To present the final report of the section 20 task and finish group containing proposed recommendations to the executive.

The committee considered a report which set out the outcomes and recommendations of the section 20 task and finish group. The chairperson introduced the report and expressed thanks to those officers who had supported the work of the group and conveyed details of a complex area of law with clarity and conciseness.

The committee supported the outcomes contained in the report and raised the points below in the discussion that followed:

·         assurances had been presented which meant it was unlikely that the issues would re-occur in the future at this scale;

·         officers presenting material to the task and finish group were commended for the work undertaken which put Herefordshire Council ahead of some of those local authorities now experiencing issues with the historic application of section 20;

·         it was recognised that more work was required to retain and recruit social workers;

·         the planned audits and the report to the audit and governance committee was supported;

·         the Council was commended for the open and forthcoming manner in which it acknowledged the historic issues. The admission of past failings had allowed for constructive and speedy progress to be achieved. The new arrangements and processes had resolved existing problems and would ensure they would not be repeated in the future.

The DCF explained that issues with the application of section 20 had been significant to those children affected and there was no complacency at the Council with efforts to ensure the continued lawful use of section 20. The Council had been approached by another local authority which had experienced problems with the historic application of section 20 and had shared details of new arrangements including the threshold of care panel and performance and case management processes.

The DCF explained that the capacity of social workers was an issue and the executive had made investments to improve retention and recruitment.  Recruitment was ongoing. The Cabinet Member Children and Families explained that the executive was investing in social work arrangements to enable improvements, including capacity and quality of practice. Problems with recruitment were acknowledged but programmes to increase the intake of social workers were in place at the Council.

RESOLVED: that the committee agrees the submission of the report and recommendations of the section 20 task and finish group to the executive.