Agenda item - Strategic Risk MAP Focus: SR19 Implementation of the Care Act; SR 20 Better Care Fund; and SR13 Keeping Vulnerable Adults Safe from Harm & Abuse

Report of the Interim Director Finance & Resources (copy attached).

1)           That Members note the information provided in the Strategic Risk MAPS in Appendix 1 (Strategic Risk Assessment Report).

33.1      The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director of Finance & Resources which informed Members that the Committee had a role to monitor the effectiveness of risk management and internal control. This included oversight of the Strategic Risk Register which was set and reviewed every six months by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Each Strategic Risk had a Risk Management Action Plan (a risk MAP) to deliver action to address the risk by a Risk Owner, a member of the ELT. The meeting was attended by the Executive Director, Adult Social Services who was the Risk Owner for SR19: Implementation of the Care Act, SR20: Better Care Fund and SR13: Keeping Vulnerable Adults Safe from Harm & Abuse. The Executive Director, Adult Social Services provided a comprehensive verbal update to the Committee on each of the three Strategic Risks.

33.2      Councillor Sykes enquired as to how Brighton & Hove compared with neighbouring authorities in terms of the number of vulnerable adults requiring safeguarding.

33.3      The Executive Director, Adult Social Services clarified that Brighton & Hove had a high number of safeguarding enquires compared to its neighbouring authorities.

33.4      Diane Bushell asked how the Committee could receive assurance that costs would be controlled.

33.5      The Chair stated that Brighton & Hove handled a considerable number of adult social care cases and understanding was needed about how that could be effectively managed. The Chair added that she was aware that methods of delivery were being examined.

33.6      The Executive Director, Adult Social Services stated that an effective balance had to be struck between demand and how that demand was met and going forward this may be an option not considered as a course of action before.

33.7      Councillor Druitt asked if the council was considering moving from supported care to residential accommodation care.

33.8      The Executive Director, Adult Social Services stated that there would not be a prescriptive approach to how care was provided but a different dialogue with patients and their relatives about what provision was most suitable on an individual basis.

33.9      RESOLVED-

1)           That Members note the information provided in the Strategic Risk MAPS in Appendix 1 (Strategic Risk Assessment Report).