Home / HPCI Member update 8 September 2023
This update is mainly focused on the huge range of consultations that are currently in progress. While it can sometimes be difficult to see the direct impact, it is really important that parents and carers get to share their views and what matters to them, so do have a look at the list below and scroll down to find out more about the different ways that you can have your voice heard. There are also some events listed too that may be of interest.
We also wanted to let you know that we have been informed that Herts County Council and its health partners haven’t yet received the report that follows the Ofsted/CQC local area SEND inspection that took place in July. Once the final report is received it will be published on the Local Offer and a copy will also be sent to us at HPCI. We will share this with members as soon as we get it.
Consultations and surveys
These are listed in order of their closing date. Those in bold are specific to Hertfordshire.
Oliver McGowan draft code of practice (Closing 19 Sept)
A new legal requirement was brought in last year that says that CQC registered providers must ensure their staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role. This consultation considers the extent to which the draft code of practice provides enough guidance to meet this legal requirement. You can give your views here.
Disabled people in the housing sector (Closing 21 Sept)
A government Committee is looking at the delivery of suitable housing for disabled people and what the Government can do to support disabled tenants in the private rented sector in England. The Committee is seeking evidence on a number of points that may be relevant to parent carers who need access to accessible and adaptable housing in all sectors of housing. It is also looking at how the Disabled Facilities Grant supports housing adaptions, as well as how government can support disabled residents who do not live in new build homes. You can respond here.
Improving the experiences of people with ME/CFS (Closing 4 Oct)
The government is seeking views on an interim delivery plan to improve the experiences and outcomes of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. You can read the plan and give your views here.
Disability Action Plan (Closing 6 Oct)
The government is consulting on the action the government will take during 2023 and 2024 to improve the lives of disabled people. The Action Plan for 2023/24 can be found here and the consultation can be responded to here.
HCC Services for Young People’s (Survey closing 9 Oct)
HCC is currently looking at ways to redesign some of the services they offer to young people in Hertfordshire. They have asked that we share this survey with parents and carers, so you can share your views on future priorities. HPCI will also be putting in a response.
They have also asked that we share the separate surveys that are seeking views from children and young people:
Family Centres in Hertfordshire (Survey closing 10 Oct)
HCC is also currently asking for views on the future locations and service offer of the Family Support Service within Family Centres in Hertfordshire. The consultation should take about ten minutes to complete, and you can share your views here.
Supporting vulnerable claimants (Closing 13 Oct)
The Work and Pensions Committee is to examine how DWP supports vulnerable benefit claimants and whether its approach to safeguarding needs to change. The Committee is looking to hear from people with lived experiences of these issues, and their families. The Committee intends to hold a roundtable event with benefit claimants with additional needs to discuss the issues raised in this inquiry. You can register your interest to take part here. The Committee is looking at the main challenges for vulnerable claimants when making a new benefit claim, as well as improving support for the process. You can give your views here.
Survey: Children & Young People – Mental Health Practitioners in GP Surgeries
A new service is being set up which aims to improve access to mental health support and allow children and young people and their families to receive support more promptly within the familiar environment of their GP surgery. We have been asked to share this survey with you, which asks a small number of questions to seek views on how families might like this service to run.
Events list