Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

(a)       That the review of our commissioning model with Care Dorset and the private sector, be endorsed.

(b)       That the introduction of the revised delivery model, as described within the report of 3 March 2026 at appendix 1, supporting development of a range of activities across multiple locations for implementation, be approved.

Reason for the decision

The decision established a modern, sustainable model of day opportunities that better reflected the evolving needs and aspirations of Dorset residents by promoting flexible, community‑based support that built independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion, while maintaining specialist provision for people with complex needs. This approach enabled the Council to make more effective use of community assets, integrate services within local neighbourhoods, and align with wider priorities such as prevention, early help, and outcomes‑focused delivery. It also ensured resources were used efficiently by optimising commissioning with Care Dorset and the independent sector, supported delivery of the Commissioning for a Better Life Strategy 2023–2028, expanded personalised opportunities beyond traditional building‑based services, and ultimately created a more responsive, inclusive, and financially sustainable model that strengthened pathways to independence and reduced future care needs.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care set out a report proposing a new, more flexible model of day opportunities informed by an extensive engagement and the 2025 formal consultation process. There was a continued need for both community-based activities and specialist building-based provision. The report also set out plans for a locality hub model to be aligned with wider prevention and neighbourhood-working priorities.

It was proposed by Cllr S Robinson and seconded by Cllr R Biggs.

Decision

(a)       That the review of our commissioning model with Care Dorset and the private sector, be endorsed.

(b)       That the introduction of the revised delivery model, as described within the report of 3 March 2026 at appendix 1, supporting development of a range of activities across multiple locations for implementation, be approved.

Reason for the decision

The decision established a modern, sustainable model of day opportunities that better reflected the evolving needs and aspirations of Dorset residents by promoting flexible, community‑based support that built independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion, while maintaining specialist provision for people with complex needs. This approach enabled the Council to make more effective use of community assets, integrate services within local neighbourhoods, and align with wider priorities such as prevention, early help, and outcomes‑focused delivery. It also ensured resources were used efficiently by optimising commissioning with Care Dorset and the independent sector, supported delivery of the Commissioning for a Better Life Strategy 2023–2028, expanded personalised opportunities beyond traditional building‑based services, and ultimately created a more responsive, inclusive, and financially sustainable model that strengthened pathways to independence and reduced future care needs.

To consider a report by the Commissioning Manager.

The Corporate Director for Commissioning and Improvement introduced the report on day opportunities. He summarised the key themes which were raised during the public consultation and explained how the consultation and engagement have shaped the new model and proposals. The new model for day opportunities would contribute to the Council plan priorities and make the best use of the council’s assets.

Following the introduction, Board members discussed the report and raised the following points:

·         There was going to be further engagement with communities and service users about providing services closer to communities.

·         Limiters in the past for people to access day opportunities provided by the voluntary sector, was that they were not promoted well enough, so people did not know they were available. A next step for day opportunities was thinking about the wider model and involving the voluntary sector so that these opportunities could be developed further.

·         Natural communities for family hubs may not be the same as those natural communities for older people. However, in some places, co-locating these services would work well. Thought needed to be given to the assets which were already available and how these could be meeting the needs of communities.

·         The next step would be to revise the commissioning model with Care Dorset and then to progress providing day opportunities closer to communities. There would be continued engagement with service users.

Following the discussion, the Corporate Director for Commissioning and Improvement explained that the proposals would be revised in the final Cabinet report, so that Purbeck Connect would remain open.

The Board agreed the future intentions for day opportunities and the draft Cabinet report.

To consider a report of the Commissioning Manager.

Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 are to follow and will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care introduced the report. He thanked people for taking part in the public consultation and said that the outcomes of the consultation have helped shape the future intention for day opportunities.

Members discussed the report and raised the following points:

·         Ferndown was previously identified to close but now the new plan for Ferndown was broadly supported. There was concern that opening a community hub in Ferndown would compete with other community facilities.

·         The report had been revised following a conversation about Ferndown. There were still further opportunities to ensure that community work in the area was complimented and not replaced.

·         The council has a duty to ensure that peoples needs are met in practice, however a lack of public transport prevents people from accessing day opportunities. Direct payments could be used to help people source their own transport, but this could put further pressure on families and carers.

·         There would be a move in focus away from people going to buildings, to providing services in communities closer to where people live. A balance between continuity and innovation was needed so people already receiving day services were not distressed.

·         The report was on current day services provision, so Gillingham was not included. Information on day opportunities already available in Gillingham would be shared with members.

·         References to a ‘hub and spoke model’ needed to be reviewed so it was easier for service users to understand.

Proposed by Cllr Ezzard, seconded by Cllr Jones.

Decision:

That the draft Cabinet report and future intentions for day opportunities be supported.