Wrexham Council continues to make improvements to social services, according to a newly published report by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).
CIW undertook a scheduled assessment of both adults’ and children’s social care back in October.
The aim was to review performance, with inspectors highlighting good progress in a number of key areas, including:
Children’s social care
- Improvements to how the council listens to and records the views of children.
- Ensuring prevention and early intervention is at the heart of children’s services.
- Making sure assessments cover all key areas.
- Ensuring there are enough qualified employees in key roles.
Adults’ social care
- Meeting carers’ needs and ensuring assessments are offered.
- Strengthening supervision and management oversight.
- Providing people with information, advice and assessment.
- Making sure assessments are timely and comprehensive.
In their report, inspectors call for continued energy and focus on these areas, so the council can consolidate and build on its work so far.
Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services, says:
“The inspectors recognise the progress we’re continuing to make, which is really encouraging.
“Social care is something most of us don’t experience in our day-to-day lives, but for children and families who do rely on our services, it’s a game-changer.
“This is a really positive report, but we still have lots of work to do and we won’t rest on our laurels. We’ll keep moving forward.”
Councillor John Pritchard, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, says:
“We have so many dedicated and committed people working in our social care teams, and they make a huge difference to so many lives.
“The report from CIW highlights many areas of good practice, which is fantastic news and gives us confidence moving forward.
“It’s a positive reflection on the work of employees and councillors, and offers constructive guidance on where we should continue to focus our efforts in the year ahead.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, says:
“The CIW report acknowledges our commitment to social services, and I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved – including the chief officer, councillors who’ve supported our budget in recent years to provide investment, and our staff who work tirelessly across our social services teams.
“There are still improvements to be made and we will not rest on our laurels, but we’ve made huge progress and shown that we’re committed to helping to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
