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RESOLVED that: 1. the report be received. 2. a development session be held to review Integrated Health & Social Care Services in Carmarthenshire.
RESOLVED that the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2025/26 be received and endorsed for Cabinet consideration.
RESOLVED that the Corporate Safeguarding Policy be received and endorsed for Cabinet consideration.
RESOLVED that the Annual Report on Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) (2025/26) report be received.
RESOLVED that: 1. the Children and Families’ Services Transformation Programme update be received and 2. an additional briefing be scheduled on the support provided to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
RESOLVED that the Early Help Progress update be received.
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 2nd September 2026 be noted.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A. Evans, N. Evans, B.A.L. Roberts, R. Sparks and F. Walters.
Councillor Minute No (s) Nature of Interest M. Palfreman Agenda Item 4 - Strategic and Operational Integrated Working with Health Within Carmarthenshire - Older Adults & Adults with Complex Needs Agenda Item 5 - Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2025/26 Agenda Item 6 - Revision of the Corporate Safeguarding Policy Agenda Item 7 - Annual Report 0n Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) (2025/26) Agenda Item 8 - Children and Families' Services Transformation Programme Update Agenda Item 9 - Early Help Progress Update Report He runs a Health and Social Care Consultancy. Has been granted a dispensation to speak but not vote at meetings of Carmarthenshire County Council in relation to the provision of social care services in Carmarthenshire and across the South West Wales Region. There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
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RESOLVED that: 1. the report be received. 2. a development session be held to review Integrated Health & Social Care Services in Carmarthenshire.
(NOTE: Councillor M. Palfreman having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion but did not vote). The Committee received an update on the integration of health and social care services for older adults and adults with complex needs between Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board. It was reported that Carmarthenshire had maintained a long-established integrated model, underpinned by a Section 33 agreement in place since 2009, which supported joint working, shared accountability and integrated service delivery. Members were advised that integrated services were delivered through prevention, proactive and planned care, system flow and long-term care pathways, with a strong emphasis on supporting individuals to remain at home wherever possible. Examples of successful integration included the Home First/Intermediate Care Multi-Disciplinary Team, Information, Advice and Assistance (IAA) services provided through Delta Wellbeing, Integrated Occupational Therapy, Technology Enabled Care and the Carmarthenshire Integrated Community Equipment Service (CICES). The report highlighted positive outcomes from preventative and community-based approaches, including reductions in referral backlogs, improvements in triage arrangements, support for timely hospital discharge, admission avoidance and the promotion of independence for residents. Members noted that integrated services were supported through a combination of core budgets and Welsh Government funding streams administered via the West Wales Regional Partnership Board, including the Regional Integration Fund and Further Faster funding. However, concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of some services and posts that remained reliant on short-term grant funding. The Committee was informed of a number of ongoing challenges, including workforce capacity, increasing demand and complexity of need, information governance and digital system barriers, the need to strengthen Section 33 governance arrangements and financial sustainability pressures. A number of questions were raised to which officers responded. The main matters were as follows: • In response to a query regarding the benefits of integrated services, the Acting Head of Integrated Services advised that streamlined processes had resulted in shorter waiting times and improved outcomes. Examples included reduced demand for domiciliary care through the preventative agenda and the success of the reablement service, where 70% of users had not required long-term support following intervention. • In response to a question regarding the value of the Section 33 Agreement, it was explained that, while it did not directly affect service delivery, it remained important in clarifying responsibilities and accountability. Members noted that the operational and financial landscape had changed significantly since the agreement was established and that a review was necessary to ensure it continued to support service delivery effectively. The Director of Social Services and Housing advised that there was increasing regional momentum to move from planning to practical delivery, with partners working collaboratively to make better use of resources and budgets. Recent workshops had focused on developing and testing innovative approaches aimed at delivering improved outcomes for local