The merger of Caerphilly’s Social Services department with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council is progressing well, according to Caerphilly County Borough Council.
This week saw the official integration of the first team of staff from both councils – the Workforce Development Team and the launch of a website outlining the three-year merger programme.
Albert Heaney, Corporate Director for Social Services at Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Achieving these significant milestones is a real step forward in our ambitious plans for an integrated social services directorate across the two county boroughs.
“The implementation of a joint Workforce Development Team will help ensure that, through providing the social care workforce with greater training and development opportunities, we will be in a strong position to continue to deliver and commission a range of services that our communities need and want across both Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent.
“The launch of the brand new website is also a major step forward, and will provide an additional communications vehicle for us to speak to residents in both areas, and keep them fully up to date with developments to the programme.”
Liz Majer, Director for Social Services at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said: “This marks an exciting stage in the programme – the first of its kind in Wales – to make sure communities in both county boroughs continue to benefit from strong social services that continue to meet their needs.
“By bringing the Workforce Development Team together now we are maximising the skills and expertise available across the whole social care sector which will – most importantly – enhance the services we provide to local people.”
The merger programme will be carried out in phases over a three-year period:
- Phase 1 (2011/12) – Integration of business support functions (such as the Workforce Development Team)
- Phase 2 (2012/13) – Integration of Adult and Children’s Services
- Phase 3 (2013/14) – Fully integrated services, managed by a single management team
For further information on the merger visit socialservicesblaenau-gwent.caerphilly.gov.uk