PRACTICE SOLUTIONS

Driving forward positive outcomes for people

Building on solid foundations

Business Review 2012

www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk
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2 | Business Review 2012

Introduction

Welcome to our business review 2012

The aim of this document is to provide our new, existing and potential clients with a brief overview of the various activities Practice Solutions engaged in during 2012. We hope you find the information here helpful and interesting. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to know more, or in particular, to discuss how we could help you and your business.
Our main achievements in 2012 were growth and expansion. Our long-term vision is bringing benefits to our customers, who recognise our core values of trust and integrity. These have always been paramount to how we conduct our business, and as we continue to develop and grow, we constantly strive to attract people who share our commitment to the delivery of high-quality services at reasonable cost. What differentiates us is our expertise, energy and can-do attitude. In our business, whilst we reflect on our achievements, we constantly seek to improve and find positive solutions, which is why our culture is very open to different perspectives. We are interested in what people do and wish to make best use of our teams talents. One of the significant challenges for the public sector in times of pressure and time constraint is getting their messages across clearly and effectively. In 2012, we were able to enhance our graphic design service to include copywriting within our portfolio. Through this service we have been able to assist several of our clients with the production of various reports and public documents. For example, we now content manage, design and disseminate a quartly newsletter for ADSS Cymru (the Association for Director of Social Services for Wales) that keeps their members informed about the work of the association. Other projects undertaken by the Practice Solutions team in 2012 included the redrafting of the Social Services Implementation Plan, which was endorsed by the Welsh Government (you can find more about this in Val and Jonathans sections) and Geoff Sherlocks interim management work with Powys Social Services, which focussed on the practical delivery of providing sustainable social services. We have also continued supporting organisations through RBA (results-based accountability) to help them reflect on their purpose and what they are aiming to deliver in support of their citizens. I really enjoyed spending another year working with great colleagues and I am pleased to welcome two new additions to our team: namely, Marjy Delwarde, who brings with her the skills of journalism, publishing and copywriting and Karen Williams, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of management and business administration within the public sector. From an individual perspective, in addition to my role as Practice Solutions managing consultant, I continued to provide training on processes and work as the ADSS Cymru business manager.

Gabe Conlon Managing Consultant

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3 | Business Review 2012

Associate Contributions

CONSULTANCY
We have had a very successful year in terms of the number of consultancy projects that were undertaken. The scope of work has been diverse and projects have ranged from corporate planning, budget recovery, to reviewing Childrens Services and quality assurance. Please find contributions from our associates below.

Jonathan Morgan and Val Connors

Local Authority Corporate Plan support During 2012 Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council commissioned Val and Jonathan to support the development of their 20122013 Corporate Plan. Working with the Chief Executives department they were able to support the delivery of agreed priorities, projects and measurements for this interim one-year plan. Following the success of this project Val and Jonathan have now been commissioned to support the Council in the development of a four-year Corporate Plan, 20132017. You listen to what we think we need and tailor your support accordingly. You suggest alternative ways of approaching things that may be more effective. You act as useful sounding boards and critical friends when testing out ideas and approaches. Feedback on our Corporate Planning work at Merthyr County Council Review of the ADSS Cymru/SSIA Local Government Implementation Plan The Welsh Governments Sustainable Social Services agenda required local government to think creatively about their contribution to transforming the delivery of social services across Wales. Val and Jonathan undertook a review of their draft implementation plan, ensuring that it reflected both the need for a strategic vision and deliverable reform. Independent review of SEWIC high-cost adult placement programme Val and Jonathan also undertook a review of one of the collaboration projects in south east Wales, where nine local authorities as part of the South East Wales Improvement Collaborative have established a high-cost adult placement programme. The review provided an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme against the original objectives and perceived benefits. This helped to reduce the cost of existing and new adult placements and also contributed to shaping the market in residential care and improved the delivery of better outcomes for service users. Independent examination of Annual Performance Report Jonathan was commissioned by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to review and provide advice on the content of their Annual Performance Report, which set out what the Council has achieved across its delivery areas against the priorities in its Corporate Plan. Interim project management in Vale of Glamorgan Val was commissioned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to work as an Interim Project Manager to support the senior management team in Social Services to deliver their Budget Recovery Plan and action plans associated with this. This work is ongoing. Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council cost and demand pressures in Social Services Blaenau Gwent Social Services commissioned Val to undertake an analysis of the changes in demand and spend over the last three years using information provided by the Adult Services Division. This included an examination of whether eligibility criteria and service thresholds were being applied appropriately. SSIA Reablement Project Val Connors supported SSIA in the development of a questionnaire as part of SSIAs work to support the development of reablement services across Wales. The questionnaire was designed in order to develop a position statement on the current provision of reablement and intermediate care services throughout Wales.

