Children’s social work and justice services to join the Partnership

Falkirk Council’s Children and Families Social Work Services and Justice Social Work Services will formally become part of Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership from 1 April.

The confirmation comes after approval was received from NHS Forth Valley and Falkirk Council earlier this week and a final decision made today (31 January) by the Integration Joint Board today.

What does this mean?

In practice, this will bring the management of these services into the Partnership, creating opportunities for closer collaboration with other health and social care teams across the Falkirk area.

Pending approval of the new Integration Scheme by Scottish Ministers, from 1 April, the Partnership’s Integration Joint Board will be responsible for planning, resourcing, and overseeing these new services. This is currently fulfilled by members of Falkirk Council.

As the Partnership does not directly employ its own staff, there is no change to the employment status or terms and conditions of colleagues because of this integration.

A ‘lift and shift’ approach will be taken, meaning there will be minimal immediate changes to teams or line management. Over time, we will explore how integration can enhance frontline services and improve service delivery.

For the public, there won’t be any immediate impact upon their care or support. Instead, integration will work in the background to make the transition and collaboration between services smoother.

What’s next?

An Integration Programme Board was convened to consider the integration of these services into the Partnership, with a remit of gathering views and producing final recommendations.

This programme board will continue, and shortly begin communication and engagement activity with staff across services to welcome these new functions into the Partnership.

This will include regular updates and opportunities to learn about the integration and to raise understanding of the wide range of services under the Partnership’s remit.

More info

Thank you to all colleagues, partners, and members of the public who have engaged within the consultation process, providing valuable feedback.

Further information about this project and programme board can be found on the Participate+ website. The full report as presented to NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk Council, and the Integration Joint Board is available on the committee pages.

Please contact integration@falkirk.gov.uk for further queries or comments.