The meeting primarily focused on social care issues, including the challenges and improvements in safeguarding, self-neglect, exploitation strategies, and the management of complex cases. There was also a discussion on the future of nursing staff and the impact of staffing shortages on social care.

1. Safeguarding and Self-Neglect: Maurice, the new Sea of Honor, thanked the council for additional resources in social care. He highlighted the ongoing issue of safeguarding, mentioning the benefits of a rapid verbal building process which has been financially efficient and quick in disseminating learning from serious incidents. Maurice emphasized the importance of understanding cognitive decline in self-neglect cases, using an example of his mother who couldn't comprehend the significance of a sell-by date due to declining cognitive function.

2. Exploitation Strategy: Maurice discussed the council's efforts in reviewing and improving the exploitation strategy, particularly concerning rough sleeping. He noted the inclusion of people with lived experiences in the assurance framework, which has been positively received by the community.

3. Complex and High-Risk Management (Calm Process): Maurice praised the council for funding the Calm Process, which addresses the needs of individuals with complex and high-risk lifestyles. This process involves innovative engagement methods, such as meeting in informal settings like coffee shops, to better connect with these individuals. Maurice commended the council for being one of the few in the country investing in this area.

4. Staffing Concerns in Social Care: Maurice raised concerns about the future shortage of nurses, despite an increase in medical school placements. He pointed out the struggle to recruit people into nursing degrees and the potential impact on adult care services. Maurice suggested that societal attitudes towards nursing and social care professions need to change to attract more people.

5. CQC Inspection and Professional Curiosity: Maurice shared his experience with a CQC inspection in Berkshire, noting that Worcestershire is well-prepared for such inspections. He mentioned the importance of professional curiosity and mental capacity in safeguarding, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in these areas.

6. Multi-Agency Working and Information Sharing: Maurice emphasized the importance of multi-agency collaboration and information sharing in safeguarding. He mentioned the Calm Process as a successful example of this approach, ensuring that all relevant agencies are involved in managing complex cases.

7. Challenges in Health and Social Care Integration: Maurice discussed the integration of health and social care, noting that while the Integrated Care Board (ICB) aims to bring together health components, there are still challenges in achieving full integration. He stressed the need for effective collaboration between statutory and community agencies.

8. Future of Social Care: Maurice highlighted the need for serious leadership and societal change in addressing the challenges in social care. He called for a comprehensive review of the health and social care system and emphasized the importance of good quality leadership in navigating these complex issues.

9. Direct Payments and Financial Management: The council discussed the challenges in managing direct payments for social care. They noted the need for improvements in the process and the impact of staff reductions on service delivery. The council is working on a review to streamline the process and support individuals in managing direct payments effectively.

10. Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding: The council reviewed the complexities of CHC funding, including disputes between local authorities and ICBs. They emphasized the importance of accurate decision-making and collaboration to ensure individuals receive the appropriate funding and care.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's ongoing efforts to address complex social care issues, improve safeguarding practices, and manage the challenges posed by staffing shortages and financial constraints.