The Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel met on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss the Connect and Prevent programme, the Adult Care Services Local Account, and the Hertfordshire Carers Strategy. Key decisions included noting the successes of the Connect and Prevent Phase One programme and endorsing the refreshed Carers Strategy.

Connect and Prevent Phase One Update

The panel received an update on the Connect and Prevent programme, a major transformation initiative in adult care services aimed at improving resident outcomes and achieving financial benefits. Phase one, which focused on prevention and enabling residents to achieve greater independence, has seen significant success. Five workstreams – Progressive Reviews, Preventative Transitions, Proactive Prevention, Community Connections, and Effective Enablement – have been implemented.

The Effective Enablement workstream, in particular, has seen the deployment of a reablement app that allows for real-time tracking of user progress towards SMART goals. This has improved visibility for practitioners and providers, leading to more informed decisions about stepping down support and increasing the flow of individuals through the service. For example, a user named Peter was able to be discharged from reablement care after 24 days, several days earlier than previously expected, demonstrating the programme's effectiveness in accelerating independence.

Overall, phase one has achieved significant financial impacts, with a current financial run rate between £23.8 million and £30.5 million against a target of £24.8 million. In-year savings have exceeded targets, with over £10.6 million achieved against an £8 million target. The programme is now transitioning into phase two, which aims for further transformation and savings.

Adult Care Services Local Account

Alex Ogle, ACS Performance and Improvement Manager, presented the Adult Care Services Local Account 2025. This report provides an overview of ACS's performance, achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement from April 2024 to September 2025. It bridges the end of the previous ACS Plan and looks ahead to the priorities of the new plan. The report highlighted that Hertfordshire's adult care services were rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in eight out of nine areas, with 'Outstanding' for partnership working. The report detailed key statistics on service delivery, including the number of requests for support, hospital discharges, and assessments completed. It also presented feedback from residents and carers, indicating high satisfaction with care and support, though highlighting ongoing challenges with social contact and loneliness. The report detailed achievements against the ACS Plan 2021-2025, including the development of new strategies for dementia, sensory needs, autism, and carers, as well as significant investment in the voluntary and community sector. The budget for ACS in 2025/26 is £518.5 million, representing approximately 42% of the council's total budget. The panel was asked to note the contents of the Local Account.

Motion Regarding the Hertfordshire Carers Strategy

Councillor Tony Kingsbury moved a motion regarding the Hertfordshire Carers Strategy, which was seconded by Councillor Paul Seeby. The motion acknowledged the council's commitment to unpaid carers and highlighted their vital contribution. It sought to identify areas where support could be strengthened, including:

• The scale and characteristics of hidden carers and barriers to accessing support.
• Difficulties faced by carers during transition points, such as young carers moving into adulthood or when a caring role ends.
• Opportunities to improve workplace and education support for unpaid carers.
• Options for recognising carers' skills and supporting their voluntary access to training or employment in the social care workforce.

Tim Knapper, Senior Development Manager, presented a report that addressed these points in the context of the recently refreshed Hertfordshire Carers Strategy (2026-2028). The report outlined existing work and proposed actions to address the issues raised in the motion, noting that many were already being progressed within the new strategy and its action plan. The report highlighted the significant number of unregistered carers in Hertfordshire and the barriers they face, as well as the challenges during transition points. It also discussed opportunities for improved support for working carers and the recognition of their skills. The panel unanimously agreed to note the motion and its substance.

The meeting also included an update on the Adult Care Services Cabinet Panel Action Tracker, confirming that the Leader of the Council had signed a letter to the Secretary of State regarding county councils having a seat at the table on the Joint Negotiating Committee.

The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 3 June 2026.