Minutes
Date: Tuesday8th March 2011
Venue:Dartmoor Lodge, Haytor Room, Ashburton
Time: 1300– 1630 hrs
Present: Tina Norman (TN) [Chair], Katy Kerley (KK), Steve Dixon (SD), Amanda Sutherland (AS) [ARC rep]
Rosemary Witherby (RW), Belinda Lock (BL), Sarah Melhuish (SM) [ROC]
DCT Officers: Eoghan Kelly (EK), Zoe Widger (ZW)
Apologies: Piers Tetley (PT), Carol Barkwell (CB), Paul Bird (PB), Simon Mills (SM) [NHS]
Non attendees: Louise Delacroix (LD), Richard Crompton (RC)
Item / Decision or Action or Message / Who? / When? / Who needs to be told? / Action Completed?1. / APOLOGIES, INTRODUCTION AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Introductions were made at the start of the meeting.
The Minutes of the DCT Business Action Planning Day meeting dated Wednesday 25 November 2010 were discussed and approved.
The following points were noted as requiring further action:
- Item 4 Approval of Terms of Reference: it was agreed that it was a requirement that a representative from the Employment Disability sector should attend and a suitable person would be found.
- Item 7 Summary and Actions: PT/KK to resolve CQC representative. Katy would speak to Mandy Sharp, item to be carried forward to next meeting.
- Individual membership of DCT to be increased to £25.00 with immediate effect.
- Discussion took place around charging members for courses, a notification letter would be sent to members to allow at least 6 weeks notification of charges for training, effective from 1 May 2011.
- Membership forms to be updated to reflect agreed changes to charges/no discount for new members in the future.
- EK advised that the Finance team are setting up a process to charge members for courses, EK to meet with Malcolm Knox.
- RW put forward the suggestion of care providers being able to pay in advance and each session that is booked will be deducted accordingly. If the organisation does not use the necessary number of courses, it may be suitable for them to roll unused courses through to the next year, however, this would need to be monitored as this may affect the revenue/budgets allocated to each year.
Steering Group Members – Appendix B
Discussed: KK advised that representation should be split by sector rather than organisation so it is easier to distinguish.
Action: EK to follow up, RW suggested a representative from Caraston Hall as they are a smaller provider of mental health support and SD suggested Re-think as a larger provider for the same area.
Apologies (see above). / PT/KK
EK
EK / 18/05/11
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2. / PEN Update
RW advised the New framework arrangements are now at PQQ Stage and emphasised that this will be a very different way of working for everyone. Invitation to Tender (ITT) is to go out beginning of May, the deadline for submissionsis end of July 2011 and new contracts will commence 7 November 2011.
Discussed: Suitable training for provider managers will be required and needs to be built into DCT commissioning for next year.Until tender docs are released and details of the tenders are notified this is an unknown. This will also depend upon the cross over of roles.
SD advised attendees there may be a requirement for “awareness” training on different types of service provision, suggestedhalf days.
Discussed: RW confirmed that following a recommendation from Piers, RW & Geoffrey Cox met with a Health representative to see if further funds would be available for courses, it was confirmed this was not possible.
TN reminded attendees that DCT should be used as a resource and actively encouragepartnership working.
3. / Charging Options
EK confirmed he is reviewing this with Finance, 2 different prices for members and non-members. Non members to be charged at 50% above members charge, e.g. members = £20, non members = £30
Discussed: Charges will be made for mandatory training and any surplus used to subsidise more specialist courses. SD discussed the use of in-house trainers to reduce the cost of courses.
KK confirmed DCT must look at the required development of skills and knowledge in the workforce thiswill be highlighted further with the introduction of the new framework agreements.
Training must be aimed at all types of workers, i.e. lone workers, night shift workers. On-line courses should be explored if appropriate.
EK advised attendees that the Devon County Council E-Learning facility is available via Devon County Council’s online booking system, this was notified to care providers. SD also advised there are other E-Learning packages available.
Action: ZW to immediately change membership form, take off new membership discount and make clear individual membership at £25.00
Discussed: SD sent EK a mandatory training matrix showing what is mandatory training for each role. All asked to look this and make any amendments, if required.
