Issue - meetings

Louise Hider, Principal Commissioning Manager, LBBD, presented the progress report on the delivery of services to people with learning disabilities. 

The Board discussed a number of issues including:

·  Employment - One of the key actions, which had been added since January 2016, was the inclusion of a target to get 20 individuals into employment.  Louise explained how work was to be undertaken to encourage large employers, such as NELFT and LBBD, to consider remodelling of contracts with providers to help achieve this. 

Cllr Carpenter pointed out that the Adult College had over 100 students that could potentially be progressed, with support, into work.  Anne Bristow supported this view and stressed that it was important to assist this cohort to achieve sustainable employment and that there was potential for links to be forged with large local employers, the Adult College and public sector to improve the work offer available to vulnerable people, including those with Learning Disabilities.  With BHRUT, NELFT and LBBD being three of the largest employers in the area it was important that partners provide a lead on how the basic work offer can be targeted at vulnerable individuals. 

The Chair stressed that all partners needed to look at ways in which the they could directly increase employment of people with learning disabilities within their organisations.  This could include looking at their recruitment and other practices to ensure that they were not discouraging individuals from applying.

·  Health - There had been a significant increase from 25% to 75% of individuals that had now undertaken health checks.  Discussion was held on the importance of this work now being embedded in service provision and how the CCG would be adding this into their commissioning requirements.  Awareness raising and the need to encourage and support individuals to attend screening services was being highlighted with providers and GP practices. 

·  Offenders and Victims - Louise advised that a dialogue would be set up with the Borough Commander on the interaction of front-line staff with offenders and victims with learning disabilities. 

·  Housing - Awareness also needed to be increased amongst landlords on the specific needs of individuals with learning disabilities in regards to their obtaining and maintaining tenancies. 

The Chair advised the Board that discussions were also being held with London Quadrant on the supported living offer that could be provided at Barking Riverside.

·  Transforming Care Partnership – Noted that the BHR Transforming Care Partnership had been set up during 2016 and significant work that they had already been undertaken. 

Whilst the number of beds would be reduced to 22 by March 2017, the community services would be enhanced.  Pathways to mental health services for this cohort, especially out-of-hours provision, was also being looked at.

·  STP - The needs of those with learning disabilities were often complex.  The STP would offer the three local authorities the opportunity to work together for joint solutions, such as housing provision and admission avoidance.

The Board:

(i)  Noted the progress that has been made in implementing the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51