Impact of the Care Act on the Adult Social Care Workforce Jo David ADASS Anna McCreadie Suffolk County Council

Workforce: Critical to Implementation A piece of reforming legislation – opportunity to develop and promote a change in culture and practice Much of the Act consolidates good practice and existing policy in statute But … new statutory duties and responsibilities likely to require an increase in workforce capacity and/or new roles and ways of working Analysis and planning needs to start now

Understanding the Impact on the Workforce Review CA policy, duties and responsibilities against current local practice Identify and scope potential workforce capacity, skills and knowledge gaps Determine operational approach – council delivered function or commissioned / delegated Recruit / train or commission / contract

Key areas for staff training and development Basic understanding / awareness of the overarching principles of the Care Act – wider workforce, key council and external partners High level legal training – senior managers and social workers, social care lawyers Culture change – best practice - implications for social work practice – senior managers, social workers, commissioners

Key areas where the Act likely to affect workforce capacity Assessments and support plans - significant increase in demand for assessments expected, particularly Carers 2015/16 Universal Deferred Payments – councils likely to need to expand DPA function and train key staff Right in law to a direct payment – councils currently with low numbers may need to expand function and strengthen back office 2016/17 funding reform and care accounts

Partnerships and Dependencies Closer planning, collaboration and integration with health, housing Integration of health and social care integration Responsibility for social care needs of prisoners- significant impact for councils with one or more prisons within their boundaries Safeguarding –new legal framework and statutory duty Councils will need to assess current practice, identify gaps and plan to meet their new responsibilities.