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4 | Business Review 2012

Consultancy

Geoff Waites
Development of childrens safeguarding in the Vale of Glamorgan Towards the end of 2010, Practice Solutions were approached by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to carry out two commissions authoring a serious case review and carrying out a number of tasks to progress the Local Safeguarding Childrens Boards improvement agenda. Both tasks were completed in the early part of 2012 and the findings of the serious case review were reported to the LSCB. In January 2013, the author presented his findings and recommendations to a multi-agency training event. The work with the LSCB had two elements; firstly, increasing the Boards understanding of local safeguarding practice by carrying out and reporting on a number of audits of each agencys contribution to the partnership. Secondly, two performance frameworks were produced using RBA methodology to help the Board drive improvement of multi-agency practice in cases involving domestic violence or neglect. Contributing to the improvement of the quality of childrens services practice in Merthyr Tydfil During the year, Geoff was commissioned by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to undertake a number of support projects. The first project involved the provision of coaching to first line managers within the intake and assessment service and this programme is continuing. The second project built on Practice Solutions existing work with the Council in assisting with the design and preparation of the Directors Annual Report. The brief was to pull together existing data and reports into a single report about the management and practice of looking after children. This report has been completed and used for various purposes by the Council. The third project has involved supporting the head of service and managers with the development of a quality assurance framework. The work has included a number of elements assisting first line managers in undertaking case audits as well as reporting in thematic audits carried out during the year. The project will also deliver a report about the quality of services derived from a number of sources and a set of fit-for-purpose audit tools for managers. Overall, the work is intended to assist the head of service to bed a quality framework into the everyday practice of Childrens Services, and is ongoing.

Geoff Sherlock
Delivering sustainable social services in Powys County Council In 2012, Geoff Sherlock worked as the Interim Head of Adult Services and Commissioning in Powys County Council. He was part of the corporate management team and provided specialist advice to the political leadership for social services in Powys. Geoffs main role is to ensure that there is a consistent and coherent process for service delivery, which meets the performance requirements of the Council, its partners and regulatory bodies. He has delivered a positive report from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW) and the Wales Audit Office. This work is ongoing.

Phil Tyrrell
ADSS Cymru National Conference planning In 2012, Practice Solutions was responsible for organising the National Social Services Conference on behalf of ADSS Cymru. The conference took place in Llandudno at Venue Cymru at the end of June. The theme for 2012 was Changing Lives in Changing Times and sought to realise the vision for adult and childrens services working in partnership with key agencies. It was anticipated that this work would help improve outcomes for individual users, their families, carers and communities. The event went very well and received overall positive feedback from delegates and exhibitors alike. Delegates reported that the workshops were particularly useful in enhancing their working practice and found the guest speaker, Tori James, who spoke of her challenges as the first woman to climb Everest, very inspirational. Furthermore, the conference also provided good networking and marketing opportunities. Whilst there is no doubt that spending cuts have had an impact on all budgets, the conference still attracted 28 exhibitors and 225 delegates, including policymakers, service commissioners and service providers involved in the delivery of social services and social care.

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5 | Business Review 2012

Associate Contributions

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
2012 saw the delivery of several key digital media projects from training individuals in more accessible technologies, such as the iPad, to using our equipment as tools for creative engagement. Our work continues to improve opportunities for those in receipt of services, especially in terms of raising awareness and empowering individuals.