communities. • In response to a request for an update on the IAA review, the Interim Head of Integrated Services advised that a review of the service had been undertaken to simplify processes, improve access to information, advice and assistance, and encourage greater self-service. A number of changes had been implemented, including the removal of professional-to-professional referrals, streamlined safeguarding processes, improvements to public information, and enhanced digital support for caseload management. These improvements had significantly reduced the assessment backlog from nearly 1,000 cases to 26, with no historic cases awaiting assessment and a maximum waiting time of two days. It was noted that further developments would be considered through the wider independent Delta review and the exploration of digital and AI solutions. • Concerns were raised regarding the availability of services such as social workers and MRI scans over weekends. The Interim Head of Integrated Services advised that weekend social worker service provision had previously been trialled but delivered limited benefits without wider supporting services such as commissioned services also being available. It was noted that access to medical staff and therapists would provide the greatest benefit, although therapy workforce capacity was a challenge for the NHS. • Following concerns raised regarding the sustainability of the Integrated Community Equipment Service, the Interim Head of Integrated Services advised that the service, established in 2011, had experienced significant increases in demand due to demographic changes and now played a vital role in supporting people to remain at home. It was reported that work was underway to assess the service’s benefits and value for money to support a case for further investment. Members were advised that reliance on short-term grant funding was not sustainable and that proposals would be submitted to both the Health Board and the Council to review future funding contributions and ensure that budget allocations more accurately reflected current demand and service usage. UNANAMMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 1. the report be received. 2. a development session be held to review Integrated Health & Social Care Services in Carmarthenshire.
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RESOLVED that the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2025/26 be received and endorsed for Cabinet consideration.
(NOTE: Councillor M. Palfreman having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion but did not vote). The Committee considered the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2025/26, which provided an overview of the Council’s ongoing work to ensure robust arrangements were in place to safeguard children and adults at risk. Members noted that safeguarding remained a key corporate priority and that responsibility for protecting vulnerable individuals was shared by employees, contractors, volunteers and councillors. The Committee noted that work had continued during 2025/26 to strengthen corporate safeguarding arrangements and that all actions arising from the 2023 Wales Audit review had been completed, with the exception of one ongoing area of focus. Members were advised that the Corporate Safeguarding Group had agreed five thematic areas for continued development: Safe Governance, Safe Workplace and Workforce, Safe Practice and Performance, Safe Partnerships, and Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. It was also noted that Corporate Safeguarding remained on the Corporate Risk Register and that established governance arrangements were in place to provide regular oversight and scrutiny. The report identified ongoing areas for action during 2026/27. A number of questions were raised to which officers responded. The main matters were as follows: • The Committee asked whether additional safeguarding training could be provided to support Members in their role as County Councillors. The Senior Safeguarding Manager advised that she welcomed the opportunity to deliver bespoke training and undertook to discuss this further with colleagues. • In response to a question regarding the timeliness of safeguarding responses and the processes in place to review safeguarding concerns, The Senior Safeguarding Manager advised that statutory timescales were adhered to and monitored through regular reporting to Welsh Government and the Regional Safeguarding Board. It was explained that any concerns regarding performance would be scrutinised through established governance arrangements and could trigger further review. Members were advised that learning from national and local safeguarding reviews was routinely considered through the Single Unified Safeguarding Review process and other multi-agency review mechanisms. The Director of Social Services & Housing further advised that safeguarding arrangements formed part of Care Inspectorate Wales inspections and that performance data was regularly monitored through local and regional governance structures, with overall safeguarding performance reported to be effective. UNANAMMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Corporate Safeguarding Annual Report 2025/26 be received and endorsed for Cabinet consideration.
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RESOLVED that the Corporate Safeguarding Policy be received and endorsed for Cabinet consideration.
