The Social Care & Tackling Poverty Service Transformation Committee was scheduled to receive updates on the development of a new Volunteering Policy and the progress of the Assistive Technology service. The committee was also set to review its Work Plan for the upcoming year.

Swansea Council Volunteering Policy Development

The committee was scheduled to be provided with information regarding the development of a new Swansea Council Volunteering Policy. This policy aims to establish consistent principles and practices for the recruitment, management, and support of volunteers within council services. The report pack indicated that the policy would incorporate principles defined by the WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), emphasizing that volunteering is undertaken by choice, that volunteers should be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, and that their contribution should complement, not replace, paid staff. The draft policy, attached as Appendix A, outlines standards for good practice, roles and responsibilities, recruitment, induction, training, support, and supervision of volunteers. Progress since September 2023 included securing funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund, appointing a Volunteering Development Officer, and establishing a Volunteering Steering Group and a Volunteer Manager Forum. The report noted that the policy's development is informed by and supports the West Glamorgan Regional Partnerships Volunteering Strategy. The committee was informed that the next steps involve finalising the Managers Toolkit and Volunteer Handbook, with a recommendation that the committee consider progressing to the next stage once these are completed. The report also highlighted the policy's alignment with the Equality Act, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure.

Assistive Technology and Promoting Independence

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Adult Services Assistive Technology Service and its planned activities. The report explained that the Assistive Technology strategy is part of the Adult Services Transformation Programme for 2024/25, focusing on promoting independence. This involves developing services that enable individuals to live independently in their homes and communities for longer, enhancing early help offers, and providing routes for people to step down from managed care. Assistive Technology in Swansea encompasses a range of devices and services, broadly categorised as 'enabling,' 'responsive,' and 'predictive.' These include community alarms, falls detectors, sensors, health monitors, and direct carer alarms. The report detailed recent activity, including the integration of Assistive Technology into assessment and care management, the expansion of referrals from various teams, and the successful use of Just Checking assessment tools to provide insights into routines and activities, leading to a reduction in the prescription of managed care. The transition from analogue to digital platforms for telecare units was also highlighted as a priority to ensure safeguarding and extend the life of existing equipment. Future plans include expanding the service's preventative role, launching a new Assistive Technology Smart Home suite in September 2024, and working with community-based organisations.

Work Plan 2024-2025

The committee was scheduled to review its Work Plan for 2024-2025. The report pack indicated that the plan includes a range of topics for discussion throughout the year, with specific items scheduled for the upcoming meetings. For the meeting on 22 July 2024, the agenda items included the Swansea Council Volunteering Policy Development and Assistive Technology and Promoting Independence. Subsequent meetings were scheduled to cover topics such as the Tackling Poverty Strategy, Poverty Truth Commission outcomes, Digital Inclusion, Transition from Child & Family Services to Adult Services, Enabling Communities, Adult Early Help Activities, Day Opportunities and Use of Assets, Supporting Parents & Carers of Children with Additional Needs, Placement Sufficiency & Sustainability, and an update on work related to Drug Abuse. The final meeting in April 2025 was planned to include an Annual Report.