The Interim Director of Adult Social Services reported that the critical Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Wirral’s Department of Adult Social Services in September 2010 required an immediate response on behalf of the Council. His report outlined the performance improvements that had been delivered so far and the challenges still to be delivered. The Interim Director indicated that, upon his appointment it had been agreed that an assessment would be made of both the short and long term management and leadership requirements for the Department in order to enable the Council to respond to the requirements for performance improvement and change. Although significant improvements had been made, he indicated that given the critical report and the need to make significant improvements to protect vulnerable adults and deliver quality services, a new approach to leadership was required and his proposals sought to secure high quality leadership and the transfer of excellent practice across the Council.

He set out the short term needs that had been identified to make the necessary changes, which involved –

(i)  the establishment of an Interim Head of Adults’ Service Provision, by way of the appointment of a seconded officer from a neighbouring authority, until 31 December 2011;

(ii)  the appointment of a joint Interim Head of Adults and Children’s Safeguarding, to build on the high standard in CYPD of safeguarding children, to be graded at Head of Service level on an interim basis until 31 December 2011;

(iii)  the need to supplement the leadership team in DASS, at a senior level with the ability to drive and embed the change required.

The Chair referred to the excellent work being undertaken in safeguarding children, which was key to the success of the safeguarding partnership and he accorded the thanks of the Cabinet to those officers involved in the process.

In view of there being only one meeting of the Employment and Appointments Committee before the end of the municipal year and the urgent need to deliver improvements, the Chair proposed that “call-in” be waived as any delay caused by the call-in process would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interest. The Interim Chief Executive agreed that it was appropriate for “call-in” to be waived in this case.

The Interim Director reported that the staffing implications and costs associated with the proposals contained within his report were set out in an exempt appendix at agenda item 29 in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (see minute 366 post).

Resolved –

(1)  That the improvements that have been delivered so far by the Department of Adult Social Services and the significant improvements still to be delivered, be noted.

(2)  That it be recommended to the next Employment and Appointments Committee, the establishment of the following positions for a nine month period

·  Interim Head of Service provision at Head of Service grade

·  Interim Head of Joint Adults & Children’ Safeguarding at Head of Service grade.

(3)  That Cabinet further recommends the appointment to the two posts of the individuals listed in the exempt appendix.

(4)  That the Interim Director of Adult Social Services be asked to also bring forward to the next Employment and Appointments Committee a proposal for consideration of how the leadership of the Department of Adult Social services can be enhanced and also further drive and embed the necessary transformational change to deliver the quality services required for the people of Wirral.

(5)  That the Interim Director of Adult Social Services be asked to bring forward recommendations to Cabinet of what further improvements would be required for the long term structure of the Department, including those affecting front line employees.

(6)  That, in view of the urgent need to deliver improvements and there being only one meeting of the Employment and Appointments Committee before the end of the municipal year, the Cabinet agrees that any delay caused by the “call-in” process would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public interest. Accordingly, “call-in” be waived, in accordance with paragraph 17 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.