Agenda item

Members were reminded that the Panel at its July meeting had agreed to a revised approach to the performance monitoring of the Doncaster Children’s Trust. The report to the Panel now aligned more closely with the contract requirements and was presented via a ‘split screen’ approach.  The report provided a review and analysis of the performance challenge carried out by the Director of Learning and Opportunities of the Trust’s performance in Quarter 1 of 2016/17 arising from challenge meetings held between both parties.

The following performance indicators were raised as part of the discussion: -

B13: Care leavers in EET

Q1 = 39.3% July = 35% Target: 45% Tolerance: 40%

It was noted that this figure had reduced by just over 4% as of July 2016 to reach 35%.  In relation to how the Council was working with the Trust to manage stakeholder engagement, it was acknowledged that this was a challenging target and recognised that many authorities struggled to optimise performance in respect of this particular vulnerable cohort.  Members were informed that this was included as an improvement action within the Ofsted action plan.  It was shared that the Council was working with the Trust to support this cohort to make sure that this group of young people were being supported to prepare them for employment.  It was explained that efforts were being targeted and that the Trust had several programmes in place.

It was also clarified that this area had also been recognised as an area for improvement by the Education Commission.  The Panel was informed that changes to funding of apprenticeships in terms of levy will affect the market and potential opportunities.  It was noted that the Council was looking at its response to those changes and in time will be seen how resources can be pooled. 

A Member stated that these clients needed to be moved forward, possibly by making traineeships more attractive, through some kind of financial incentive or by accredited training being made available.  It was explained that this area required more work to be done across the wider needs and through a progression pathway.

It was commented by the Trust that the trend in performance had stemmed from a low base and that work was being undertaken to move some individuals quickly through an employment route.  It was explained that individuals such as those in early stages of parenthood, who were pregnant or had a disability were supported in other suitable ways, for example, through part-time employment or looking at additional opportunities. Reference was made to the challenges of supporting those to remain on courses which would require a longer lead-in time.

Members were reminded of issues associated with an inadequate historical care system, now considered to be improving.  The Trust felt that there were contributing factors outside the care system.

A3 Case File Audits rated as Requires Improvement or better

Q1 = 82% July = 90% Target: 95% Tolerance: 90%

Concern was raised that there was a high proportion of case files that was in need of attention.

Members were told that Ofsted had provided assurance of the quality in rigour and robustness of the process.  It was reported that the last 6 months had brought about quality and improvement.

It was explained that this year there had been an intense training programme provided to staff.  It was clarified that in August there had been no inadequate cases and before that inadequate cases had significantly decreased.  It was reported that the LGA and Ofsted had noted quality and recognised that the Trust was seeing the impact of training on staff with Case File Audits now coming through as outstanding.

Members were informed that the annual review process would take into consideration contract indicators which could potentially be adjusted.  It was suggested that it might be helpful to understand what the trajectory is like through Quarter 2 information.

It was acknowledged that the Trust had set a high threshold which was more difficult to achieve albeit with the right intentions and was therefore taking longer to show improved performance.  It was acknowledged that progress had been made and there had been areas that were outstanding.

Demand management

Concern was raised about the rise in contacts to social care and how Social Workers were coping with casework and caseloads completing reports in time in view of increasing demands.  Members were told that the retention of Social Workers was improving within Doncaster and that there had been a reduction of numbers of agency staff used.  Members were also informed that sickness levels were now below 5% which was a further indication of a supported and healthy workforce.  Finally, it was reported that an independent evaluation indicated that 75% of staff enjoyed coming to work.

Assurance were provided that within children social care, it was about compliance and making sure that case work was completed in a timely fashion.

An invitation was given to Panel Members to meet with frontline staff and attend events focusing on what it was like to work in Doncaster.

Members were informed that Social Workers had also received the benefit of reflective supervision with their Team Managers which had helped them through more difficult times.  Members were that the quality of the workforce had improved through positive engagement that had been made with them.  The importance of promoting the message of selling and wanting the best for Doncaster was shared amongst officers.

