The Adult Care and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Panel reviewed the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024/25, discussed the role of assistive technology in care planning, and examined performance and budget monitoring for 2025/26. Key concerns raised included the increasing complexity of adult care needs, the financial pressures on the council, and the need for greater clarity on definitions and data within safeguarding reports.

Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024/25

The panel received an update on the work of the Worcestershire Safeguarding Adults Board (WSAB) from its Independent Chair, Keith Brown, and Board Manager, Bridget Brickley. The annual report highlighted an increase in safeguarding concerns reported year-on-year, which was seen as a positive reflection of increased awareness within the community and among professionals. However, concerns were raised about underreporting, particularly within ethnic minority groups and hard to reach communities, where abuse may occur behind closed doors. The report detailed the board's objectives, including the implementation of a learning framework for Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs) and the development of the Complex Adult Risk Management (CARM) framework. Discussions also touched upon the types of abuse, with neglect and acts of omission being the most prevalent, and the challenges in understanding self-neglect, particularly in relation to mental capacity. The panel requested clearer definitions for different types of abuse in future reports. The funding of the WSAB, historically provided by Worcestershire County Council, the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), and West Mercia Police, was noted as a potential future concern due to financial pressures on the ICB.

The Role of Assistive Technology in Care Planning

Steve Medley, Lead Commissioner for assistive technology (AT) at Worcestershire County Council, presented on the growing use and benefits of AT in care planning. The report detailed how AT helps individuals maintain independence, supports carers, monitors health conditions, and reduces the risk of falls. The council has seen a significant increase in the number of people receiving AT-funded support, with over 1,200 individuals benefiting by April 2025. Examples were provided of how AT, including acoustic monitoring and digital care alarms, has improved safety and independence for individuals in care homes and their own homes. The panel discussed concerns about potential loneliness and the loss of human interaction with increased reliance on technology, particularly in relation to AI-powered solutions. Ethical considerations and data privacy were highlighted as crucial aspects of implementing AI, with a commitment to ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, human care. The report also touched upon the analogue to digital switchover and the council's proactive approach to ensuring AT devices are compliant.

Performance and 2025/26 In-Year Budget Monitoring

The panel reviewed the performance and financial position of Adult Care and Well-Being services for Quarter 2 of 2025/26. The council is facing significant financial challenges, with projected overspends in both Adult Social Care and Children's Social Care, necessitating the use of reserves and exceptional financial support. The report indicated an £8.3 million overspend in Adult Services, primarily driven by increased placement costs and a rise in the number of clients, particularly within learning disability and mental health services. Key performance indicators showed mixed results: admissions to permanent care for those aged 18-64 were above target, while admissions for those aged 65+ remained within target, though with an upward trend. The outcomes of short-term reablement services met their target, demonstrating positive impacts from recent investments. However, the completion of annual care package reviews remained a significant challenge, with performance below the 95% target due to workforce pressures and high demand. The panel discussed the difficulty in achieving the review target and the potential for alternative models, such as trusted assessor and self-review models. The report also highlighted national pressures on high needs funding, with Worcestershire forecasting a significant deficit. The financial outlook for the coming year was described as challenging, with little expectation of improvement due to market pressures and increasing demand. The panel also discussed the impact of changes to Continuing Health Care (CHC) funding and the potential for increased disputes with the ICB.

Work Programme

The panel discussed its work programme for the upcoming year. Items for future scrutiny include budget scrutiny for 2026/27, the delivery of the adult safeguarding model, and an update on the CQC report. The panel also expressed interest in reviewing the Local Account of Adult Social Care, the adult neurodiversity team, and shared lives and supported living initiatives. Concerns were raised about the accessibility of domiciliary care contracts and the need for greater transparency regarding service level agreements (SLAs) and red flags associated with care providers.