Director’s Summary of Performance

Welcome to the Director’s report, looking back on 2021/22. We are slowly and steadily emerging from a state of emergency planning and lifting our heads towards 2022/23 and an ambitious programme of work.

We have a range of challenges that have emerged over the last year and continue to affect us. Staffing is a pressure across all services areas, which mirrors the effects seen across the UK. There are considerable efforts focusing on recruitment and retention of the workforce, and I want to pay particular thanks to the Workforce Team who have worked hard to develop innovative ways of attracting people to key posts.

Some of the highlight areas in this report include the development of our Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub. This is a great example of the efficient use of resources, focused on co-location and partnership working. We are really seeing the benefits of timely and effective safeguarding decision-making at the point of access to services.

The Disability Service has by now a very well-deserved reputation for delivering quality services with a person-centred and holistic philosophy. We are branching this approach out to our Family Centres and really hope to see the benefit of dedicated Disability Family Workers going forwards.

The Community Wellbeing Service has been a lifeline to many individuals throughout the pandemic, and whilst there has been a mixed response to an online offer, we are pleased to be offering a full programme of face to face sessions.

We have received support for a number of Dementia Support Workers and they have been invaluable in targeting early help and support for those affected by Dementia. This complements the vast range of services we offer in the Older People’s Community Teams.

Overall a successful year, and we are looking forward to developing our much-needed range of accommodation options. The supply of good quality placements, especially for children, is needed urgently and we are keen to develop our own suite of residential care provision.

I want to say a huge thank you to staff for their continued resilience and dedication to Social Care in Conwy. It really is testament to their positive attitude and willingness to think outside of the box that gives us such a good reputation.

Jenny