Bolton praised by inspectors for quality services

Bolton council’s social services department has good
quality services for all user groups and has excellent prospects
for further improvement, according to a joint review,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Staff are competent and well supported and there is a commitment
to improvement, says the report by the Audit Commission and Social
Services Inspectorate. Bolton has reduced the number of children in
care or on the child protection register, by focusing on children
with needs at an early stage.

There are good quality services for all users, many examples of
multi-disciplinary procedures and strategies in place, and a good
range of services for people with mental health problems.

Director of joint reviews John Bolton said: “Bolton has
excellent prospects based on solid partnership working and
inclusion. Communication between staff and managers is good, with
all levels of staff committed to the provision of high quality
services.”

Inaccurate finance and activity data were highlighted,
however.

The report urged Bolton council to develop a commissioning
strategy, a strategic framework for services for older people and a
framework for performance management. It needs to offer a wider
range of choice for older people with mental health problems,
people with physical disabilities and those with hearing
impairments.

Cliff Morris, executive member for social services and health,
said: “The review has identified that most people are served well
by social services in Bolton with service users placed at the
centre of decision making.

“Staff are well supported and competent and this gives excellent
prospects for improvement. This report confirms my view of the
service,” he said.