Social services group prepares for policy challenges

The body which represents adult social services directors has announced major changes to better align with the Coalition Government’s policy agenda.

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has created six new programme boards, as a response to the the publication of the Government’s White Paper on the NHS and what they describe as “the prospect of further major policy announcements” in the coming months.

Association President Richard Jones said: “These new boards will enable our Association to have maximum flexibility in responding to the efficiency gauntlet which has been thrown down by the Coalition, as well as enable us to take advantage of all the many opportunities to improve the offer we make to the people in our communities.”

A Vision Development Board aims to define a vision for the future of adult social care, working with Jeff Jerome, the National Director for Social Care Transformation.

An Integration Board will develop the case for integration of commissioning with the White Paper proposals, while a Big Society, Care and Support Board will share learning around Big Society initiatives. Meanwhile a Long Term Care Commission Board will work with the new commission to develop their proposals.

Financial realities are reflected in the Resource Reduction Board, which will prepare for the Spending Review and support adult social services in budget setting for 2011. But there will also be an Improvement Board, working to develop sector-led improvement, inspection and support.

Richard Jones explained: “Directors of adult social services are going to be very much up for making sure that the people for whom we have responsibilities get the maximum benefit from the changes already under way.”