To provide the committee with the Carers’ Partnership Board’s annual report for 2025.

The committee considered a report on the Carers’ Partnership Board Annual Report 2025 item.

The principal points of the subsequent discussion are summarised below:

1. The Commissioning Manager explained that the unpaid carers strategy for Herefordshire was published in July 2024 and that one of its first key aims was to establish a Carers' Partnership Board, with the first official meeting taking place in January 2025.

2. It was noted that the annual report was the first report to scrutiny on the work of the board and highlighted progress made over the previous year against the action plan.

3. The committee heard that one of the main areas of progress had been carers’ assessments in adult social care, which are now required to be completed as standalone assessments through the Mosaic IT system rather than being combined with the assessment of the cared-for person. It was added that this would enable unpaid carers to speak privately about their circumstances and would also improve the council’s ability to identify unpaid carers and maintain better data on the support they may need.

4. The Commissioning Manager reported that work was also taking place with children’s services on a “no wrong door” approach for young carers, including use of a screening tool and an intended launch around possibly September.

5. The Chair of the Carers’ Partnership Board emphasised the importance of hearing directly from carers with lived experience and noted that more carers were now contributing to the board, despite the difficulties many carers face in leaving the person they care for in order to attend meetings. It was also noted that events had been held to bring together carers, the board and the wider public in order to identify what support was missing and how life for carers could be improved.

6. It was noted that there is a subgroup for young carers, known as the Young Carer Support Squad, which aims to raise awareness of young and young adult carers, strengthen relationships with schools, coordinate awareness activity, and support national campaigns such as Young Carers Action Day.

7. In response to a question about membership of the board, the committee was advised that work had been undertaken to confirm membership reflects those people who wish to attend and do attend. It was noted that carers with lived experience are offered pre-meetings in advance of board meetings so that they can raise issues and feel more confident in contributing.

8. In response to a question about Healthwatch representation, it was noted that the future national position remained unclear, but that the board would continue to seek an independent voice able to work across health and social care and act as a critical friend.

9. The Chair of the Carers’ Partnership Board added that if Healthwatch ceases to be involved there would be a need for stronger NHS links within the board, as carers’ issues span health, social care and wider day-to-day support needs.

10. It was noted that transport remains a significant barrier for some young carers in attending groups and events, particularly for those living outside Hereford or the market towns, although online support continues alongside in-person provision.

11. The committee also heard that work was continuing on identification cards for carers and young carers, including options for production, funding and practical use, and that related work was also taking place on an emergency card for adults.

12. It was noted that identification cards could be useful in settings such as schools and pharmacies and may also provide wider practical benefits, although further development work was still required.

13. In response to a question about legal support, the Commissioning Manager noted that a future board meeting in July would include a speaker on lasting power of attorney so that information and advice could be shared more widely.

14. Committee members commented on the importance of improving public awareness so that more people recognise themselves as carers and understand that support is available.

15. The Cabinet Member Adults, Health and Wellbeing suggested that parish councils could be used more to help publicise support available to carers, including through parish council reports, parish magazines and noticeboards, and that councillors could assist in sharing key contact details and information locally.

16. The Commissioning Manager noted that the strategy and action plan included work to support Herefordshire Council to become a carer-friendly organisation. It was added that the recent staff survey had included a question on caring responsibilities and that 20% of respondents had identified themselves as carers, with further work potentially needed on updating policies, procedures, manager training and wider support.

Resolved

1. To support the introduction of a carers’ card for all carers.