Decision details

The Support with Confidence scheme was a directory of accredited providers (personal assistants and businesses) offering care and support services in East Sussex.

A public consultation on the future of the Support with Confidence scheme, and how might the offer support in a different way, ran from 27 September to 5 December 2023.

In October 2023 the licence holders informed that they were withdrawing the brand, so the scheme closed on 31 December 2023.

This decision relates to the future support offer to personal assistants and personal assistant businesses and the residents wanting to use their services.

46.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health regarding the Support with Confidence (SWC) consultation findings and future offer.

DECISIONS

46.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Note the key responses/themes from the public consultation on the proposal to close the SWC scheme as listed at paragraph 2.5 of the report;

2) Note the key impacts and action plan in the equality impact assessment set out at Appendix 3 of the report;

3) Approve the proposals for supporting personal assistants, businesses and residents following the SWC scheme closure set out at Appendix 4 of the report; and

4) Delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care and Health to take any and all necessary actions to give effect to the implementation of the proposed new ways of working.

REASONS

46.3     The East Sussex SWC scheme was much valued by personal assistants (PAs), businesses, staff, residents and communities. It helped PAs and businesses promote their services and gave adults who need care and support, and their families and carers, assurance and confidence when choosing services.

46.4     The option to continue running the SWC scheme is no longer available as the brand has been withdrawn. The current information relating to employment status and registration, and the legal risks associated with this, means that the Council will not be developing a replacement accreditation scheme. The Council will however continue to support residents to make informed choices about their care and support arrangements and to support PAs and businesses to develop their skills and promote their services in a different way.

46.5     Adult Social Care and Health will work with PAs, businesses and adults with care and support needs to develop information and guidance to support a new way of working and will continue to communicate with those affected by the change during the transition and beyond.