THE ISLE of Wight’s Supporting People programme is ‘fair with promising prospects for improvement’ according to the Audit Commission.
The programme provides Housing Related Support to nearly 2,000 Island residents which is designed to enable them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
The Audit Commission cited “strong support” at corporate and political level and recognised the partnership contribution made by other organisations such as the Island’s PCT and the Probation Service.
The report goes on to say that the council has invested additional resources to support the programme which is delivered through a well managed, skilled team who are supported by clear work plans.
The inspection team also highlighted quality of service and value for money “have been effectively managed and have resulted in poorly performing services being decommissioned while others have been remodelled.”
This has resulted in substantial savings being made creating additional capacity.
The report also specifically praised the information produced by the Supporting People team for being “clear and easily accessible” with the programme being well promoted.
The report makes two judgements – the first on how the service is currently being delivered and the second looks at prospects for future improvement.
The Audit report goes on to say that “prospects for improvement for the service are promising with a number of positive drivers in place for change.”
Other areas of strength highlighted in the report are the capacity of the Supporting People team, its management structure, the procurement arrangements it uses, the overall approach to value for money and a good level of political and managerial support.
Clear plans to update the five year strategy for the programme are in place and there are also plans to boost service user involvement and build better links with the voluntary sector.
Councillor Dawn Cousins the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member for health and well being said: “The Supporting People programme is a vital service that provides help and support to some of the Isle of Wight’s most vulnerable individuals.
“I am particularly pleased with the result of this inspection because in 2006 the Council identified a range of weaknesses in the Supporting People programme and put together an action plan to improve the service.
“I am delighted that the Audit Commission’s report has recognised the positive steps forward that we have taken together to improve services offered to our local community.”
However she added: “There is no room for complacency but I am confident that with the team we now have in place we can continue to improve the service. My thanks to everyone involved in the programme for all their hard work over the year.”
Helen Shields, Director of Commissioning, IOW NHS Primary Care Trust said: ” The Island’s PCT is pleased with the partnership approach to supporting people and the contribution made to the wider health agenda.”
Sarah Mitchell Isle of Wight Council’s director of community services said: ” I am very proud of this result for the Supporting People programme as it reflects the tremendous hard work commitment and high standards of the team we currently have in place. The inspection has given us a vote of confidence in the way we are working now and the progress they think we will make over the next three years.”
