Adult Services
Life opportunities for all - this is our vision for Adult Social Care. We aim to support the development of thriving communities in which adults have real life opportunities and the freedom to contribute and make their own choices. To make this a reality, we're committed to;
- delivering the best possible outcomes for Hampshire residents and the most vulnerable members of the community,
- learning from communities and ensuring equality of access to services,
- providing strong and effective leadership for staff,
- being accountable to the community through our elected members,
- working in partnership with internal and external partners, and
- reviewing our performance to ensure openness and transparency.
To be truly effective, this approach needs to be underpinned by ongoing modernisation and a solid framework for departmental service planning and resource management. This is exactly what we have.
The Hampshire Model
In 2008 Cllr. Ken Thornber, the Leader of Hampshire County Council, set up a commission of inquiry to help shape future services for people in need of support and care. The commission, which drew together key thinkers in Social Care, sought to understand what personalisation meant for individuals. We also looked at the impact of implementation on everyone involved.
Ideas, comments and experiences relating to the personalisation of adult social care were gathered together and studied. Recommendations were made and responses were planned to the challenges we faced. Then, after much thought and planning, the Hampshire Model was created.
The Model outlined a wide range of steps that could be taken to implement best practice, ensure stronger joint working and realise efficiencies across the department. There were many improvements outlined by the Model - too many to go into here - but the general aims could be grouped into four key themes;
- An even better service
- A more cost-effective and performance-focused organisation
- Better prevention and early intervention
- More support for people with long-term needs
Working in Adult Services
We received a very positive rating in our last assessment, and we're determined to build on our good work. We're already enjoying the benefits of our new, modern offices, which are allowing for far more effective networking and inter-team communication. We're also embracing flexible working and taking advantage of new technologies. And at the heart of our work is an ongoing commitment to development.
As well as a comprehensive short course programme, we offer support for post-qualification training, student placements, NVQ training, social work training and management development. By doing so, we aim to develop an integrated workforce with the skills needed to deliver exceptional services to the people of Hampshire.
Newly Qualified Social Worker Programme
To make sure our newly-qualified Social Workers get off to the best start possible, we provide support from day one. We reduce their caseloads by 10%, deliver fortnightly supervision and limit the complexity of casework. Importantly, we also have an action learning programme in place. And it's all supported by our Learning and Development Team.
Adult Services' teams
Our Adult Services Department is divided into four key directorates. Each is headed up by established leadership team and supported by a dedicated administrative function.
Older People and Physical Disabilities
This directorate provides services for long-term conditions, as well as re-enablement services.
Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
Working with partners across the county, this directorate provides integrated services that meet holistic needs in line with the modernisation agenda.
Commissioning and Partnerships
Managing and developing joint services with key partners, this directorate commissions new services and plans for the future needs of the community.
Performance and Business Management
Here is where our performance is measured and analysed - everything from service quality and audit to user involvement and engagement.