Local authority improvement check letter: Powys County Council Social Services

We conducted this improvement check to review the progress made by the local authority in relation to the areas for improvement we identified during our Performance Evaluation Inspection (PEI) in September 2020.

Summary of findings

People – We found the local authority has worked hard to reshape and re-design its service with a focus on improving delivery of early intervention and preventative services.

Prevention - In children’s services, although a process was in place in relation to transition of children between teams and services, we found examples where the support for some families was too fragmented. Further work is required to ensure seamless and co-ordinated services which prevent escalation of need and ensures the best outcomes for children and families.

Well-being – We saw good examples of mental capacity assessments and best interest decision making taking place in accordance with the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and accompanying code of practice.

Partnership - We heard about effective partnership working with health professionals in relation to hospital discharge. This included virtual ward meetings. One practitioner, despite the challenges associated with hospital discharge, described feeling there was a ‘together approach’.

Next steps

We will continue to monitor progress through our ongoing performance monitoring and review activities with the local authority.