News: Lancashire Social Services Has Launched A Unique Quality Provider Scheme

Tuesday, 23rd November 2004
(PR 1880)

Lancashire Social Services has launched a unique quality provider scheme to help raise the standards of care services for the 2,500 adults with learning disabilities in Lancashire, and their carers, especially those provided by the private sector.

The new Learning Disability Preferred Provider Scheme is believed to be the first of its kind which specifically links the requirements of the Government's new modernisation strategy for learning disabilities, Valuing People, with the way service providers are commissioned locally.

The aim of the Preferred Provider Scheme is to:

Promote quality and continuous improvement of services

Manage the market effectively in order to map local needs and supply of services

Work with Providers to determine what services are needed when, where and at what level

Reward quality of service provision by formal recognition

Guarantee levels of work to Preferred Providers through fair and open procurement processes

The scheme has been developed in consultation with services users and their families and existing learning disability providers through district Partnership Boards. These local consultation boards have been set up across the county to help implement Valuing People.

It is intended that the scheme will be offered to all existing Providers of learning disability services, to include residential, domiciliary and day service providers. Providers will be required to submit progress reports quarterly throughout this period to evidence progress and achievements of the set targets.

The scheme was officially launched this week by Mr Allan Ricketts from the north-west regional office of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), the new independent inspectorate for all social care services in England.

Allan Ricketts, business relationship manager at CSCI, said:

"The launch of the preferred provider scheme is further progress in the development of commissioning in Lancashire. The preparatory work that has been done to reach the stage when the scheme can be launched reflects well on the council and its partners and demonstrates significant progress in the Council's relationship with providers. All parties see this process as a means to improve the quality of services for people with a learning disability."

David Custance, head of learning disabilities at Lancashire County Council Social Services, added:

"Social Services in partnership with Integrated Commissioning Boards and local Partnership Boards have a strong commitment to working with provider organisations in developing high quality services. Preferred Providers will be expected to aspire to specific performance targets and standards. This new scheme ensures that Valuing People objectives are fully integrated into the way in which support services are developed, planned and delivered for those with learning disabilities."

Notes to editors:

Published by the Government in March 2001, 'Valuing People', focuses on the need for improving services and creating opportunities for people to get work, own or rent their own home, and have a choice on who provides their care and support, whilst making sure that families get the support they need.

For further media enquiries contact:

Andrew Lynn, Social Services communications officer, on 01772 534372

or email andrew.lynn@ssd.lancscc.gov.uk