Decision

This report outlines a proposal to implement phase one of a federated structure to deliver the future vision and model of adult services for both Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen including the opportunity to:

1. Share best practice models across the two local authorities
2. Utilise current opportunities to develop a robust strategic and operational line management structure to support a sustainable federated model for social care across the two Councils
3. Provide an operational model that delivers a consistent social care offer for residents of both Councils
4. Supports the current federated Head of Service model in Adult Social Care including wider links with our key partner agencies.
5. Maximise the opportunities to develop federated teams where we have identified current structural sustainability concerns due to both LA’s for example having small team structures or single points of failure.
This report also proposes a change in the current service areas of the 4 service managers in Blaenau Gwent and the 3 Group Managers in Torfaen to a model where all staff maintain their current level of responsibility but are required to work collaboratively across both Council in a federated thematic approach . This includes the following:

1. Redesign of current portfolios for 4 BG Service Managers and 2 Torfaen Group Managers with all having federated portfolios
2. Redesignation of vacant Group Manager post which will be vacant from June 26 to a newly created Deputy Head of Service post
3. Creation of a joint team management / team lead structure for the following areas which have been identified as being suitable to deliver at place services but with a federated management structure to support sustainability and effective service delivery:
- Federated Team Lead for Mental Health Team (BG and Torfaen)
- Federated Team Lead for Direct Payments (BG and Torfaen)
- Federated Team Lead for the newly created Supported Employment team (BG and Torfaen)
This report proposes that staff across the impacted BG and Torfaen portfolios commence a period of ‘shadowing’ across Adult Services from following the consultation period but that formal permanent arrangements are implemented from 5th October 26 (quarter 3).