The People Committee of Sutton Council met to discuss the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of adult social care, the Youth Justice Plan, the Families First Partnership Programme, and safeguarding reports. The committee noted the good rating received from the CQC, approved the Youth Justice Plan, and discussed upcoming legislative changes related to the Families First Partnership Programme. They also reviewed and noted the Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-2025 and the Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-25.

Adult Social Care CQC Assessment

The committee noted the outcome of the CQC assessment of adult social care, as detailed in the Local Authority Assessment and the updated Adult Social Care Improvement Plan. Sutton Council received a good rating, placing it in the top third of local authorities in England and joint top among South West London local authorities.

Nick, Strategic Director for People Services, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the inspection and expressed pride in how the council supports residents and carers. Sandra, whose role is not specified in the minutes, noted strengths such as the council's focus on equity, inclusivity, and a stable leadership team. Areas for improvement included access to advice for residents and carers, strength-based practice¹, carer support during assessments, information sharing with care providers, and support for young people during transitions.

Anna, Director of Commissioning, praised the passion of social care staff and the strength of the care market in Sutton. She noted that the average time to move people from hospital into residential care was five days, and 98% of people receive home care packages within 24 hours. Respite and mental health services were identified as areas needing improvement.

Stephen, whose role is not specified in the minutes, mentioned that the CQC is consulting on a new inspection framework and that future inspections would likely be shorter and more focused.

During the discussion, Councillor Drummond raised concerns about paragraph 3.8 of the report, regarding assessment needs, where the council received the second-lowest score. She asked if the council was aware of these shortfalls and what was being done to address them. Nick, Strategic Director for People Services, responded that the council had identified these areas in its self-assessment and was already working on improvements. Councillor Drummond then asked directly if the council was potentially in breach of sections 9 and 13 of the Care Act, to which Nick, Strategic Director for People Services, replied, The short answer is not.

Councillor Dwyer raised concerns about advice, information, and support for carers, particularly regarding eligibility for disability-related expenditure (DRE). Sam, whose role is not specified in the minutes, explained that DRE is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is provided if the expense is disability-related and cannot be covered by other organisations. Councillor Dwyer requested a published list of acceptable and unacceptable expenses, which Sam agreed to consider.

Councillor Beck acknowledged the reduced government funding and increased demand, thanking officers for achieving a good rating despite these pressures.

Councillor Sahathevan inquired about the potential use of AI to improve assessments. Nick, Strategic Director for People Services, responded positively, citing a pilot program called magic notes, a transcription service that uses AI to populate assessment templates, potentially saving social workers up to eight hours per week.

Sutton Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028

The committee approved the Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028. Angela Killley, Head of Service for Integrate Support and Sacred Communities, presented the plan, highlighting key achievements such as a reduction in re-offending rates and a decrease in first-time entrants to the youth justice system. The plan outlines strategies to prevent children from offending and reduce re-offending among those already in the system.

The plan identifies several challenges, including changes in seconded staff from partner agencies like the probation service and the Metropolitan Police. Despite these challenges, the plan sets strategic priorities for the next three years, including addressing disproportionality, improving educational outcomes, strengthening victims' voices, and safeguarding those at risk of criminal exploitation.

Councillor Drummond inquired about the sustainability of the re-offending rate reduction, given the external challenges. Angela Killley responded that the service's diversionary and prevention programs are robust but depend on grant funding. She also noted the positive impact of the schools team, which works to prevent permanent exclusions.

Councillor Pascoe praised the use of the term children rather than young people and inquired about support for those not in education. Angela Killley highlighted the functional skills program and partnerships with education workers and speech and language therapists. Councillor Pascoe also raised concerns about the high percentage of children with speech and language difficulties and the lack of probation officers.

Councillor Vought asked about the turnover and diversity of the workforce. Angela Killley explained the challenges in recruiting experienced youth justice social workers and efforts to diversify the team. She also addressed the disproportionate number of black and mixed-race children receiving statutory court orders, noting that this reflects more serious offences and that scrutiny processes are in place.

Councillor Drummond raised concerns about the child sexual abuse section of the report, specifically regarding improving strategy meetings and achieving best evidence. She asked why the best practice guidance had not been adopted sooner.

Councillor Butt highlighted a fire prevention and safeguarding online course available through the virtual college and suggested promoting it further.

Families First Partnership Programme

The committee noted the pending legislative changes and Sutton's Children's Services response to date regarding the Families First Partnership Programme. Jackie McCarthy, Interim Director for Children's Social Care and Safeguarding, presented the program, a government-led initiative underpinned by the Children and Families Bill. The program aims to unify early help services, develop multi-agency child protection teams, and strengthen family-led decision-making.

Jackie McCarthy stated that Sutton is proactively implementing changes in advance of the legislation, building on existing strengths such as minimal transition points for children, family decision-making, and a focus on prevention.

Councillor Butt inquired about how the program would address out-of-borough school placements, particularly for children from Clock House, many of whom attend schools in Croydon. Jonathan, whose role is not specified in the minutes, explained that Sutton would retain responsibility for families residing in Clock House and that safeguarding concerns would be addressed with the relevant schools, with family consent.

Councillor Drummond sought clarification on the guidance received from the Department for Education (DfE) and the timeline for updating the Mosaic case management system.

Councillor Pascoe raised concerns about the unique child identifying number, questioning whether it would be assigned at birth and how it would be used across statutory agencies.

Councillor Mennaceur expressed concern about the potential for increased demand and complexity, as well as the need for staff training and adaptation.

Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-2025

The committee noted the work of the Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) in 2024-2025 and its priorities for 2025-2026, as detailed in the SSAB Annual Report. Sandra, whose role is not specified in the minutes, explained that the SSAB provides strategic oversight to prevent and protect adults with care and support needs from abuse and neglect.

Councillor Cairn raised concerns about the impact of financial constraints and restructuring within the Integrated Care Board (ICB) on safeguarding. Sandra, whose role is not specified in the minutes, assured the committee that the board is monitoring the situation and working closely with the ICB to ensure continued protection for residents.

Councillor Vought inquired about how the council helps people experiencing self-neglect. Sandra, whose role is not specified in the minutes, explained the multi-agency approach, including a risk board for vulnerable people and collaboration with housing, adult social care, and children's social care.

Councillor Drummond expressed concern about potential legal risks given pressures on safeguarding and partner restructuring. Nick, Strategic Director for People Services, acknowledged the challenges but stated that there were no current legal risks.

Councillor Munday asked about multi-agency safeguarding arrangements in light of the upcoming bill. Jonathan, whose role is not specified in the minutes, clarified that the Families First program requires compliance with existing multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Councillor Pascoe reiterated a recurring question about the accessibility of the front door for reporting safeguarding concerns, particularly for community members like postal workers and shopkeepers.

Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-25

The committee noted the evaluation of the effectiveness of local arrangements to safeguard children in 2024-25, as detailed in the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report. Jonathan, whose role is not specified in the minutes, highlighted the partnership's commitment to safeguarding, despite challenges related to restructure and financial constraints.

Councillor Drummond raised concerns about the child sexual abuse section of the report, particularly regarding improving strategy meetings and achieving best evidence. She asked why the best practice guidance had not been adopted sooner.

Councillor Butt highlighted a fire prevention and safeguarding online course and suggested promoting it further.