The Adult Services Scrutiny Panel met on Tuesday 22 September 2026 to discuss the West Glamorgan Transformation Programme, an update on the Community Mental Health Team (North) inspection actions, and transport for day services. Key discussions included the progress of regional transformation initiatives, improvements and ongoing challenges within mental health services, and the provision of transport for individuals attending day services.

West Glamorgan Transformation Programme

Kelly Gillings, Regional Director of Transformation, provided an update on the West Glamorgan Transformation Programme, highlighting progress made since March 2025. The programme, which operates under the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014, aims to deliver strategic planning, commissioning, and service delivery across health, social care, and the third sector. Gillings detailed refreshed governance arrangements designed to strengthen oversight and accountability, streamlining previous complex structures. The programme encompasses several key areas, including Older Persons, Transforming Complex Care, and Transforming Mental Health, with Carers and Digital programmes working across these streams.

Significant engagement activities have been undertaken, including a dedicated event for unpaid carers to inform the refresh of the Carers Strategy. The partnership has also focused on emotional wellbeing and mental health, developing interactive tools like the 'West Glamorgan Wellbeing Tree'. Co-production principles are embedded throughout the partnership's work, with updated frameworks and charters ensuring the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience and unpaid carers.

Programme progress has been made across various areas, including the Wellbeing and Learning Disability Programme, the Carers Programme, and the Children and Young People Programme. The Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Programme is working towards a 'No Wrong Door' approach for adults and children. The Communities and Older People Programme has shown significant improvements in reducing delayed transfers of care, outperforming national trends. However, the Neurodiverse Programme faced a setback with the redirection of Welsh Government funding, leading to a refocus on a sustainable, needs-led approach.

Financially, the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) is a significant source of funding, with a substantial portion allocated to the third sector. The report noted that the RIF is due to expire in March 2027, presenting a risk to funded services and staff, with discussions planned with ministers to understand future arrangements.

Community Mental Health Team (North) HIW CIW Inspection Actions Update

Hayley Gwilliam, Cabinet Member for Adult Wellbeing, presented an update on the improvement actions following the joint inspection of the Community Mental Health Team (North Swansea) by Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in July 2025. The report indicated that most actions have been completed or are partially complete. Key areas requiring continued assurance include the translation and distribution of crisis and advocacy information, the full implementation of digital and information-sharing arrangements, and the completion of training compliance checks.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the accessibility of services, particularly during mental health crises, and the difficulty in contacting the team by phone. Councillor Yvonne Jardine highlighted the challenges of navigating the system during a crisis and the need for greater publicity of available support. Mark Campisi, Principal Officer for Mental Health Services, explained that a 'No Wrong Door' model is being developed to create a more joined-up, multi-agency response, starting with children and young people. He also detailed improvements to telephone systems and the development of crisis support leaflets and contact cards.

Councillor Chris Holley OBE raised questions about the funding stream for the Regional Investment Fund, and it was agreed that further investigation would be undertaken to identify the responsible department.

Regarding the inspection findings, the report detailed areas for improvement in patient experience, such as ensuring staff have sufficient time to discuss needs and treatment, and that service users' views are consistently recorded in care plans. Improvements have been made in medication management and the display of safety notices for oxygen cylinders. The report also highlighted the need for better communication of safeguarding outcomes and the consistent recording of capacity assessments.

The update on the Community Mental Health Team (North) HIW CIW Inspection Actions shows that while many actions are complete, some remain amber, including improving crisis information accessibility, telephone access, discharge communication, advocacy provision, and MDT co-production.

Briefing on Transport for Day Services

Jackie Whiteman, Principal Officer for Service Provision, and Cathy Williams, Client Transport Manager, provided a briefing on transport for day services. The report outlined that transport support is provided only for services that form part of an individual's care and support plan, following an assessment of need. The Council is committed to promoting independence, with travel training offered to help individuals use mainstream public transport where possible.

The Integrated Transport Unit (ITU) currently transports 224 unique clients to 12 Adult Day Service establishments and Gower College Swansea, undertaking 674 journeys per week. The majority of transport is provided via the ITU's fleet of 51 vehicles, with contracted transport and taxis used for specific needs. While 606 unique clients attend Adult Day Services, 382 travel independently or with family support. Taxi transport is noted as the most expensive option, with efforts to maximise cost-efficiency.

Demand for specialist transport, including adapted vehicles and escorts, has increased, particularly for individuals with complex needs. Future pressures are anticipated due to increasing complexity of need, availability of suitable vehicles, and an aging workforce in the transport sector. The report also noted that transport costs can form a significant element of a care package, although it is not financially assessed.

The panel discussed how the council supports people to travel independently through travel training, and the future pressures on the service, including the increasing complexity of needs and the availability of suitable vehicles. The report also highlighted challenges in recruiting younger drivers due to licensing regulations.

Work Plan 2026-27

The panel reviewed and agreed the work plan for 2026-27. Key items to be discussed in future meetings include performance monitoring, updates on the West Glamorgan Transformation Programme, the Community Mental Health Team inspection actions, and a briefing on transport for day services. The next meeting is scheduled for 23 November 2026.