Written Statement - National Social Services Partnership Forum for Wales and Social Services Strategic Leadership Group

I am writing to let you know that I will today be publishing the remit for the National Social Services Partnership Forum for Wales and the Social Services Strategic Leadership Group.

On 17 February, I launched the Assembly Government’s Paper on the future of social services in Wales – Sustainable Social Services for Wales: A Framework for Action.  It focuses on a small number of big changes, including the Assembly Government taking greater responsibility for driving the direction of services and working with stakeholders to develop a clear set of national outcomes. 

The Paper states that a Ministerially led National Social Services Partnership Forum will be established made up of the political leadership of the key national stakeholders and carers and service user representation.  This will be supported by a Social Services Strategic Leadership Group chaired by the Director of Social Services.

The remit that I am publishing gives us the platform for dialogue and discussion and will provide leadership to drive change.  The next step will be to consider the detail of the terms of reference, membership and how appointments will be made.