Day services and vocational services consultation - proposals for future development
On the 2 May 2012, Dorset County Council Cabinet agreed that there should be a second consultation to consider the proposals submitted by day and vocational services.
These proposals have been developed following Cabinet's agreement in December 2011 to pursue the Partnership Option. The Partnership Option seeks to develop day services in response to the needs of the communities they serve. This will be made possible by greater community involvement and better use of the facilities by all sectors of the community. This option required managers to identify cost savings, but with minimal impact to service users, carers and staff. Cost saving proposals have been introduced by the services involved.
Day services are used by older people and people with a physical disability and/or a learning disability. Vocational services provide training and work opportunities for adults with a range of disabilities.
Community involvement
It is hoped that the biggest legacy of the Partnership Option will be the commitment to work closely with the local community. This process has already begun and services have hosted a number of open days. These events have been available to all and attendees have included carers groups, local businesses and transport providers, as well as representatives of Age UK, PoPP (Partnership of Older Peoples Projects) and various other voluntary and community groups.
The proposal is that this approach should continue to develop and evolve. This will allow the service to better understand the needs of the communities they serve. It also offers all those involved a real voice in how the service grows.
Income generation proposals and future developments
The day services proposed a number of opportunities for developing their service and generating income. A summary of these proposals can be found in the
Cabinet report (pdf, 100kb) (opens in a new window) 
, Appendix 3.
Changes in practice
One of the benefits perceived in adopting the Partnership Option was the ability for services to act in a more 'business-like' way. To allow this to happen, the Council would have to rethink the way it manages some processes such as recruitment, budgeting and purchasing. A full list of proposals can be found in the
Cabinet report (pdf, 100kb) (opens in a new window) , Appendix 4.
Consultation timetable
The consultation runs from 15 May to 31 July 2012.
Service user and carer consultation events are being held for all services. 9 evening community meetings will also be hosted across the county.
schedule of consultation meetings. (pdf, 45kb) (opens in a new window)
If you are unable to attend a meeting, you can have your say by completing and returning a
feedback form (word, 97kb) (opens in a new window) , or by telephoning, emailing or writing to the day services development officer..
If you require further information about the consultation please contact either Philippa Scott, commissioning manager or Diana Balsom, service development officer.
- Cost saving proposals
The council needs to make savings of £600,000 on day services over the next three years. Funding shortfalls in vocational services, caused by changes in national provision for work programmes, also have to be met. We wish to ensure that day services and vocational services continue to develop and meet people's needs in the future.
