NAFWC01/07 - Social Services Performance Management Development Fund Special Grant 2007–2008

Introduction

This Circular draws the attention of local authorities to the Special Grant Report (Wales) 2007 agreed by the Assembly on 14th February 2007. It sets out the
Application Arrangements and the Conditions of Payment.

Policy Intentions

The Special Grant is intended to support the implementation of the National Assembly’s Performance Management Strategy for social services authorities in Wales. This seeks to achieve continuous improvements in the delivery of their services that are managed, monitored and measured according to modern principles of performance management. In 2004 the principal elements of the programme to achieve this were set out in ‘Informing Social Care’. As a ‘Programme and Action Plan for the Development of Social Care Information Systems in Wales’ it focuses on the contribution that information systems make towards the improvement of performance in social services authorities and their partner agencies and organisations.

It establishes the e-government agenda for social work and social care in Wales to ensure that service users, carers, and social care professionals alike have the necessary information upon which to make both informed choices and informed decisions. It also reflects the view that the new generation of information systems for social care must recognise the closer working relationships that are now an integral part of effective working arrangements particularly where health and education services are concerned. The programme is committed to:

• Promoting a co-ordinated approach to ICT issues and particularly the strategic information systems for services to children and services to adults;
• Developing performance management information and skills in social services authorities;
• Supporting the introduction of consistent and comprehensive information governance arrangements across the social care services in Wales; and,
• Providing a regular Forum for social services authorities and partner organisations to consider the ways in which information can enhance service
  performance.

The Special Grant Report is set out in Appendix A and includes the amounts payable to authorities, the Forward Plan and the criteria that apply to the Main Grant, the Consortium and Collaboration Grant and the Additional Component.