Title: Report into Adults with Disabilities Provisions Topic Group

The report was presented by Cllr Gillian Ford, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health

This report contains the findings and recommendations that have emerged after the Topic Group scrutinised the topic selected by the Committee in December 2022.  

Cabinet:

1.    Noted the report and recommendation of the adults with disabilities provisions Topic Group (attached):

2.  Cabinet agreed in principle that, subject to sufficient funding being available, Havering to employ a specialist Supported Employment Adviser for adults with disabilities to work alongside day provision and support transition to internships and paid employment. If agreed, authorisation to create this post will be delegated to the Strategic Lead – People. The job role to include:

a)    Improving employability opportunities and the delivery of such routes ensuring accessibility for all with the Council engaging with adults with disabilities by supporting and signposting these opportunities, and creating relationships with local businesses to employ adults with disabilities.

b)    Creating an action plan/recommendations aligned to actions in the All Age Autism Strategy

c)    Developing schemes with local businesses to help provide employment opportunities for adults with disabilities over the age of 25

d)    Encouraging employers to complete the Oliver McGowan mandatory training in line with national legislation passed July 2022

e)    Expanding Council operated services for jobs i.e. Avelon Day Centre, explore options around social enterprise schemes

3.  Agreed that a review be undertaken of Havering’s local offer (covering ages 16-25) and amended, following the statutory requirements, to ensure that it is a comprehensive and detailed with signposting to identify current apprenticeships available for young adults with disabilities.

4.  Agreed that the Council should create “Quality Standards” for providers within Havering, including frequency of monitoring and inspection and then monitor and inspect providers for compliance with them, following benchmarking against other North East London boroughs. These Quality Standards should address the quality of provisions and their individual, tailored offer to service users. Agrees that the Council should provide, if resources permit, a specialised meaningful set of activity programs for 25+ residents with disabilities - with person-specific requirements to help improve the quality of the services provided for this group.