Action: SD/EK to bring the matrix to next meeting and discuss further. There are tabs for each type of provision, i.e. Residential Care etc.
Action: EK to load the mandatory training matrix to Google Docs so that it can be shared and downloaded amongst the group without having too many versions. / ZW
SD/EK
EK / 18/05/11
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4. / Planned Training & Volume 2011-12
RW advised that the volume of training needs to be available, regular feedback from members is that they cannot book onto the course they require. If members pre-book, DCT would try to guarantee these members a place on their desired course.
BL raised that PQQ submissions and new framework agreements may have a positive side in that workforce planning will be more defined.
SD advised that Guinness Care & Support training requirements have to be flexible and adaptable due to the nature of their organisation. SD advised there is mapping software available for identifying training needs but he advised it is not an easy tool to use.
EK advised that the current contracts of training providers would be extended.
SD had brought with him a Redcrier Publications induction pack (84 pages) for the new CQC standards, he advised that the pack covers a vast area and attendees were welcome to review this pack during the meeting.
RW advised that Brighton City Council have produced an induction pack for the new regulations, suggested that attendees may wish to look at this online.
Discussed: The use of the website to promote DCT, the use of resources and networking. Ian Cretney is currently working on the website which will manage membership and provideonline resources.
SD electronic decision making tool, advised to him at the Cornwall information day. The tool takes you through a very simple process. SD to give ZW details to distribute with minutes (see separate sheet at end of minutes – Appendix 1), EK must check with Safeguarding Team before distributing amongst wider audience. / EK / 18/05/11 / ALL
5. / DCT Conference
Discussed: EK confirmed date has been agreed as 16 September 2011, DCT plan to use the whole floor of the Hall. The Workshops will be moved, EK advised that Pyramid suggested a PA in each room. The PA’s would face away from the Main Hall so this would help stop noise interference. Pyramid have suggested that EK attend a Torquay exhibition they are supporting in a couple of weeks, EK will have the opportunity to inspect and see if provides a solution. Pyramid are due to come back with a quote, this will be the maximum with the various options. EK confirmed budgets based on a minimum 100 “paying stands” which must be sold to cover costs, each stand will cost £250.
RW fed back to the Group that it was the group discussions that were affected last time and not the speaker’s discussion so not sure if PA’s in each room will be effective. EK advised the solution may be to space the workshops amongst the Hall rather than next to each other.
EK advised that heating will be monitored more closely, this was turned off too quickly last year.
EK requested attendees suggest an overall title of DCT conference. Questioned if there is anything that the attendees would like included in the Conference? Please email these titles/topicsto EK and he will then circulate. / EK
EK / 18/05/11
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6. / Leadership and Management Programme with BournemouthUniversity, Workforce Planning and PA training (KK)
Leadership and Management Programme with BournemouthUniversity
KK introduced Belinda Lock to the Group. BL handed out details of the essential criteria for Leadership and Management Programme delegates. This pilot course will be available at no charge, however, there would be a cost for future courses. Firm commitment would be required by delegates, with a prior assessment required.
The course will be delivered in Exeter (County Hall) 4 days, the cost will be in the region of £500 and it is part of a wider Leadership and Management framework of qualifications. Also from April, this will be mapped across to the QCF framework, which will be universally valuable to managers and care providers.
The maximum number of delegates is 18 and the course will be available via the online booking system.
BL advised that delegates should be encouraged to fill in the application form even if they do not have a degree.
Development of a Sector Routeway
BL looking at a route for apprenticeships and the benefits for individuals. This is an opportunity to work with people pre-employment who may be unemployed or on benefits. Routeway would cover 60% of the apprenticeship programme and learners would have a certificate at the end of training.
Discussed: RW the issues around CRB checks and the group advised this would need to be investigated further.
BL advised the Apprenticeship programme comes into effect April 2011, 60% of this requirement would be able to cover pre-employment and “funds” would need to cover the other 40%.
AS confirmed that delegates must be committed to obtaining skills as this is sometimes linked to their benefits. BL advised this could be monitored during the training.
Career Pathways
BL advised links will be provided for a variety of resources for individuals for their CPD.
