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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 8 September 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Claire Edwards-Matthews, Principal Officer Fostering and Looked After Children Services provided a “For information” report which presented an overview of the support offered to foster carers within both the mainstream and kinship service and special guardians. The Principal Officer emphasised the core aim was to keep children in care connected to their families and communities, providing stability and continuity wherever possible. This could be achieved through a continuum of care encompassing mainstream fostering, kinship care and special guardianships, including financial and emotional assistance. She also provided details of the recent inspection outcomes, the various support provided for carers and outlined future plans for service enhancement. The Committee asked various questions which the Officer responded to accordingly. The Chair thanked the officer for providing the update.
Jo-Anne Thomas, Employment and Skills Manager accompanied by Jane Whitmore, Strategic Lead - Commissioning and Resources provided a “For information" report to provide the Committee about the progress of Digital Inclusion. The officers explained that the “Stay connected” (Digital Inclusion) was one project identified by the Enabling Communities Transformation Group with an aim to use technology to enhance community information, promoting digital inclusion to help residents access services and support, even if they were not online. The Employment and Skills Manager informed the Committee that the project was still in its early stages, however the work undertaken to date included outlining mapping of current provision, engagement with community groups, plans for a steering group, and efforts to address barriers for digitally excluded residents. Committee members asked various questions and raised concerns and suggestions for reaching non-users and elderly populations. It was suggested that the Committee hold a workshop in February 2026 to discuss this item further.
Anthony Richards, Tackling Poverty Development Manager provided a “For information” report to provide information to the Social Care and Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee about the Draft Swansea Council Volunteering Policy. The officer thanked the Committee for their contribution over the last 18 months and was pleased to present the draft manager's guidance and volunteer handbook for Swansea Council's volunteering policy. The policy had been developed in collaboration with Human Resources, Swansea Council for Voluntary Services and internal departments. The Committee discussed the policy's comprehensiveness, language, and next steps and rollout which included consultation with Trade Unions prior to formal adoption by Cabinet.
The Chair presented the Work Plan for 2025-2026. Resolved that the Work Plan for 2025-2026 be noted.
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