Written question WQ86630

Working collaboratively with our stakeholders across the sector will be key to the success of ensuring we eliminate profit from the care of looked after children. We will do everything we can to avoid destabilising placements and are working closely with the sector, to carefully transform how we best care for children in Wales.

To support our Programme for Government commitment, a multiagency Programme Board, with a robust governance framework, has been established, chaired by the Chief Social Care Officer for Wales, Albert Heaney. This Board comprises representatives from the relevant sectors and interests to work collectively and lead the development of policy, and any legislative proposals which implement the commitment.

There is thorough representation on the board from the sector which, includes public, third sector providers and private sector providers alongside service commissioners, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Care Inspectorate Wales, trade unions and Voices from Care.

To support our engagement, three expression of interest workshops were held during the summer with businesses across the sector. These enabled Welsh Government officials to listens to the views, concerns, and ideas of our stakeholders. These were constructive and provided invaluable information. Welsh Government will offer the opportunity for further workshops as we progress the work.

The consultation on proposed changes to primary legislation to support eliminating profit from the care of children looked after has recently closed and officials are in the process of reviewing the consultation responses with the aim of publishing a summary of these responses in the new year. This was an opportunity for businesses alongside professionals and the public to have their views heard on the proposed changes. We value these responses and they will be integral in shaping how we develop policy further.

To help alleviate market anxiety amongst private providers, officials and Programme Board members have jointly developed a clear Communication Plan which will be reviewed in light of the consultation responses. The Plan sets out the programme’s scope and intentions to help the sector plan, prepare and make the necessary adjustments. The Plan also takes into consideration the necessary engagement that needs to be undertaken with stakeholders, including children and young people.

Work is about to start on the next phase of engagement with our stakeholders. Three workstreams have been established which consist of local authority representatives, third sector providers and private providers to support the Board. These workstreams will provide a further opportunity for us to listen to and encapsulate the views and ideas of our stakeholders, as we take this work forward.

Stakeholder engagement is key to us delivering this commitment successfully and my officials will continue to liaise with the public, not for profit and private sector as we progress this work.