Agenda item

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance introduced this item to the Panel and highlighted the following areas from the presentation.

Community Services Transformation Programmes Structure

Programme One - ASC Redesign & Community Partners

Programme Two - Public Health

Programme Three - Community Based Integrated Care (B&NES)

ASC Transfer of Services (approx. 240 staff)

Key cabinet decision made on 10th November 2022 to transfer services:

4 departments involved in the transfer.

·  ASC Social Work Functions (PD01)

·  Direct Payments (SD23)

·  Learning Disabilities Social Work Functions (SD43)

·  Learning Disabilities Provider Provision (SD43)

Enabling Workstreams

Workstreams - reporting to Programme One Board

·  HR & HR Operations

·  IM&T, Systems, Reporting and Information Governance/Data Protection

·  Finance & Procurement, including transactional activity sub-groups

·  Communications and Engagement

·  Operational Redesign

Governance and Assurance

·  Monthly Lead Member Briefing

·  Monthly Trade Union Briefing

·  Regular updates to CMT and SLT

·  Internal Audit July to Sept - Level 4 Substantial Assurance

Informal HCRG Care Group staff briefings

·  Two informal staff briefings sessions held May and June (Adult Social Work Teams and Provider Services)

·  Focus of sessions included Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) - TUPE and what is means for individuals.

·  Next sessions booked in November 2023

Key Milestones and Achievements

·  Confirmation of all Terms & Condition’s (T&C’s) – Sirona, Agenda for Change, Local Government and HCRG Care Group

·  Commencement of the payroll build of T&Cs – September 2023

·  Creation of seven workstream groups – corporate enabling functions

·  Confirmation of all Information Technology equipment requirements across all teams – tender document for the purchase of required equipment drafted – September 2023

·  Ongoing due diligence – HR, finance, estates, provider activities, staff training

·  Creation of a communications and engagement strategy – workforce, service users & stakeholders

Next Steps & Key Milestones

·  Setting the operational budget for service delivery

·  Review of mobilisation costs

·  Continued due diligence across Programme One

·  Completed review of estates and premises

·  Completed review of day services activities – how services operate

·  Formal consultation with HCRG Care Group staff

Internal Audit – ASC Transfer Governance and Programme Management (draft report Sept 2023)

Level 4 – Substantial Assurance – The systems of internal control are good with a number of strengths evident and substantial assurance can be provided as detailed within the Assurance Summary.

Governance Update & Next Steps

Programme 1 ASC Transfer & Community Partners and Programme 2 Public Health

·  B&NES Cabinet 9th November – Update on progress with ASC Transfer and decisions to be taken on model for delivery of services as of April 2025 covering Community Partners and Public Health and decision to participate in ICBC procurement process for Community Health (BSW).

·  Proposal to come back to Scrutiny Panel after November 2023 Cabinet decision on future operating model for community services for B&NES.

The Director of Place, Bath and North East Somerset, BSW ICB addressed the Panel.

1 Year Direct Award 2024-2025 – HCRG Care Group (B&NES)

·  Single Member Decision implemented 26th July 2023 to endorse the proposal for an interim 1 year arrangement for commissioning of the Community Services contract.

·  The 1 year direct award involves B&NES continuing to fund Public Health services and services delivered by Community Partners, along with the continuation of the contributions towards some Heath Services as well as funding contribution to Better Care Fund pooled budget arrangement.

Contracting Process

·  ICB Co-ordinating Commissioner and B&NES Council Co-Commissioner

·  ICB leading contract negotiation and process with HCRG Care Group

·  BSW ICB Community Services Commissioning Intentions 2024/25 agreed with HCRG Care Group

·  No variations to contract including service specifications and Local Quality Schedule

Councillor Joanna Wright asked how many staff were members of a Trade Union and how had discussions with them been received so far.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance replied that she did not have those figures to hand, but would report that information back to the Panel. She added that they meet with Trade Unions on a monthly basis with members of the HR team and that the dialogue has been good.

Councillor Wright asked how the new workforce would fit into the Avon Pension Fund following the transfer of services.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance replied that they were working diligently with all relevant partners on this issue and that information will be shared with staff regarding this in the November round of briefings.

Councillor Wright asked if a discussion could be held with representatives of the Avon Pension Fund as to whether they could be in a position to make any investment into this service area.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance replied that she would need to discuss this with officers within the Avon Pension Fund before a response can be given.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that many people will be happy to see this process taking place. She asked if in a future report some costs could be shared as she would like to know that if following the transfer, the Council will in anyway be able to save money. She also asked why the 1 Year Direct Award to HCRG was necessary.

The Director of Place, Bath and North East Somerset, BSW ICB replied that the 1 Year Direct Award was put in place to maintain the current service safely and to allow time for a full procurement process. She added that HCRG have worked with all parties very professionally during this process.

Kevin Burnett commented that it was good to see the level of assurance that has been achieved by the programme so far. He asked what they see as their key challenges moving forward.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance replied that the volume of staff involved is a challenge, but said that two recent transfers have been undertaken within the Council so they were able to use that previous experience for this process. She said that it was important that the workforce is transferred safely and that there is a continuity of service provision. She added that in future reports they would look to include financial information for the Panel.

Kevin Burnett asked on what terms and conditions will the staff transfer into B&NES on.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance replied that they will transfer in on their existing terms and conditions and then at some point a review of these will take place.

Councillor Wright asked if they had considered whether an external audit of this process was required at all.

The Assistant Director for Strategy, Transformation & Governance replied that she would seek advice on that from the Corporate Director for these services.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the update and presentation that had been provided to them.