Issue - meetings

This report is an opportunity to explore and consider the issues and the responses currently in place to support both the wider Care and health workforce in B&NES and specifically the workforce related to the provision run directly by the Council.

The Senior Commissioner, Community Transformation introduced the report to the Panel. She said that she hoped that it contained within it enough information to give them an understanding of both the services that the Council runs and those that it commissions.

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty asked how sustainable it was to have roughly a third of the workforce over 55 years of age and if it was known why there was a low uptake of staff, only 33%, who have a care qualification. She stated that she would like to see it made more of a highlighted career and would welcome the Panel discussing the issue in more detail at a future meeting.

The Senior Commissioner, Community Transformation replied that the work that has been carried out with United Care B&NES, jointly the Council and the RUH, has been important and contributed to the level of pay and terms and conditions that are in place. She added that they have also worked closely with their provider organisations on the challenges highlighted in the report.

Councillor Joanna Wright referred to section 3.3 of the report and asked what the hourly rate for home care is that meets the thresholds recommended by the Home Care Association.

The Senior Commissioner, Community Transformation replied that it is £25.42 and that this is a combined rate based on hourly, half hourly and weekend/evening shifts. She added that this was now seen as the Council’s starting point and linked to our ‘Fair Price of Care’.

Councillor Wright asked if any further comment could be given on the creation of the BSW Academy Domiciliary Care Steering Group.

The Senior Commissioner, Community Transformation replied that the Director of Adult Social Care has led this work alongside the ICB to investigate the concerns and challenges particularly for domiciliary providers. She added that around 12 months ago, following Covid and Brexit, it was very difficult to find domiciliary care provision. She explained that Dr Sarah Green is leading this brief across the ICB to look at how the workforce can be supported under Suzanne Westhead’s leadership.

Councillor Wright asked if the work of the Steering Group has proved useful.

The Senior Commissioner, Community Transformation replied that it has and has enabled a range of opportunities to discuss their challenges. She added that there is a high degree of staff turnover to contend with and that this can sometimes add to the issues connected with additional training.

Councillor Wright referred to section 6 of the report, Risk Management, and said she was concerned about the issues mentioned within it.

The Senior Commissioner, Community Transformation replied that she wanted to highlight these issues to the Panel as the number of older people needing care is increasing year on year and the funding associated with that is not likely to keep pace. She added that most of the staff are on the minimum wage for what is a skilled role. She stated that good terms and conditions need to be in place for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40