Sarah Day, John Evans and Liz Edney Digital Media

Headlands School: Pupil, parents and professional perspectives Headlands School commissioned Practice Solutions to produce a digital video piece that captured the perspectives of pupils, carers and professionals highlighting how the work of the school had impacted on the young persons development. The video was presented at a national conference and is now regularly used in staff training. Following the success of this project, in 2013 Practice Solutions will produce a video piece that focusses on the benefits of the Headlands Schools residential provision for the pupils, their families and the professionals who work alongside them. The Route to Recovery: Building a world class mental health service in Wales Practice Solutions was commissioned to produce an audiovisual presentation that was presented to workshop delegates at the ADSS Cymru National Conference in June 2012. The aim of the presentation was to ignite a debate that explored how mental health services could be improved within Wales. Mirus (formerly Opportunity Housing Trust): Exploring opportunities in supported living As part of a rebranding process, Mirus commissioned Practice Solutions to produce a series of short videos to inform service users and their families about various aspects of the supported living service. The videos will form part of the organisations new website that will be launched in the early part of this year. It is anticipated that this work will continue throughout 2013 as Mirus seeks to develop the amount of accessible information available to their stakeholders. Innovate Trust: iPad training Following on from the success of using flip cameras as a tool for person-centred planning, Innovate Trust commissioned Practice Solutions to provide them with some support in using iPads as an alternative digital media tool for engagement. Sarah Day was commissioned to work with the person-centred planning team to explore the benefits of using the iPad to record and edit digital video. It is anticipated that using the iPad and relevant applications will enhance the service users ability to actively engage in the production of their own videos. Disability Wales: Story at 40 Practice Solutions was commissioned by Disability Wales to produce the digital video project Story at 40. Story at 40 was an oral history project that aimed to capture the lives and times of disabled people in Wales from the 1970s to present day. It provided an opportunity for disabled people to record their own memories and experiences to inform present and future generations. As part of the project, disabled volunteers were recruited to form a production team and were given training on the history of disabled people and oral history as well as in interviewing, filming and editing. As a result Story at 40 is not only about disabled people but is also produced by disabled people and demonstrates their talents, achievements and contribution to society. The Story at 40 project is available to view publicly on the Disability Wales YouTube channel. This project has now been nominated for a National Lottery Award, which will be announced in June 2013. Cymorth Cymru: Annual Report 2012 Practice Solutions was commissioned for the second year running to produce an audiovisual annual report for Cymorth Cymru. This year the presentation was used as an alternative to a paper report, thus helping to reduce costs for the organisation as well as promote their commitment to supporting eco-friendly alternatives. Your Future, Your Choices: Advice for starting mainstream college The fundamental aim of this project was to produce a series of digital media presentations that would be helpful to young people, and parents or carers, who were preparing for transition from mainstream school to college. The presentations mainly consisted of the personal insights from young people, parents and carers, who had already experienced the transition process and could give an insight into what could be expected throughout the process.

From the initial contact with Sarah we were made to feel like the customer and all our needs were taken care of. The training we received at Practice Solutions was professional and practical. When we have contacted Practice Solutions for advice our questions are always welcome and dealt with professionally and efficiently. Feedback on our digital media work with Innovate Trust

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6 | Business Review 2012

Digital Communication

Beth Miles Graphic Design

During 2012 it was great to see a big increase in the amount of design work we were engaged in for our clients. In particular, Beths work with the WLGA on the Implementation Plan and with SSIA on producing a toolkit to promote the Effective Outcomes within Adult Safeguarding. Designing a tool that is fit for purpose, is a key part of ensuring the success of any process. Practice Solution Information Hub The beginning of the year saw the development of an online information hub which hosts a collection of video and associated material that can be used by individuals or groups of people looking to enhance their knowledge and personal development. This hub is an exciting alternative learning tool that is not only cost-effective but easy to access. ADSS Cymru National Social Services Conference For the second year running, we were commissioned to design the brochure, marketing literature and promotional material for the ADSS Cymru National Social Services conference. This was a great challenge, with very tight deadlines, but we were able to help ADSS Cymru deliver clear communication that unified the event and enhanced the overall delegate experience. The importance of knowing how to communicate a message is just as important, if not more so, as knowing what to communicate. As a professional Graphic Designer, Beth was also able to use her skills to assist the following clients: > @  rchitecture Updating the company logo and applying it to corporate stationery > B  laenau Gwent County Borough Council Formatting the document and cover design of the Overview and Executive Summary of the analysis of demand and cost pressures in Adult Social Services in Blaenau Gwent > V  ale of Glamorgan Council Design and production of Executive Summary

Marjy Delwarde Editorial Services

Marjy started working for Practice Solutions in October and during that short time, her contribution to the company has mainly been focussed on administration and marketing. However, her background in journalism and publishing means that we are now able to offer a new copywriting/copy-editing service to our clients. Her work has involved contributing to the action plan for the company, specifically looking into developing a marketing strategy to expand our client base and putting the business forward for relevant award schemes. She has also worked on raising the profile of Practice Solutions by increasing its social media activities (Twitter, LinkedIn, the companys blog, etc.). Additionally, Marjy also provides administrative support to ADSS Cymru. She recently supported the association organise its Spring Seminar, which focussed on the new Welsh Government Implementation Plan and the draft Social Services and WellBeing (Wales) Bill. She has also managed the production of a new quarterly newsletter to keep members informed about the organisations achievements, results, challenges and celebrations. The first issue was distributed to over 400 recipients and proved to be very popular, so much so that the number of subscribers has constantly grown.

