Webwatch – Getting In On The Act (Wales)

A new online hub that provides information and training to help social care professionals implement the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act has gone live.

Under the banner of ‘Getting in on the Act’, the Information and Learning Hub has been developed by the Care Council for Wales (CCW) and a variety of partners. It is part of an initiative to develop a national learning and development plan to support the full implementation of the Act.

The overall aim of the Welsh Government-funded initiative is to ensure the workforce has the knowledge and support to deliver social services according to Welsh law and the principles of the Act.

Among the first resources on the Hub is a pack, with accompanying presentation, to introduce the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act and raise awareness of what it means for those working in social care. The pack draws on a range of materials developed across Wales and is designed to support training that gives practitioners an overview of the legislation.

Rhian Huws Williams, CCW Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have launched the Hub. Our approach to this will be one of real partnership and co-production, working with a range of organisations which have the expertise. There is a lot to be done and we will achieve this through pulling together and working together.

“We have hit the ground running by launching the hub and producing the much-needed awareness pack, drawing on what has already been done and building on that. Briefing sessions are also taking place to familiarise people with the materials. The Hub will evolve as more and more materials are developed and added to it.

“We will now be working with the sector to identify what people need in terms of training and what already exists; this is particularly important in identifying gaps and priorities. We are aware that some good work has already been done at local and regional levels and it is important we capture this and not duplicate what already exists,” she added.

A Strategic Advisory Group has been set up to take forward the initiative. This includes representatives from the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS) Cymru; Care Council for Wales; Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW); Care Forum Wales; Children in Wales; the Social Services Improvement Agency (SSIA) Cymru; the Welsh NHS Confederation; Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA); Welsh Government; and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA).

Visit the Information and Learning Hub.