Issue - meetings

To consider options for the delivery of adoption services beyond the expiry of the current arrangements with Adoption West which expires 28 February 2027. This is a Teckal Company, wholly owned by the participating Local Authorities.

Cllr Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, introduced the item, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  Adoption West is a Teckal Company which is jointly owned by six Local Authorities (the four former Avon authorities (B&NES, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset) plus Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils).

·  Current arrangements are due to expire at the end of February 2027. There are three possible delivery models. These are: continuing with Adoption West; a local authority-hosted service; or working with a voluntary adoption agency.

·  The clear recommendation is to continue with Adoption West as our preferred model. This is regarded as the optimal and only practicable solution, based on:

o  Adoption West’s record of effectiveness, including governance, oversight and partnership working

o  the opportunity to consolidate and build on progress to date

o  the opportunity to innovate and weather challenges from a secure base

o  minimising disruption and distress for children, families and staff

o  lack of evidence to support moving to an alternative delivery model and clear risks of change

·  Adoption West has been a very successful organisation. It has a Good Ofsted rating, “overwhelmingly positive” service user feedback, and performance indicators which match or exceed national averages.

·  Since 2019, Adoption West has delivered over 500 adoptions and is providing ongoing support to about 2000 families.

Cllr Alison Born seconded the proposal and noted that Adoption West is providing a good service and value for money.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To agree, in principle, to continue with Adoption West as the council’s preferred option for their regional adoption agency (RAA), beyond February 2027.

(2)  To delegate to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, to work with key stakeholders and partners (including adoptive family representatives) to further develop Adoption West, taking account of the matters set out in paragraph 11.1 of the report.

(3)  To bring a further report to a future Cabinet meeting once this work is completed setting out revised proposals for Adoption West beyond February 2027.