Issue - meetings

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

The Chair of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of Care Dorset introduced the 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.

The new Chief Finance Officer was introduced to the shareholder committee. An update was also provided in respect of the appointments of the Chief Commercial Officer and the Clinical Director.

In presenting the report, the Managing Director made particular reference to the completion of fire safety remedial works, voluntary turnover levels and recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections, including at Streets Meadow, which had retained its ‘Good’ rating.

Councillors considered the issues arising from the report and during discussion, the following points were raised:

·       The Cabinet member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth would follow up in respect of a meeting due between Care Dorset and the council’s assets team

·       In response to a question regarding the Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System, the Managing Director noted that the position with recruitment within Care Dorset was positive and that there was not a reliance on overseas recruitment

·       The Corporate Director provided some comments on the situation regarding the above, on the social care sector generally, and noted that this was an ongoing issue. Links to the Government proposal for the fair pay deal were also noted with a requirement to understand funding in this area

·       Use of agency staff was expected to reduce by 40% by September 2025 and the impact on the budget was considered. The Managing Director reported that there was confidence that this could be achieved due to a number of measures put in place, including the introduction of reduced agency premium costs, improvements in sickness levels and increased support to managers in rota management

·       In response to a question, it was reported that there was a comprehensive approach to monitoring sickness absence within Care Dorset and further information was provided.

The report was NOTED.