Key management messages
Dear colleague
Following on from our Ofsted
inspection earlier in the year, we are required to produce an improvement
plan to address the findings of the report – making sure that we particularly
focus on the areas of weakness identified by the inspection team. We are developing a
Devon Children’s Improvement Plan, which will set out our ambition to get to
‘Good’ but also has a wider focus than just the Ofsted report.
And, over the coming week we will
begin the process of recruiting to the posts of Head of Children’s Social Work,
and Head of Adult Social Care. As you will be aware, we are
expecting it to be challenging to find the appropriate professionals to appoint
and have been working with HR colleagues on a national recruitment campaign.
During her time with us,
Fiona Fitzpatrick has provided fantastic leadership, culminating in an improved
Ofsted rating. With her contract coming to an end, we are looking for a
permanent Head of Service who can continue to drive innovative change and
improve outcomes for children, young people and families.
We will keep you
informed of any developments with the recruitment process.
Early Help - what do you know?
Our focus of this month's bulletin is on Early Help and the way we’re delivering our services. With changes happening at a
rapid rate, we outline processes and bring you up-to-date with new
developments and staff changes:
Children’s Safeguarding and
Improvement Board (CIB)
There was a focus on health
at the June meeting of CIB, with a number of health professionals joining the
Board.
The meeting engaged
in a wide ranging discussion about mental health services for children and
young people, including considering the provision that is now in place.
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David Taylor,
DSCB Chair, reported that a review has been commissioned across CCGs, local
authorities and the DSCB regarding young people in hospital wards with mental
health needs and how agencies work together to safeguard them. |
 Reflecting on the meeting, independent
Chair, Professor Ray Jones, once
again stressed the importance of professionals taking every opportunity to join
up and share expertise and experience. It was agreed that all professionals
will open up their meetings on a regular basis to safeguarding colleagues,
extending invitations across localities and professional groups.
Read the CIB update.
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Newsletter Live – update on MCA, the Care Act and the ‘Preparing for Adulthood’
project
We
have had positive feedback from this round of Newsletter Live sessions and have included the slides for reference. We
want to make you aware of a new ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ project, initiated in light of the Care Act legislation, SEN reforms
last year and areas of improvement from our recent Ofsted inspection.
NYAS advocacy update and using the Independent
Visitor Service
NYAS children’s advocacy has gone from
strength to strength, supporting 164 children and young people in Devon during
the first three months of 2015, and gaining positive comments from the recent
Ofsted inspection.
NYAS
provides adult volunteer Independent Visitor for children in care, helping them to benefit from a positive role model.
Read the update, some comments from people in Devon, and find out how to make a referral.
 Management Restructure
Fiona Fitzpatrick, Interim
Head of Children’s Social Work Service and Child Protection, is pleased to confirm that the Children's Services
Management restructure has now been completed.
Expand your DCC career in social work
Parity has been achieved
between adult social worker and children and family social worker pay grades
and all experienced social workers in adult services working for Devon County
Council.
Children’s Brokerage Team job opportunities
An
opportunity has arisen within Children’s Social Care Commission
for two fixed term
or secondment opportunities
within the Children’s Brokerage Team.
 HR update - Manager
Briefing: Recruitment
Providing a monthly update on performance, workforce development and recruitment activity to share with social work teams.
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 Updated Children in Care webpage and resources
Our Children
in Care web page now contains a
letter from Jennie Stephens, Strategic Director – People, detailing all
resources and services available to other local authorities that place their
children in care within the Devon County Council area.
While you are there, have a look around the new Education and Families website. Thank you to all the teams that have
contributed content and feedback, if you have any further feedback please webteam@devon.gov.uk
Announcement:
closure of The College of Social Work
The College will be
closing due to lack of funds. Read the official statement here.
"We are your voice, tell us what to say”
Our newly elected Members of Youth Parliament for Devon and their deputies were featured recently in the North Devon Journal.
The Youth Work Team congratulate everyone involved.
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