Roismi R.’s Post

Earlier this month, our Deputy Director Dr Niamh O’Rourke presented at the European Parliament on our national standards for health and social care. The presentation was part of the European Social Network European Parliament Round Table - Towards a European Social Services Framework. At the event, EU and social services leaders discussed the key priorities for social services for the new European Commission and Parliament, the reality of social services’ challenges in different EU countries and exchanged ideas on EU-level solutions. Niamh presented on the principles approach we apply to developing national standards for health and social care in Ireland. These principles are: a human rights-based approach, accountability, responsiveness and safety and wellbeing, all combining to ensure person-centred care. Our national standards are based on the outcomes a person should expect from a quality, well-managed, safe service. At the event, this outcomes-based approach to developing health and social care standards in Ireland was highlighted as a model of good practice for a European Social Services Quality Framework.  To find out more about our national standards and how they are developed visit: https://lnkd.in/ehasv3zT

The Local Government Association has published a guide to CQC assessments of whether local authorities are meeting their duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.   CQC is required to review, assess and report on the performance of English local authorities under section 46A of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. The guide explains the steps the CQC will take in an assessment, including the data collection and on-site inspection, and how local authorities can respond to the assessment.

The CQC have published a guide for leaders in adult social care. I hope that inspectors undertake a deep dive in to areas such as safeguarding, and doesn’t do as the #ico does and take the Local Authorities word, as in my experience their seems to be a really poor understanding and a utter failure to adhere to safeguarding policies and legislation by some local authorities. In July 2021, Surrey County Council Social Workers for example accepted a safeguarding referral in the form of a SCARF report in the full knowledge that the individual did not meet the Care Act 2014 criteria of an ‘adult t risk’. This removed any lawful duty for the Council to act. Their failure then to consider the DHSC SHARE Consensus demonstrated another safeguarding skills gap. Instead of following person led care, empowering the individual, respecting an individuals Human Right to freedom from authority interference and right to private life, the Council breached legislation and trust, breached Social Work Professional Standards and made a decision based on organisational need, nd acted as a conduit to share data with a non statutory safeguarding authority. Their actions caused severe trauma and created suicidal ideation which hadn’t been present before the Council exceeded their authority and a0lied a coercive control approach to safeguarding, For those unfamiliar with the Consensus, the guidance is very clear. Where there is a concern of suicidal ideation, but the person is an adult, with capacity, that poses no risk to others and dissents to data sharing, the Council have no lawful basis to breach confidentiality…they must respect a persons dissent. Surrey County Council Social Workers ignorance and failure to regard the Law, UK GDPR, a persons Human Rights has caused severe harm and trauma to people. #cqc please be robust and ask those difficult questions. Stop Councils and Social Workers harming people by placing organisational need above person centred care and respect for an individuals decisions.

Ten years since it was introduced, ADASS President Melanie Williams reflects on the positive impact of the Care Act and what needs to happen to fully make its vision a reality for everyone drawing on care and support. "The Care Act means people do have more choice and control. We’ve seen social work practice evolve. We focus more on what strengths and assets people have as well as addressing the challenges they are facing....but clearly, we have been hampered by the failure of Government to provide the long-term, sustainable increases in investment that we need to build a care and support system that genuinely meets the changing needs of people in our communities as the Care Act envisages. Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/enxSuwfn

Big News for Social Care in Wales! 󠁧🐉 The Welsh government is committed to implementing changes in how the social care sector across Wales receives support. We were pleased to hear that Albert Heaney, Chief Social Care Officer for Wales, revealed that the Welsh Government has set a long-term objective of establishing a national care and support service named the 'National Office for Care and Support'. This initiative aims to transform the social care landscape in Wales with a primary goal to offer vital assistance to the social care workforce. At CareLineLive, we support these innovations by actively collaborating with local authorities to drive positive transformations within the home care sector. Read all about it here on our blog: https://hubs.la/Q02F-JVQ0 Now, we want to hear from YOU! 💬 What are your thoughts on this initiative? 💬 How do you think it will impact the social care landscape? 💬 What changes would you like to see in the social care sector? Drop your comments below and join the conversation! Your voice matters, and together we can drive positive change. 💬👇 #SocialCareWales #NationalCareSupport #CareLineLive #YourVoiceMatters #WeAreHumans

https://lnkd.in/ewzJSfXH. TODAY RACHEL REEVES CONFIRMS WHAT MCC ANTICIPATED - THE CARE CAP DUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED OCTOBER 2025 HAS BEEN CANCELLED! Three weeks ago we posted the following: But with the National Audit Office identifying 'significant risks' to the Department of Health and Social Care’s capacity to deliver the reforms within the timescale, and Labour not setting out how it would fund the proposed reforms within the constraints of the tight fiscal policy set by likely new chancellor Rachel Reeves, it remains to be seen whether this will again be deferred or kicked into the long grass in anticipation of wider reforms as part of a new National Care Service. Given the time scales mooted in respect of the latter (10 years to full implementation), I suggest its pragmatic for financial advisers giving paying for care advice today to work on the basis that it may well not be introduced in October 2025.