C14: Frontline FTE posts covered by agency staff

Q1 = 15% July = 15% Target: 8% Tolerance: 12%

Concern was raised that this target had not been met during the last year and therefore Members welcomed the update that it had reduced more recently to 11% (now within tolerance).  As the indicator had been 15% only in July, a Member raised concern that this reduction was temporary and therefore may increase again.  Members were assured that this indicator was monitored very carefully and that the Trust wanted it to be lower. 

In respect of agency work, Members were informed that a number of agency staff had actually become permanent members of staff.  It was commented that this would be continued as part of the Workforce Development Strategy.  It was acknowledged that Social Workers could earn more money working withan agency.

It was added that it was rare for an authority to achieve 8% and that this indicator was sensitive to change.  In reference to the Workforce Development Strategy, Members were informed that the Trust was pleased with progress that had been made within a competitive market.  Members were told how using a more collaborative approach helped with monitoring the market so that no authority loses out. 

It was recognised that it was in the child’s interest to retain the same worker during the process.  Members were informed that regionally the Trust was looking at what can be achieved with other authorities across sub regions and what standards can be set.  It was noted that this was currently under evaluation although there was some appetite to take it forward.

Members were informed that the Trust was looking to employ experienced staff in addition to new staff within its workforce.  Members were told that the Trust was looking to work with universities more at an earlier stage to ensure that those students were of a higher quality when they started to look for employment.  Members were told that there was a lot of work within Yorkshire about growing our future placements.  It was explained that students were able to carry out experience in a statutory setting (which is something that other places don’t have) and therefore were able to see what Doncaster has to offer prior to employment.

It was added that with a permanent management team in place and investment in training that support was there for staff.  It was noted that there around 13 other local authorities that were having recruitment problems.

B13 Care Leavers in Suitable Accommodation (aged 19 – 21)

Q1 = 87.7% July = 85% Target: 85% Tolerance: 80%

The Chair commented that information previously sought from the Trust had not been forwarded. The Director of Performance, Quality and Innovation offered to supply this information outside of the meeting.

It was reported that at the end of Quarter 1, 4 young people were recorded as being in custody which will have contributed to this figure It was explained that Doncaster did not define ‘custody’ as suitable accommodation although some other local authorities currently did and a judgement was due to be made on this classification for the sake of consistency.  It was reported that Doncaster was performing strongly in terms of reducing custody figures and would put Doncaster in the top quartile.  Members were informed that through Team Epic the new crime prevention service for young people where 55 individuals had been diverted from entering custody as first time entrees.

Overall

A Member raised concern that overall of the 17 contract measures, only were 7 on target or better and that 10 were failing.  It was questioned what the Council was doing and what sanctions could be used if the Trust continually fails. It was reported by the Trust that they were on target where intended or on the trajectory to touching ‘good’, it was recognised though that performance against all indicators required improvement. 

The Panel were informed that as well as quarterly monitoring, a series of challenge meetings takes place with the Trust to consider what’s in target and what’s not and why.  It was stressed that holding this information to account in a transparent manner was seen as important.  It was commented that although there had been some challenges along the way, quality and standards needed to be right in terms of the workforce reform.

It was commented that it would be difficult to find any other organisation undertaking as much oversight.  It was stated that investment had been made to build future benefits and provide appropriate challenge in a time of significant savings.  It was added that Members were not to lose sight of the co-dependency on the local authority to deliver on its own areas such as education.

Members were informed that children in need and their planning would be the focus for the next Ofsted monitoring inspection which was scheduled to take place in October 2016.

It was questioned whether a point might be reached as to what punitive measures might be taken for below standard performance.  It was explained by the Council that there was a process in terms of role separation, and clear escalation routes with the DFE if issues were not resolvable.  It was added that there was a contract direction set by the Secretary of State and that the grading won’t change until there is a re–inspection which could be later in 2017.

The Vice Chair expressed recognition that the Trust has made tremendous progress and that there had been significant investment made.