(NOTE: Councillor M. Palfreman having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion but did not vote). The Committee considered a report on the revision of the Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Policy. It was noted that the policy had been updated to reflect current legislation, guidance, and safeguarding responsibilities, having last been reviewed in 2023. The Committee heard that the policy provided a corporate framework for safeguarding children and adults at risk and applied to all employees, volunteers, elected members, and third-party providers working on behalf of the Council. Members were advised that the policy sought to ensure a consistent approach to safeguarding across all Council services, clearly setting out roles, responsibilities, reporting arrangements, and expectations to support the Council in fulfilling its statutory duties. The importance of embedding a culture in which safeguarding was recognised as everyone’s responsibility was highlighted. A number of questions were raised to which officers responded. The main matters were as follows: • In response to a question regarding the monitoring of the policy, the Senior Safeguarding Manager advised that a delivery group of the Corporate Safeguarding Group would act as the custodian of the self-assessment process. The group would undertake the initial analysis of completed assessments and report its findings to the Corporate Safeguarding Group, which would then determine any further action required. • In response to a query regarding whether Heads of Service were the most appropriate officers to hold safeguarding responsibility, it was explained that this approach had been adopted by a previous Director to ensure safeguarding ownership remained at a senior level within each service area. It was noted that the terms of reference were reviewed regularly and that the designation may be reconsidered as part of a future review. • Members suggested that the self-assessment framework be amended to include a question relating to supervision. • In response to a query regarding safeguarding checks for contracts under £30,000, it was advised that all safeguarding-related tenders were reviewed by the Senior Safeguarding Manager in conjunction with Children’s Services. Organisations’ safeguarding policies were scrutinised to ensure they were fit for purpose, with amendments required where necessary. It was confirmed that safeguarding arrangements were considered across the full range of contracts, regardless of value. The Committee was also advised that contract monitoring was also undertaken but that this had to be proportionate in relation to the amount of contact with children and vulnerable adults. UNANAMMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Corporate Safeguarding Policy be received and endorsed for Cabinet consideration.
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RESOLVED that the Annual Report on Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) (2025/26) report be received.
(NOTE: Councillor M. Palfreman having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion but did not vote). The Committee received the Annual Report on Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) for 2025/26. It was noted that national, regional and local safeguarding arrangements were well established and embedded in practice, with the Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board continuing to oversee compliance, learning and improvement activity. The Committee was advised that the Council had strengthened its corporate safeguarding arrangements and maintained robust governance structures to support its statutory responsibilities. It was noted that the Authority continued to work collaboratively with partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable adults and fulfil its duties under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Committee also noted ongoing improvements to DoLS processes, including measures to manage waiting lists and mitigate associated risks. A number of questions were raised to which officers responded. The main matters were as follows: • It was asked why the number of adults reported as potentially at risk had increased during June and July and whether any preventative action could have been taken. The Senior Safeguarding Manager advised that fluctuations in safeguarding reports could not be predicted and were often influenced by factors such as holiday periods, staff catching up on outstanding work, and increased reporting following safeguarding training. It was noted that not all reports received related to safeguarding concerns, with some requiring assessment of care and support needs only. Officers explained that statutory safeguarding enquiries were undertaken only where there was reasonable cause to suspect that an adult was at risk. • In response to a query regarding the increase in suicide rates in September and the work being undertaken to prevent a similar trend, the Head of Adult Social Care advised that longer-term trends, underlying causes and demographic factors needed to be considered to provide a more accurate picture. It was further noted that a range of preventative work continued to be undertaken in partnership with other agencies, as previously reported to the Committee. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Annual Report on Adult Safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (Dols) (2025/26) report be received.