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7 | Business Review 2012

Associate Contributions

TRAINING
Our training delivery has remained constant throughout 2012 and we continue to receive consistently high levels of satisfaction. Furthermore, in response to customer needs, we are currently exploring new methods of delivery that ensures our learners receive the most effective training at a reasonable cost.

During 2012, our training mainly focussed on the following areas: Outcomes Based Care Planning Risk Assessment: Independence and Choice A Person-Centred Approach to working with people who have Dementia Mental Capacity Act Legislation Update Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policies and Procedures Risk Assessment in a Care Setting Deprivation of Liberty Mental Health in Later Life Good Practice in Recording Positive Risk Management Conflict Management

Robert Corteen
Throughout the year Rob has been concerned with the design and delivery of training and has been helping Practice Solutions to think through some new and creative approaches to the provision of training capable of empowering those who work at the sharp end of health and social care practice. He continues to provide training on Risk Assessment, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty and Conflict Management. Areas of special interest to Rob include mental health, addictive behaviours, risk assessment and management in both mental health and social care, as well as supervision and appraisal just to mention a few. Robs current project is working with colleagues to develop brief learning/training interventions through the medium of Skype in response to the demands of an ever-pressurised and time short workforce. This workshop was very interesting and we had plenty of chances to participate and share experiences. There was also a lot of practical information which I found very helpful and will benefit me in my everyday practice. Feedback from Risk Assessment in a Care Setting, Torfaen The trainers subject knowledge was great and clear examples given that were relevant to all in the room. The interaction between the groups worked really well which made it a nice learning process. Feedback from MCA and DoLS, Rhondda Cynon Taf

John Lewindon
Practice Solutions continue to provide training on a PersonCentred Approach to working with people who have Dementia for local authorities in South Wales. We regularly meet staff from a variety of working backgrounds, from residential, day-care, home care and support workers. Last year a number of social workers/ care managers also attended the course in order to update their understanding of a person centred approach as they consider their assessment and care planning. Commissioners also attended the training in order to look at how they could integrate the approach into their contract monitoring. Thank you for giving me an insight into a very difficult subject, and for giving an understanding of dementia and what it could mean to that person to still be treated like a human being. Feedback from Torfaen Whilst the response to the training was encouraging, attendees still query the managements understanding of how the training can fit in with the way that they are required to work. There is a need for a re-evaluation of the supervision culture in most organisations to encourage reflection and review of training into practice on an ongoing basis. Despite much funding of training for social care workers in Dementia Awareness there is still a real gap between what is taught and what happens in every day practice.

Before taking this course I had little knowledge of dementia and Alzheimers. I strongly enjoyed the course and found it very beneficial to myself as a carer. The activities learnt and carried out were thoroughly enjoyed. Feedback from Cymorth Cymru

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8 | Business Review 2012

Get in touch

FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF

DIARY MARKER

SHARE EVENT
Would you like the opportunity to access our knowledge? Then come to our event on Monday July 8th, 2013
We will present three case studies that will demonstrate the positive impact our work has had on the social care sector. If you have an interest in our work and would like to learn more about what we do, you may wish to come along to our office in Abercynon. This event will also provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any issues you may have with our team of specialist associates. Our associates are nationally renowned practitioners within the context of social care. Collectively they have a wealth of experience in the following areas: Social care consultancy and interim management Professional development and training Digital media production and engagement Get professional advice in a relaxed and welcoming environment

See it for yourself

A number of the projects we have worked on are in the public domain. Click on the links below to view some of our finished projects that we are able to share. The WLGA Implementation Plan Design and development of the initial plan WLGA Implementation Plan Disability Wales Story at 40 Design, facilitation and production of the video projects Story at 40 Cymorth Cymru Annual Report Design and production of the audiovisual presentation Cymorth Cymru Annual Report Merthyr Tydfil CBC Corporate Plan 2012-2013 Development and production of the plan Merthyr Tydfils Corporate Plan

There will be a morning and afternoon session. To confirm your attendance, please contact Beth Miles, Communications Officer, from the details below.

Get in touch
Our clients tell us that doing business with Practice Solutions is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If you would like further information on any of our projects, please do not hesitate to get in touch: Phone: 01443 742384 Email: beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk Web: www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk

www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk

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