LATEST: see the follow up consultation to this review: Consultation about our engagement and involvement strategy 2012-2015
In Autumn 2009 our Adult Social Care department carried out a Strategic Review of Engagement.
Background information
This review was commissioned to ensure that service users, carers and communities are engaged with in a meaningful, transparent, consistent and efficient way. It is important that the relevant people are involved in decision making processes and that we all work together to implement change and ongoing service delivery.
Who took part?
Over 80 people took part in this review. They ranged from service users and carers to commissioners and cabinet members. They were interviewed individually and in groups.
What did we find out?
There is a very clear intention from Adult Social Care to engage effectively with individuals, service users, carers and communities about services strategy and development:
- A range of different mechanisms are in place to ensure individuals can get involved and have an influence
- The majority of people who were interviewed told us that staff at different levels throughout the department are enabling a range of individuals to make a difference.
- There is evidence of direct influence from individuals, involvement in decision making processes and a range of good practice
- There are also clear examples of creative inclusive and responsive approaches to engagement.
What will happen as a result of this consultation?
Twenty six recommendations have been set out and they will build on existing good practice and strengthen existing partnership work. They cover 5 specific areas:
- strategy
- outcomes and finance
- accessibility and standards
- skills
- partnerships.
All of these recommendations fit with and complement our consultation and engagement strategy.
An action plan has been developed to deliver these recommendations.
East Sussex County Council