Welsh agency set to boost standards

An agency to improve social services in Wales will be launched next April, after the assembly government gave it the go-ahead.

The Social Services Improvement Agency will receive 4.5m over three years. Developed by the Welsh Local Government Association, it will offer support to social services departments from specialist consultants and disseminate best practice. Councils will work with the agency on a voluntary basis.

Chris Davies, group director for social care and health at Cardiff Council, will be the agency’s lead consultant after he leaves the authority at the end of the year.

At a meeting last week, Welsh social services directors agreed to work together to improve several areas. They are rehabilitation for older people, safeguarding boards, looked-after children and matching needs to resources, performance management, direct payments, extra care and telecare.