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RESOLVED that: 1. the Children and Families’ Services Transformation Programme update be received and 2. an additional briefing be scheduled on the support provided to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
(NOTE: Councillor M. Palfreman having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion but did not vote). The Committee received an update on the progress of the Children and Families’ Services Transformation Programme. The report formed part of a series of updates provided to Members on the work of the Transformation Board. The report highlighted: • progress in fostering services, including the creation of posts through the service restructure, appointments to Placement Officer roles, increased participation in support and development activities, and successful recruitment and retention communication campaigns. • significant progress had been made in services for children with disabilities and transitions, including the establishment of a dedicated transitions workstream, development of short-break provision, and strengthened partnership working to improve inclusive opportunities for children and young people. • all posts within the Families Matter Team had been filled, transport support services had become operational, and supported lodgings capacity had continued to grow. • 71 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and former UASC young people were being supported at the end of March 2026. It was reported that the service had achieved a budget surplus, developed standardised support offers, and expanded supported lodgings provision. • progress on children’s homes developments was also noted, including successful grant funding applications, submission of a planning application for the new build project, and plans for the refurbishment of Llys Caradog. A number of questions were raised to which officers responded. The main matters were as follows: • The Committee welcomed the recruitment and training of eight new carers and sought assurance that sufficient emphasis was being placed on supporting children and families who wished to receive services and information through the medium of Welsh. The Interim Head of Children & Families advised that the Authority was committed to the Welsh language and bilingualism and that there was Welsh language training opportunities available to all staff. • A question was raised regarding the impact of the Eliminate Programme on removing profit from children’s care, seeking an update on progress in increasing in-house and not-for-profit fostering capacity, the effectiveness of recruitment incentives, and the challenges being encountered. Reassurance was also sought that children and families and also staff affected by the temporary relocation from Llys Caradog to Garreg Lwyd were being fully engaged and that any disadvantages arising from increased travel requirements were being mitigated. The Interim Head of Children & Families stated that the Authority was aware of the potential implications for both staff and service users and that work was being undertaken to support the move. It was also highlighted that there was a significant amount of work being done both locally and nationally and that there was a focus on increasing fostering capabilities. • The Committee requested a future update on the support provided to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and the work being undertaken to support their integration into local communities. The Interim Head of Children & Families agreed to provide an overview of the team's work and reported that the service had experienced significant growth in both staffing and specialist skills and awareness. • A concern was raised regarding the continued use of agency workers and the measures being taken to reduce reliance on them, particularly in light of the increase in trainee staff. The Interim Head of Children & Families advised that agency staff were required at times to cover staff sickness, vacancies and periods of increased service demand. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 1. the Children and Families’ Services Transformation Programme update be received and 2. an additional briefing be scheduled on the support provided to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
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RESOLVED that the Early Help Progress update be received.
(NOTE: Councillor M. Palfreman having earlier declared an interest in this item, remained in the meeting and took part in the discussion but did not vote). The Committee received an update on the implementation of Carmarthenshire's Early Help Strategy and the development of a whole-system Early Help approach. The Committee noted that significant progress had been made in implementing the Early Help Strategy, including Cabinet approval of the strategy, the establishment of a fully operational Early Help Hub, expansion of the Families Connected model, strengthened multi-agency working, and the development of workforce training and performance frameworks. Performance data showed that 9,855 individuals had received support during 2025–26, with positive outcomes reported by families. The Committee also noted emerging evidence of financial benefits, including estimated cost avoidance of £2.24 million across Early Help services and £1.2 million through Families Connected. Ongoing challenges relating to increasing demand, data consistency and workforce capacity were acknowledged, together with plans to further embed the strategy and expand early intervention approaches across services. A number of questions were raised to which officers responded. The main matters were as follows: • Assurance was sought that resources allocated to the preventative approach would be protected and not diverted to meet increasing statutory care demands, and it was asked how confidence was being maintained that sufficient investment would remain focused on prevention despite growing pressures in more complex services. The Interim Head of Children & Families advised that a strong commitment remained to early intervention and prevention, with a focus on supporting families to stay together. It was acknowledged that demand was increasing due to the complexity of issues faced by families, including behavioural challenges and neurodiversity. The Director’s commitment to this approach was reaffirmed, with future financial planning reflecting continued investment in early intervention to reduce the need for higher-level services later. • A question was raised regarding the challenges and progress associated with multi-agency collaboration, particularly with health services. The Interim Head of Children & Families advised that challenges remained in developing and funding complex support packages for children and young people, involving education, health and children’s services. However, development work was ongoing to address escalating needs at an earlier stage, before cases reached the complex needs threshold. It was reported that multi-agency working was operating effectively in some areas, with Families Connected highlighted as a positive example, and that discussions were continuing locally and regionally to strengthen collaboration and address health needs. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Early Help Progress update be received.
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RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 2nd September 2026 be noted.
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 2nd September 2026 be noted.
UNANAMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 8th June 2026 be signed as a correct record.
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