📢 New Report Highlights Challenges in Implementing Self-Directed Support (SDS) in Scotland The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee has just published a report examining the implementation of the Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013. While SDS aims to empower individuals by giving them more control and choice over their care, the report highlights challenges that have prevented the policy from being applied fairly and equitably across Scotland. Key findings include: 🟣 Limited availability of providers and issues in service commissioning. 🟣 Financial and procurement systems that hinder SDS delivery. 🟣 Inconsistent application of eligibility criteria by Health and Social Care Partnerships. 🟣 A lack of understanding among key staff about the Act’s principles. Though some areas have implemented SDS successfully, the report stresses the need for national oversight, improved local practices, and a better approach to monitoring and evaluation. Clare Haughey MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “We are calling on the Scottish Government, Local Authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships to ensure proper implementation of the legislation through greater national consistency, by improving local authority practice and processes, addressing issues around commissioning and tendering, and significantly improving processes for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the policy. " You can read the report online at https://ow.ly/Ullk50Tj4wf #SDS #SelfDirectedSupport #HealthAndSocialCare #Scotland #SocialCareReform

News that the Scottish Government has pulled the National Care Service bill brings a mix of relief and frustration. Those of us in the sector voiced concerns from the start, pointing out that the proposed structure wouldn’t address the realities and complexities of social care in Scotland. What’s frustrating is how much time, energy, and public money was wasted on a plan that many of us could see was fundamentally flawed. It’s disheartening that it took so long and our voices went unheard. In planning for the future of social care, it’s not enough for decisions to be made about us, without us. We need to be actively invited to the table as co-creators. This sector thrives on community, inclusion, and locally-driven care, provided by small businesses and organisations deeply embedded in their communities. Real change will come only when those who live and breathe the work they are part of are involved in processes from the start. As we look forward, let’s hope for a fresh approach to policy-making that genuinely engages those we care for, social care providers and professionals. What’s next for Scotland’s social care sector must prioritise sustainability, support small businesses that care, that provide local jobs and truly listen to those in their communities. Those who hold valuable insight into the challenges and needs of this sector. It’s time to rewrite the next chapter, one grounded in community, inclusion, and a commitment to ensuring Scotland’s people get the care and support they deserve. Let’s learn from this and focus on real, actionable support that puts people, not politics, at the heart of social care. #SocialCareScotland #CommunityFirst #Collaboration https://lnkd.in/eVbS4b6E

People’s lived experiences of health and social care can bring insight and ideas that have positive implications for the development of policy and practice in public services. Yet, too often, the voices of people who draw on care and support are missing from events and debates that shape the policies and programmes that affect their lives.   Social Care Future, InControl and Think Local Act Personal have teamed up to research how to make events more inclusive, drawing on the insights and experiences of almost 40 older and disabled people and carers who speak at events, and 16 organisations that host, commission or organise some of the biggest and most influential events in England’s health and care sector.   Please read and share our full report, download the practical toolkit for events organisers, and find out more about a new speaker finder service that connects event organisers, news agencies, editors and policy makers with people who draw on long term health and social care to live their lives. With thanks to Rich Amos, angela catley, Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), NHS England, The King's Fund, People's Voice Media, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) https://lnkd.in/eynMjx37

Scotland’s proposed National Care Service - is the dream unravelling? As Scotland grapples with the future of social care, the proposed National Care Service (NCS) is at a crossroads. Despite ambitious goals to revolutionise care provision, the initiative faces mounting challenges. The Scottish Government envisions the National Care Service as a catalyst for improved quality, fairness, and consistency in social care across the nation. Key objectives include enhancing support for unpaid carers; implementing national standards; and ensuring equitable access to high-quality support regardless of location. The path to realisation is, however, fraught with obstacles. Financial concerns loom large. The Scottish government has already spent almost £30m devising the plans. Costs are projected to reach £2.2 billion, far exceeding initial projections. This has prompted critics to argue that funds would be better spent bolstering existing services. Opposition to the National Care Service has grown considerably. Councils, trade unions, and political parties have withdrawn support, citing fears of excessive centralisation and scepticism about the plan's ability to address fundamental challenges in the sector. Implementation delays have pushed the launch date to 2028-29, while the care sector continues to grapple with significant workforce issues and service closures. New data show 20% of care homes have closed in the last decade. Delayed hospital discharges are at a record high. Local authorities are resisting the transfer of responsibilities to a national body, further complicating matters. As the Scottish government finds itself increasingly isolated in its support for the initiative, the future of the National Care Service hangs in the balance. The coming months will likely prove crucial in determining whether this ambitious vision for transforming social care in Scotland can overcome its hurdles and become a reality. Will the same happen in England? What do you think? https://lnkd.in/eKDhuXUM Homecare Association #Scotland #government #NationalCareService #homecare #carehomes #AdultSocialCare #reform