I am once again proud to be presenting another full report demonstrating our commitment to the delivery of quality services, and this year I want to focus on and draw out the key achievements.
The development of the Inclusive Conwy Plan for 2024-28 has supported the service. This focuses on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the community and workplace, and we are truly committed as a service to the ambition of the plan. We have built a strong foundation of inclusion in Social Care on the principles of a culture of kindness and compassion. Some examples include expansion of training in this area for staff, including race awareness sessions, Introduction to Inclusive Conwy training, and a new e-learning module. Our integration programme is evolving as we build on our Social Care and Education service and, linking with the theme of inclusion, Conwy became the first county in Wales where all secondary schools participate in the KiVa anti-bullying programme.
The Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan is key for us this year and we are working on our implementation of actions and recommendations set out in the plan, including further iterations of cultural awareness training and support for staff from ethnic minority backgrounds in recruitment, retention and experiences of racism in the workplace.
We continue to build on our absolute ambition to be the best social care service to work in, and have seen a boost in our well established ‘grow our own’ initiative and a commitment to more Welsh-speaking staff, of note Welsh-speaking DoLS assessors have been recruited this year, and the launch of our first Graduate Trainee Social Work positions has been an exciting development.
Our care provision for children looked after has now come to fruition, and with it, a range of job opportunities that include trainee residential workers being supported to learn and progress to become more experienced in this rewarding area of practice. Alongside this we also have the introduction of the Enhanced Support Service within the Children Looked After Service, providing mental health expertise to increase placement stability, and Positive Behaviour Support Training, where we have also secured funding for the development of PBS Practitioners.
Whilst the backdrop of innovation is a difficult financial climate, the dedication of teams and their commitment to quality is evident, with a need to consider regional delivery opportunities to mitigate financial constraints, as well as the importance of early intervention and prevention to manage and reduce the escalation of needs.
Effective partnership working is critical, and the report emphasises the need for collaboration with Health and Third Sector organisations to deliver integrated, high-quality outcomes. Maintaining consistent support across partner organisations can be challenging, therefore effective leadership and strong partnerships are essential.
Finally, a focus on Safeguarding and Protection is featured in the report for both vulnerable children and adults, and the report outlines the need for effective safeguarding activities and the paramount importance of protecting individuals from abuse and neglect.
I want to conclude by thanking the people we provide services to, their families and carers, and of course our wonderful staff who make Conwy Social Care so special. I hope you enjoy reading the report.
Jenny Williams
Strategic Director of Social Care and Education Services
Conwy County Borough Council