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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
Resolved that the Minutes of the Social Care & Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee held on 9 June 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Richard Davies, Strategic Manager, Direct Payment Support Team, Adult Social Services presented a report which sought review and comment and outlined the main features of the Direct Payments Policy, provided at Appendix 1. The Direct Payments Policy outlined Swansea Council’s position on the use and administration of Direct Payments, which the Council had a duty to offer in lieu of care services across Adult Services and Child and Family Services. It was added that the arrangements described within the policy were required to meet the legislative requirements of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and associated Codes of Practice. The Policy aimed to empower people who needed Care and Support by allowing them control over their Care and Support needs via a Direct Payment. The Committee discussed the following: - · Method of payments, ongoing monitoring and annual review. · Recognising the difference between children and adults in respect of direct payments. · The wrap around service provided by the Direct Payment Support Team, how each case was dealt with individually, the factors effecting timescales and the actions taken in emergencies. · The recruitment / appointment process and continued monitoring of suitable persons. · How Swansea Council was a national lead in the recruitment process with its recruit local campaign and examples of how the Council advertised the recruitment procedure. · Introducing claimants to the services available, upskilling and informing social workers. Individuals will have the information provided at the initial contact and will be kept fully informed to achieve the best option for them. Councillor L S Gibbard, Cabinet Member for Care Services informed the Committee of the next steps in the process, which included the formal approval process and accessible versions. The Chair thanked the officer and Cabinet Member for presenting the report and requested that the Committee is provided with a progress update in the future.
Anthony Richards, Tackling Poverty Development Manager and Tammy Evans, Volunteering Development Officer, supported by Julia Manser, Swansea Council for Voluntary Services presented a ‘for information’ report which provided an update regarding Swansea Council Volunteering Policy development. It was explained that the Swansea Council Volunteering Policy would set out consistent principles and practices by which volunteers were recruited, managed, and supported within Council services. The policy aimed to create a common understanding, provide a definition of volunteering, clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure the highest standards were maintained consistently in relation to the management of volunteers within Swansea Council, whilst also recognising the importance of volunteers to Swansea Council. It was added that Swansea Council’s Volunteering Policy would include the principles of volunteering as defined by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action). The Draft Swansea Council Volunteering Policy was provided at Appendix 4. The draft policy took account of best practice as identified by Third Sector Support Wales and defined volunteering, set out standards and commitments to roles and responsibilities, recruitment, selection, induction, training, support and supervision. The Policy referred to a Managers Toolkit and Volunteer Handbook, which were key components to support the delivery of the Volunteering Policy. The Committee were informed of progress made since July 2024 and the next steps in the process which included consultation with the Trade Unions and Corporate Management Team approval. The Committee discussed the following: - · The comprehensive managers toolkit and draft handbook. · The huge amount of work completed and the next step in the process. · Ensuring consistency in volunteer recruitment within the Council. · Provision of a separate policy for schools. · Reporting the Managers Toolkit and Volunteer Handbook to a future Committee meeting. · Promoting volunteering roles within the Council, the importance of communications and ensuring staff clearly understand the differences between volunteer roles and staff. · Use of the word ‘hope’ and ensuring the Council does not breach employment law. · Monitoring of volunteers going forward and ensuring standards. · Individuals obtaining full-time posts following volunteering. · How the policy is largely based around the Welsh Government Volunteer Policy. · How the developing of volunteer roles was the responsibility of services. · Reviewing the policy after 12 months. The Chair thanked the officers and the SCVS representative for the large amount of work completed. It was added that an update report, which would include the Managers Toolkit and Volunteer Handbook, was to be reported in the next few months.
The Chair presented an up to date Work Plan 2025-26. Jane Whitmore highlighted a possible amendment to the Work Plan as follows: - · 13 October 2025 – Replace Tackling Poverty Strategy with the Swansea Council Volunteering Policy. · 24 November 2025 – Add Tackling Poverty Strategy. It was noted that any changes had to be agreed with the relevant Cabinet Members and reported to the next meeting on 8 September 2025. Resolved that the contents of the report be noted.
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