Workforce Planning Workshop
As part of the SfC TSI milestones a Workforce planning workshops for independent social care providers are being planned across Torbay, Plymouth and Devon. The Devon workshop is planned for 25th May.
This will be an opportunity for care providers to look at the benefits and opportunities of developing a workforce plan in light of the emergence of Framework Agreements will support providers with tools to begin this process. There will be limited opportunity for one to one support for organisations which can be arranged at the event.
RW advised KK to select 25 May as this fits into the new framework agreement deadlines so this may be of more relevance.
Agreed: Group hold workshop on 25 May, notification will go out through DCT. One workshop planned however if resources allow there may be further dates.
Personal Assistant Training
KK advised Personal Assistant Training is aimed at organisations who wish to offer PA services or individuals who wish to become PA’s. The next course is on 14 March, further date 21 March – venues will depend upon the request of the delegates, i.e. where they are based. The initial courses have been held in Honiton.
Discussed: The use of PA’s whether it is a regular arrangement or if there is a “bank” of PA’s to provide cover on a required only basis, i.e. if their normal PA is on holiday or sick. KK confirmed that both areas should be considered.
RW confirmed you do not need to be a direct employer to use Personal Assistantservices. BL advised that it has been predicted that 80% of personal budgets will be spent with agencies. / KK / Asap / ALL
7. / Future Plans (PT)
KK explained the structure changes for Corporate Resourceswhich involves the amalgamation of HR and WD services. A business case has been drafted for the Social Care Workforce Development team (including DCT) which looks at alternative and sustainable business models for the future. One of the options described and recommended is the development of a Social Enterprise. Agreement in principle to explore this option further has been provided, however a formal approval process is still to be followed which will include presentation to Director of HR, Director of Finance, County Solicitor and Head of Procurement. KK confirmed that this is still only a concept, full approval would need to be given before any changes could take place.
KK confirmed feedback will continue to update the DCT Steering Group as to progress of the Business Case. There is considerable work still to be undertaken which will include the TUPE transfer of staff, pension considerations, financial and legal constraints.
KK currently working with Contracts Team to determine DCC expectations of providers training and development in-line with the new framework arrangements.
TN thanked KK, PT & TW for their work towards finding a sustainable option for the team and highlighted the group’s appreciation for the amount of work which has gone into creating the Business Plan.
8. / AOB
Nothing raised.
9. / Summary and Actions:
Next Meeting:
A -PT/KK to resolve CQC representative. Katy would speak to Mandy Sharp, item to be carried forward to next meeting.
A - EK advised that the Finance team are setting up a process to charge members for courses
A -EK to follow up, RW suggested a representative from Caraston Hall as they are a smaller provider of mental health support and SD suggested Re-think as a larger provider for the same area.
A -ZW to immediately change membership form
A - SD/EK to bring the matrix to next meeting and discuss further. There are tabs for each type of provision, i.e. Residential Care etc.
A - EK to load the mandatory training matrix to Google Docs so that it can be shared and downloaded amongst the group without having too many versions
A - SD electronic decision making tool, EK to check with Adults Safeguarding Team before distributing.
A – Eoghan to attend an event re: Pyramid PA systems
A -EK requested attendees suggest an overall title of DCT 2011 conference.
A – Workforce Planning Workshop – 25 May 2011 / PT/KK
EK
EK
ZW
SD/EK
EK
EK
EK
EK
KK / 18/05/11
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Asap / ALL
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10. / Date of Next Meeting(s):
- Wednesday 18 May 2011 – Westbank Healthy Living Centre, Exminster – 13.30 to 16.30hrs
- Tuesday 13 September 2011 – DevonCourtHotel, Exeter – 13.30 to 16.30hrs
- Wednesday 14 December 2011 – Dartmoor Lodge, Ashburton – 13.30 to 16.30hrs
APPENDIX 1
ELECTRONIC DECISION MAKING TOOLS
- The links below take you to 3 decision making tools for assessing capacity,
best interest decision making and DoLS, they won’t make the decision for you
but may help!
Install the exe plug in first:
3 Decision making tools:
Contact Name:
Date: 08.03.11 Minutes for DCT Steering Group Page 1 of 12