This report presents an update on progress made in reviewing and re-aligning advocacy services to meet citizens’ needs within the changing economic and social landscape.

Councillor Colin Stears introduced a report which updated The Executive on progress made in reviewing and re-aligning advocacy services within adult social services to meet citizens’ needs within the changing economic and social landscape.  It also contained a model for the strategic commissioning and development of advocacy services aligned to the statutory functions of Adult Social Services and the delivery of the personalisation agenda.

There was a need to move towards a more inclusive, citizen-centric model of service delivery. The emphasis of the Council’s role as strategic commissioner, working with and through statutory partners and the third sector, had shifted to that of enabler and facilitator of the development of community based support, building social capital and creating a more empowered and actively engaged local community.  At the same time, the Council was required to deliver its statutory responsibilities to its most vulnerable citizens through Fair Access to Care Services.  This was consistent with the principles underpinning Smarter Services Sutton. 

The report set out progress to date in providing advocacy services using a range of service providers, as well as its future commissioning intentions.

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Resolved:  (i) To note the contents of the report and progress made to date in reviewing and realigning advocacy services to meet changing needs;

(ii)  To note the new model for developing and commissioning advocacy services;

(iii)  To note the current and planned levels of investment across the spectrum of advocacy services, including the new funding streams available through the Innovation Grant and Prevention Prospectus

(iv) To agree the commissioning intentions set out in the report

(v)  To authorise the Strategic Director Adult Social Services and Housing, in agreement with the Executive Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to enter into a contract with the successful provider.

Councillor Kirsty Jerome declared a personal interest in this item as she was a citizen advocate with the charity Advocacy Partners Speaking Up.