Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Managing Director, Care Dorset.

The shareholder committee considered a report, which provided an update on matters relating to Care Dorset since the previous meeting. This included Care Dorset’s financial and operational performance, workforce trends, governance and strategic priorities.

In presenting the report, the Chair of the Board provided an update on corporate governance matters and reported that a non-executive director, Dr Felix Davies, had been appointed to the board to provide clinical leadership.

The Managing Director provided an overview of issues covered in the report and in particular made reference to paragraph 1.2 of the report, with progress having been made with the occupation agreement and discussion with Dorset Council officers having taken place. In addition, reference was made to workforce and work placement development, including progress made in respect of sickness levels, an overview of financial performance, progress made across all areas in the business plan and external recognition.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and points were noted in the following areas:

·       In response to a question, information was provided about the role of the neutral agency vendor and how this could drive improvements in cost in this area. The neutral vendor also provided an oversight dashboard, which would enable trend analysis to be undertaken

·       Regarding the projected year-end financial position, it was noted that some re-forecasting work was to be undertaken but that it was hoped that the company would be in a break-even position by the end of the financial year. Further information could be provided following the meeting

·       If a break-even position was not achieved, there would be a pressure on the shareholder, therefore further understanding of this was required

·       In response to questions relating to property related matters, it was reported that work to the boilers referenced in the report had been undertaken with some parts awaited to improve efficiency of the boilers. In addition, work on fire doors at day centres was currently on hold, with discussions having taken place with property colleagues and mitigating risk assessments put in place

·       A working capital loan arrangement was in place with the council’s finance team and included criteria for when money was drawn down, with agreed interest arrangements for repayment in place

·       In respect of outstanding property matters (set out at paragraphs 1.1 and 1.3 of the report) and whether action was required from the shareholder committee, the Managing Director noted that there was no requirement for action currently. There was confidence that the conversations taking place were addressing the issues and thanks were expressed to council officers

·       An update was provided in respect of occupancy levels in different settings, which were comparable with other similar organisations

·       In response to a question, it was noted that there was a year-to-date budget deficit variance of £270k which was based on the revised budget forecast position. This included a 40% reduction in the cost of agency, which was on target to be achieved by 30 September 2025.

The report was NOTED.