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Joint reviews are having a positive impact in helping to raise standards of social services in Wales, according to a report published today. An evaluation study by Eskrigge Social Research contains strong endorsement for many aspects of the joint review programme, the second round of which was launched in Wales in December 2004.
The study set out to answer five key questions about the joint review process - which provides an independent assessment of how well the Welsh public is being served by social services locally. The report found strong evidence that:
• Joint review findings are backed by sufficient, relevant and reliable evidence.
• Stakeholders - users, carers, staff and politicians - have been more fully involved in the process of reviews.
• There is greater consistency in approach and judgement between the reviews in different local authorities.
• Joint reviews play a part in promoting improved social services.
The only main area where the researchers found mixed evidence was regarding the effectiveness of actions taken to reduce the workload involved in each joint review. For example, the report notes that the collection of preparatory material for the joint review team is a considerable task. However, the researchers found that the strongly prevailing view of respondents was that joint reviews were a proper part of accountability. Actions are being taken to help further reduce the demands on Councils and reviewers, such as revising the joint review methodology and increasing the flexibility with which processes are applied.
This report follows a recent stock-take exercise by Social Services Inspectorate Wales and the Wales Audit Office, which was also designed to examine the review process and to continue to develop it in an open and consultative way. SSIW and the WAO will consider today’s report, together with the findings from the stock-take, and make appropriate modifications. They will also discuss the findings of today’s report with local authorities and social service providers and incorporate any changes to the methodology within the published joint review handbook.
Acting Chief Inspector for Social Services, Richard Tebboth, said today:
"This external evaluation report highlights the real contribution that Joint Reviews are making in raising standards of social service delivery in Wales. It shows our commitment to openness and improvement and we will now use this feedback to make the process even better.”
Auditor General for Wales, Jeremy Colman, said today:
“Today’s report will help determine the shape of future joint reviews in Wales. It also underlines the important role reviews play in spreading good practice across local authorities, in promoting improvements and in telling the public about the quality of social services in their area."
Notes to Editors:
• The team from Eskrigge Social Research were appointed following a competitive tendering exercise. They were commissioned to evaluate the first six joint reviews, of the second round, against their stated objectives.
• The Team, led by Professor Clough, will present the findings of their report at a national conference in Llandrindod Wells on 7 November. During the same event, SSIW and the Wales Audit Office will present some of the key themes and messages that are emerging from the first reviews.
• Joint reviews are carried out in accordance with the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003, which gives the National Assembly for Wales the power to conduct reviews of the way in which local authorities discharge their social services functions.
• The task of carrying out joint reviews is delegated to the Social Services Inspectorate for Wales and the Government of Wales Act 1998 (as amended) enables the Auditor General for Wales to participate.
• Joint reviews set out to answer two key questions: How good are the social services that people in the area receive? and How well placed is the Council to sustain and improve services?
• For a copy of this report, and for more information on Joint Reviews, visit the website: www.joint-reviews.gov.uk
For more information, contact Lisa Smyth on 029 2026 2675 or email lisa.smyth@wao.gov.uk
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