Agenda item

The Panel received a report on the 2015-2020 Partnership Strategy – promoting and supporting the wellbeing of residents with the voluntary sector.  The strategy had been jointly produced by the Council and Slough Clinical Commissioning Group and aimed to enhance the wellbeing of adults by remodelling the provision and support provided by the community and voluntary sector in Slough.

The strategy set out a series of clear outcomes from which future services would be commissioned.  These included access to good information, support and advice; services to help people change their lives and stay healthy; more joined up and person centred care; access to active and supportive communities; support for carers; maintaining people’s independence; and improving economic wellbeing to support people to enter or maintain employment.  The investment to support delivery of the strategy would be £3.6m over a proposed three year contract period, with the possibility of two year extensions, which gave voluntary and community sector organisations clarity about the expected outcomes and greater certainty about funding.

A detailed risk management plan had been developed and there had been extensive engagement with partners and voluntary and community sector organisations.  A commissioning process was underway and the new contracts were expected to begin in January 2016.  It was noted that there was a potential risk to existing providers who may not receive future funding following the commissioning process and work was ongoing to assess the impact.

Members noted that the strategy had already been considered by the Slough Wellbeing Board and approved by Cabinet, and therefore the Panel noted the report.

Resolved –  That the report be noted.