The Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability Committee met on Monday 29 June 2026. The committee received updates on the People Services directorate, the Local Area SEND inspection, and the Corporate Parenting Board's key achievements. An update on the Adult Social Care Improvement Journey was also presented.

Introduction to People Services

Jacqui McShannon, Executive Director for People Services, introduced the directorate, which was formed in 2024 by combining Adult Social Care and Children's Services. The directorate encompasses Education, Children and Young People, Performance and Improvement, Older People and Physical Support, Specialist Services, Commissioning, Transformation and Health Partnerships, and Public Health. Public Health is now integrated across all areas of work, influencing transformation programmes and promoting the understanding that public health extends beyond healthcare to include housing, transport, education, and employment. A strong emphasis is placed on early intervention and prevention.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan, Opposition Deputy Whip and Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Children and Education, inquired about key performance indicators and the possibility of a quarterly People Services dashboard. Jacqui McShannon explained that while hundreds of indicators are monitored, a quarterly dashboard would be labour-intensive, but reports on individual services with relevant performance data would continue to be presented. Dr Mayada Abu Affan, Director – Public Health, added that Public Health data is available online. Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader, offered to provide information on live procurement activity outside the public meeting. A member of the public raised a question about additional funding for rehabilitation for 11-17 year olds who smoke or vape. Dr Abu Affan confirmed that the Public Health Grant for 2026/27 includes £6 million for substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation programmes, with clear performance indicators. Smoking prevention officers are being employed in schools as part of a programme to support smokers and prevent vaping among young people.

The committee noted the presentation.

Local Area SEND Inspection Update

The committee noted the findings of the recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Hammersmith & Fulham's Local Area SEND services, which awarded the highest possible rating. This outcome signifies that the partnership is delivering services at the highest national standard, reflecting sustained commitment, strong leadership, and effective collaboration across education, health, and care. Councillor Anna Magryta-Urban congratulated the officers and asked about the rising number of autism diagnoses. Joe Gunning, Head of Programmes – People Services, confirmed that the prevalence of autism diagnoses is high, reflecting national trends, and that the Council has invested in early identification and intervention. Councillor Roseanne Meacher, Deputy Cabinet Member for Upstream London, queried the publication of the strategic plan. Mr Gunning explained that the forthcoming SEND Reform Plan would shape future service delivery and had incorporated recommendations from the inspection. Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan asked about waiting times for ADHD and autism assessments and when a progress report on the action plan could be expected. Mr Gunning stated that waiting time figures would be provided in writing and that waiting times had reduced due to improvement work and additional investment from the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Jacqui McShannon added that inspectors had sought assurance on the partnership's understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, and that recovery plans were already in place for identified areas of improvement.

The committee noted the report.

Corporate Parenting Board - Key Achievements

Sarah Sanderson, Operational Director – Children and Young People Services, presented the key achievements of the Corporate Parenting Board for 2025/26. At the end of the year, there were 189 children in care, with approximately 70% placed in foster care. Around 10% lived in children's homes, and 240 care-experienced young people received pathway planning and support. The board's priorities were co-produced with young people.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan questioned whether activity was adequately matched with measurable outcomes, particularly for employability for care leavers. Sarah Sanderson highlighted the importance of scrutinising data and performance, noting that employment outcomes are particularly important. Councillor Alex Sanderson emphasised that corporate parenting is a significant responsibility and that all services, not just People Services, should be involved. A member of the public raised concerns about inconsistent statistics regarding adoption for Black and mixed-heritage children. Sarah Sanderson explained this is a national issue and that the council is part of the regional adoption agency Adopt London West. Councillor Alex Sanderson added that while the number of adoptions is small, families receive comprehensive support.

The committee noted the report.

Adult Social Care Improvement Journey

Jacqui McShannon introduced the report on the Adult Social Care Self-Evaluation, outlining the service's current position, strengths, challenges, and priorities for improvement. The service has experienced an increase in demand and complexity, with efforts underway to upscale the workforce and strengthen the senior leadership team. Reorganisation has taken place within Adult Social Care and Commissioning, and work has been undertaken with Finance to explore investment opportunities. Residents have been engaged to understand their experiences, and the Independent Living Strategy has been co-produced. Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan asked for more information on the reablement offer and its success. Jacqui McShannon explained that the service primarily supports disabled people discharged from hospital to regain independence. She stated that the service seeks creative ways to provide support and responds effectively to people experiencing significant life changes. Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan also inquired how the reablement offer informs the Independent Living Strategy and how its success will be measured. Jacqui McShannon reported that 60 engagement sessions were held for the strategy's development, and Joe Gunning advised that work is underway to create a flexible menu of options for residents.

The committee noted the report.

Families, Health and Care PAC Work Programme 2026/27

Councillor Alex Sanderson suggested that statutory papers be shared with the committee before the next meeting to help shape the work programme. Councillor Roseanne Meacher requested that the Adult Social Care Improvement Programme be brought back to the committee for an update on progress. Jacqui McShannon agreed this could be arranged.

The committee noted the work programme.

The committee noted the dates of future meetings: 2 November 2026, 26 January 2027, and 19 April 2027.