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- Weekly Newsletter - 17.10.2024
Weekly Newsletter - 17.10.2024
Cyber security survey for care providers and council care home transfers spark concerns
Rachael Kennedy
October 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
Live Event
The Solace Summit 2024 kicks off today (17th - 18th Oct), focusing on "Enabling the Public Sector to Deliver for Communities in Challenging Times." This event brings together the most influential voices in local government and public services to address the urgent and evolving needs of our communities.
As part of this crucial conversation, Agilisys is proud to present a panel discussion on how AI is shaping the future of SEND services and the EHCP process.
🗓️ When: October 17th, 16:00 – 16:50 BST
👉 Where: 1864 Room, Solace Summit, Manchester
Join industry experts and discover how Generative AI is helping SEND case workers:
Save valuable time
Enhance EHCP quality and consistency
Clear backlogs efficiently
Achieve better outcomes for children and families.
Looking to discuss AI-driven solutions for public services? Connect with Darius Toomer at the event or reach out directly.
See you at the Solace Summit 2024!
Public Finance Security
Local authorities in England are being surveyed on how they ensure contracted adult social care services adhere to data and cyber security practices. This initiative, led by the Association for Directors of Adult Social Services and Better Security, Better Care, aims to assess data protection requirements in contracts and compliance monitoring.
The survey addresses the rising cyber security risks in the public sector, seeking to identify resources and support for local authorities to enhance security measures. Michelle Corrigan of Better Security, Better Care emphasises the importance of collaboration in fortifying defences against cyber threats. Mark de Bernhardt Lane of South West ADASS highlights the increasing frequency of cyber attacks and the need for collective action to mitigate risks and improve data protection.
Katie Thorn, Project Lead for Digital Care Hub, participated in a panel during Professional Care Workers Week 2024, discussing AI's role in social care. The focus was on ethical and responsible AI use, with a new guidance document launched to aid integration into care services. The panel stressed AI's potential to enhance efficiency while preserving human care elements.
The Care Workers Charity aims to support the financial and mental wellbeing of the UK's 1.5 million care workers. Since 2020, over 12,100 workers have received aid. The Digital Care Hub team completed a fundraising climb for the charity, highlighting the ongoing need for support. Further donations are encouraged to continue this vital work.
Public services are under growing pressure to modernise and improve outcomes, with only 17% of digital transformation efforts in the UK public sector deemed fully successful.
With over two decades of experience, Andrew Mindenhall has been instrumental in leading Agilisys toward innovation in public service delivery. His focus on customer success and advanced solutions has positioned Agilisys as a trusted partner for organisations striving to optimise operations and implement next-gen AI tools.
Andrew will be speaking at The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI's Answer to Systemic Challenges, where he will share how his team is shaking up the public sector through AI-driven strategies and innovative solutions.
Join Andrew and explore how AI can address deep-rooted challenges in public service delivery.
🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM BST
Health and Safety
A Care Quality Commission (CQC) report rated Blackwater Mill Residential Home as inadequate, citing risks such as trip and burn hazards, poor medicine management, and unprofessional staff behaviour. Residents appeared unkempt, and some lacked social interaction. The home has been placed in special measures to ensure resident safety, particularly for those with dementia.
Buckland Care, the home's owner, acknowledged the report's findings and stated that many issues have been resolved. They are collaborating with the Isle of Wight Council to implement further improvements. A new manager has been appointed to enhance care standards and restore confidence. The focus remains on the health, safety, and well-being of residents, with positive feedback from healthcare professionals indicating progress.
Local Government News
Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire is negotiating the transfer of two dementia care homes, Castle Grange and Claremont House, to private ownership. Initially slated for closure to save £47m, the council decided to keep them open, seeking private operators instead. A six-week consultation with staff and families will precede any transfer.
Families express concern over potential declines in care quality and employment rights. Campaigners, who opposed the closures, remain worried about the future of specialist dementia services. Council leader Carole Pattison emphasised the necessity of these decisions due to budget constraints, stating, "We never wanted to close them." The final decision will follow the consultation period, with the council aiming to balance its budget while maintaining essential services.
Local Government News
Buckinghamshire Council is consulting on plans to close three adult day centres: Hillcrest, Seeleys House, and a site in Burnham, aiming to save £2-6 million. The Buckingham Day Opportunities Centre may be repurposed for young people with special needs. Services would be relocated to Aylesbury, Chesham, and Spring Valley centres.
Concerns arise from families like Sandra Mellers', whose son relies on these centres for care and therapy. The council cites a 61% drop in attendance since 2020, spending £3.4 million on 128 adults compared to 330 previously. The goal is to save £14.4 million by 2026, including £700,000 from short breaks. A 12-week consultation will gather public input, with a decision expected next summer.
⏳ Solace Summit 2024 is today!