The Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability Committee met on Monday 29 June 2026, discussing a wide range of services including People Services, SEND provision, corporate parenting, and adult social care. Key outcomes included noting the positive findings of a Local Area SEND inspection, receiving an update on the Corporate Parenting Board's achievements, and reviewing the Adult Social Care improvement journey.

Introduction to People Services

The committee received an introduction to the People Services directorate, which was formed in 2024 by combining Adult Social Care and Children's Services. Jacqui McShannon, Executive Director for People Services, explained that this integration aimed to create a more holistic approach across the life course, fostering synergies and learning opportunities. The directorate encompasses Children's Services (including education, schools, SEND, family centres, and children's social care), Adult Social Care (covering older people, physical support, and specialist services), and Commissioning, Transformation and Health Partnerships. Public Health is integrated across all these areas, informing transformation agendas and promoting a broad understanding of public health that includes housing, environment, nutrition, transport, education, and employment.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan, Opposition Deputy Whip and Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Children and Education, inquired about the identification of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each service and the potential for a People Services dashboard to be presented quarterly. Jacqui McShannon explained that there were hundreds of indicators, with varying monitoring frequencies, and that a quarterly dashboard would be labour-intensive. However, she assured that relevant performance data would continue to be included in reports. Dr Mayada Abu Affan, Director of Public Health, added that public health data, including smoking cessation and obesity rates, was available online through the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

A question was raised by a member of the public regarding funding for substance misuse and rehabilitation for 11-17 year olds. Dr Abu Affan confirmed that the Public Health Grant for 2026/27 included a ring-fenced budget of £6 million for substance misuse and smoking cessation, with clear KPIs and performance surveillance. This funding would support initiatives such as employing smoking cessation prevention officers in schools.

Local Area SEND Inspection Update

The committee received a highly positive update on the Local Area SEND inspection, which was a joint inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Jacqui McShannon reported that the partnership had achieved the highest possible rating, with inspectors finding that children and young people with SEND typically receive very positive experiences and outcomes. The report highlighted the strong collaboration across education, health, and care services, and the commitment to placing children and young people's needs at the heart of their work.

Councillor Anna Magryta-Urban congratulated the team and asked if the rising number of children diagnosed with autism, a national trend, was also occurring in Hammersmith and Fulham. Joe Gunning, Head of Programmes for People Services, confirmed that while the prevalence of autism and speech, language, and communication needs was high, reflecting national trends, Hammersmith and Fulham had invested in early intervention and identification. He noted that many children received support within mainstream settings without needing a formal diagnosis.

Councillor Roseanne Meacher, Deputy Cabinet Member for Upstream London, inquired about the SEND Reform Plan mentioned in the report. Joe Gunning explained that the plan, which incorporated recommendations from the inspection, had been submitted to the Department for Education and was expected to be published in the autumn.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan asked about current waiting times for autism and ADHD assessments and when a progress report on the SEND improvement action plan would be provided. Joe Gunning stated that the latest waiting time figures would be provided in writing and that waiting times had reduced due to investment and improvement work. He added that updates on the SEND Reform Plan would be brought back to scrutiny once implementation was underway.

Corporate Parenting Board Key Achievements

Sarah Sanderson, Operational Director for Children and Young People's Services, presented an overview of the Corporate Parenting Board's key achievements for 2025-2026. She reported that there were 189 children in care, including 31 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, with 70% placed in foster care and 10% in children's homes. Additionally, 240 care-experienced young people were receiving pathway planning and support.

The committee noted that the Board's three key priority areas – being safe, happy, and healthy; settled and belonging; and thriving as adults – had been co-produced with young people. A new pledge, We will respect who you are and who you want to be, was being introduced, reflecting the importance of identity.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan questioned whether the significant activity undertaken was matched by measurable outcomes, such as employment stability for care leavers. Sarah Sanderson acknowledged the importance of scrutiny and performance indicators, noting that while many indicators were monitored, the focus would be on those showing fluctuations or challenges. She highlighted employment outcomes as crucial and mentioned ongoing work on the Kinship Strategy and foster carer recruitment.

Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader and responsible for children, adults, health and education, emphasised that corporate parenting was a significant responsibility for all councillors. She stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving all departments, including housing and health, to ensure young people received the best possible support.

A member of the public raised concerns about inconsistent adoption statistics for Black and mixed-heritage children. Sarah Sanderson explained this was a national issue and that the council was part of the regional adoption agency, Adopt London West. Councillor Sanderson added that while the number of adoptions was small, families received comprehensive ongoing support.

Adult Social Care Improvement Journey

Jacqui McShannon presented an overview of the Adult Social Care Self-Evaluation, highlighting the progress made since the integration of services into the People's Directorate. She noted that internal and external reviews had identified areas for improvement, and a transformation programme was underway, focusing on upskilling the workforce, strengthening leadership, and improving integration with health and other partners. The Independent Living Strategy, co-produced with residents, aims to promote a preventative, strengths-based, and person-centred model of care.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan asked for more details about the reablement offer and its success. Jacqui McShannon explained that the service primarily supported older and disabled people discharged from hospital, helping them regain independence. She stated that the service was rated Outstanding by the CQC and focused on creative ways to support residents through significant life changes.

Councillor Aliya Afzal-Khan also inquired how the reablement offer informed the Independent Living Strategy and how its success would be measured. Joe Gunning explained that 60 engagement sessions had informed the strategy, which aimed to provide a flexible menu of options for residents, offering greater choice and control. The next step would involve developing a co-produced outcomes framework to measure success based on what matters to residents.

Families, Health and Care PAC Work Programme 2026/27

Councillor Alex Sanderson suggested that the list of statutory papers be shared with the committee in advance of the next meeting to help shape the work programme. Councillor Roseanne Meacher requested an update on the Adult Social Care Improvement Programme at a future meeting, which Jacqui McShannon agreed to.

The committee noted the dates of future meetings, with the next scheduled for 2 November 2026.