Integration Programme Board: Children’s Social Work and Justice Services

In September 2023, Falkirk Council considered a report on recommended changes to its management and service structure. As part of this, changes were made to the structure and management within Sport and Leisure; Place Services; Education; Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services; and the back-office functions of Children’s Services.

The report noted further opportunities may be available within Children’s Services due to the existing close relationship with Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership’s services, and the upcoming implementation of the National Care Service.

Over this year, Falkirk’s Integration Scheme, the agreement between Falkirk Council and NHS Forth Valley which establishes which services fall under the Partnership’s remit, is being reviewed. This presents a timely opportunity to consider and, subject to agreement, implement the transition of services to the Partnership.

Integration is the most significant change to health and social care services in Scotland since the creation of the NHS in 1948. It ensures health and social care services and support options are joined-up and seamless, especially for people with longer-term or complex needs.

The Scottish Government’s programme of integration is underpinned by the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014, which requires local authorities and health boards to work together by law. This legislation resulted in the creation of 31 health and social care partnerships across Scotland – including Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership.

The Partnership’s Integration Joint Board has responsibility for the planning, resourcing, and operational oversight of a wide range of community health and social care services provided by Falkirk Council, NHS Forth Valley, and local third and independent sector organisations. These services include care homes, home care, GPs, learning disability services, carers support, dementia services, and alcohol and drug support. The Public Bodies Act also permits Local Authorities and Health Boards to integrate other services, such as children’s services, homelessness and criminal justice, if they wish to do so.

The Integration Joint Board and Health and Social Care Partnership do not employ staff directly – colleagues remain employed by the organisation delivering the service, while working more closely together with colleagues across the Partnership’s services.

The Programme Board is chaired by the Partnership’s Chief Officer and co-chaired by the Head of Children and Justice Social Work Services. The Board reports to Falkirk Council and NHS Forth Valley Chief Executives. The Programme Board is supported by the following subgroups:

• Governance
• Workforce
• Finance
• Communications and Engagement

The Programme Board will now begin engagement activity with staff, stakeholder organisations, and trade union colleagues to identify the opportunities and challenges facing the delivery of local social work services. The insight gathered will help inform any recommendations produced by the Board.