co-ordinator will advise members when a new Administrator is appointed and that Lucy Hollingworth be thanked for her contribution to SSNW administration.
3. That Topss appreciation is noted and that Peter J Hewitt, Peter J Viggers and Elaine Trotter be thanked for their work administering Topss NW.
4. That members contact the office with any suggestions for the GSCC visit.
5. That members consider topics for next year’s Annual Work Programme.
6. That regarding the budget and subscriptions:

a)     the revised estimate of income and expenditure be noted;

b)     members agree the subscriptions for 2003/04 as set out in Appendix B;

c)     that Dave McNeice, Finance Manager, Lancashire, be thanked for his continuing valuable contribution to the financial management of SSNW.

7. That Members be prepared to share a good practice session when they host the SSNW Committee meeting.
8. That the Administrator will send out a list of venues for forthcoming committee meetings.

SSNW 02/40 The Victoria Climbie Report

The Professional Assistant introduced the report commenting that the Laming report had strongly condemned “buck passing” at senior levels together with the admin, managerial and professional failures to advert tragedy.  The Government is keen to accept most of Laming’s recommendations, however it remains uncertain whether the proposals relating to National and Local accountability will be included in the Government’s green paper due to be published this spring.  Members commented that the Children and Families Team should be an intrinsic part of the Local Authority.  Local Authorities have spent 18 months getting away from the Committee structure and Government guidelines need to be inline with current Local Authority structures.  Councillor Holtom (Lancashire) commented that there needs to be more training at the Social Work level and communication needs to be better with the people that are on the ‘front line’ of these problems.  Councillor Irving (Wirral) commented that staff need to be valued and supported more.  Councillor Wright (Blackpool) wanted to acknowledge that Social Workers are vulnerable and are often entering potentially dangerous situations alone.  The Chair reminded members that SSNW has always supported the idea of a Children’s Commissioner for England and said that he would write to the Secretary of State for Health focusing on three issues:

1. To remind the Government that Local Authorities no longer normally have social services committees following the move toward cabinet style organisation, and that any proposed changes to policy must fit with current Local Authority Structure.
2. To once again support the creation of a post of Children’s Commissioner for England.
3. To support Laming’s recommendations for better training and to value staff, thereby improving recruitment and retention.

Resolved

1. That the report be noted.
2. That a letter be written on behalf of the committee to the Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn, focusing on the three issues mentioned, namely ensuring that policies aimed at improving accountability fit with existing structures, supporting the creation of a post of Children’s Commissioner for England and supporting better training for staff to enhance their sense of value.

SSNW 02/41 Children’s Issues

The Professional Assistant drew attention to the written report. Paul Woltman (Salford) attending on behalf of Anita Marsland (Lead Director, Children and Families, ADSS NW) advised members that the prevention programme is continuing.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

SSNW 02/42 Delayed Discharge

The Professional Assistant introduced the report, commenting that the proposed Bill had been delayed in the House of Lords, perhaps suggesting that the proposals were unworkable.  There has been strong opposition from the LGA, ADSS, and NHS Confederation along with SSNW.  Responses to SSNW objections have been received from Jacqui Smith MP and John Hutton, Minister of State for the Department of Health with their comments showing that they do not consider that the charges would cause adverse affects on the relationships between Local Authorities and the Health Authorities.  They also believe that they are promoting a whole systems approach where the reimbursement costs incurred will not cause financial difficulties. 

Councillor Cheetham (Lancashire) said that he believed that the Government needs to provide a clearer and more simplistic system that will work administratively, should the Bill be approved.  The Chair suggested writing to Alan Milburn asking for greater clarity on this matter.

Resolved

1. That the report be noted.
2. That a letter be written to Alan Milburn asking for more clarity regarding the administrative arrangements should the Community Care (Delayed Discharges) Bill become law.

SSNW 02/43 Civil Emergencies Planning Manual

The Professional Assistant introduced the report and commented on the timely publication of the manual, given that the Government is now encouraging a more regional and national approach to co-ordinating disaster response.  This theme was suggested for a possible conference in September.

Resolved

1. That the report be noted.
2. That a conference be held in September regarding Civil Emergencies.

SSNW 02/44 Any other Business

The Professional Assistant informed members that he had attended the recent Committed to Inclusion, Health and Social Care Task Group, where Peter Flynn from the NW Government Office outlined the draft Investment for Health Strategy document. Produced on behalf of the NW Health Group, this document focuses on the main determinants of health, and those investments and strategies, which have the greatest potential to improve health and reduce inequalities for people with disabilities.  The Professional Assistant advised members that the document was now being considered by the North West Regional Assembly and would go forward for wider consultation in April.

Resolved

1.            That the above verbal report be noted

2.            That Lancashire be thanked for the hospitality provided.

SSNW 02/45            Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of Social Services North West will be held on Friday 20^th June 2003 at Kendal, Cumbria.

ER/PJV/LH 24^th March 2003

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