Decision details

8.1

The Workforce Development Manager introduced the report which provided an update to the committee on the Adults Care and Wellbeing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Delivery Plan 2023/241 (EDI Delivery Plan) which was approved by the Health and Social Care Policy Committee in December 2023. It also provided an update on the recommendations by the SACMHA Speak Up Report 2021. The report forms part of the cycle of assurance for the EDI Delivery Plan and shows how as a portfolio we are committed to improving Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice (EDI) and delivering upon statutory duties. This update to the EDI Delivery Plan provides assurances regards Public Sector Equalities Duty (PSED).

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee:-

1.     Endorse progress made with the Adult Care and Wellbeing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Delivery Plan 2023/24.

2.     Notes support of SACHMA to develop community engagement and peer model to support implementation of culturally appropriate care within under-represented communities.

3.     Notes ongoing approach to engage with communities, with Care Sector Equalities Engagement Workshops to be organised in 2025 to involve and engage with Voluntary, Faith and Community Sector, Social Care Providers and Academia.

4.     Notes progress made to enable delivery of the Skills for Care Social Care Workforce Race Equality Standard (SC-WRES) in Sheffield.

5.     Requests that the Strategic Director of Adult Care and Wellbeing continues to provide the Committee with updates on progress against the Delivery Plan on a six-monthly basis, including updates made based on ongoing learning.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice are essential components of social care. Good equality and diversity practices make sure that the services provided to people are fair and accessible to everyone. They ensure that people are treated as equals, that people get the?dignity and respect?they deserve and that their differences are celebrated.

Our commitment is towards delivering on this ambition. We therefore must continue to listen, learn, and embed equality, equity and inclusion into everything that we do for our residents, visitors, and workforce.

The Adults Care and Wellbeing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice (EDI) plan was established to provide a framework for delivering on our ambitions and contributing to the Councils Strategic Plan. This report provides an update on our progress against the plan.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

Alternative Option 1:

Do nothing: Adults Care Social Care has duties set out in the Care Act and Mental Health Acts which in particular, require a focus on ensuring equity of experience and services. These forthcoming Care Quality Commission Assurance will specifically look at Adult Social Care approach to Equity of Experience and due to this a delivery plan is required to mitigate and proactively respond to known risks.

8.4.2

Alternative Option 2:

Consider alternative delivery plan – The Council could review different Delivery Plan options for EDISJ. The current Delivery Plan has been developed following staff engagement sessions and learning from SACMHA speak up reports