Key services providing support to people with social care needs and learning disabilities have this week been brought under the direct control of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Following a cabinet decision in May 2022 to not extend the contract with HCRG Care Group, who are one of the UK’s largest community services providers, the council has worked with them to transfer services from 1st April.
The move sees 238 employees transfer from HCRG Care Group to the council. They will continue to deliver the same social care services to adults in Bath and North East Somerset that they have been providing, meaning people who currently receive support have continuity.
The services transferred also include supported living and specialist social work services for adults, including autism care and hearing and vision support.
As part of the move, day services – provided at Carrswood in Twerton and Connections in Radstock – also come across to the council, along with associated transport provision.
These services provide opportunities for adults who have a learning disability to learn new skills, gain confidence and participate in a range of activities.
People will also continue to receive access to specialist support including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and psychology.
The council will also continue to offer a first response team acting as the first point of contact for people who need to access care. The Shared Lives Scheme, which links residents who need support with carers in their community, will also now be run by the council, as will a vocational hub to help people with additional needs to access voluntary and paid employment.
Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adult Services, said: “Our priority has always been to provide the highest quality care and help people to live happy, independent and fulfilling lives within their communities for as long as possible.
“This transfer has been a significant amount of work for HCRG Care Group and the council and I’m pleased that together we have achieved this successfully and seamlessly without disruption for residents.
“Taking direct control of adult social care services in B&NES will give us greater power to shape how services are delivered and to achieve the best outcomes for people in our care.
“This move has brought us in line with the majority of other councils and will enable us to ensure that we are effectively managing staffing levels to meet residents’ needs, also helping to improve recruitment in a highly competitive job market.
“It will ensure that services offer value for money, are robust and ultimately protect vulnerable people while enabling them to live the best life they can.
“The council would like to thank HCRG Care Group for their dedication and hard work in delivering the services and the support they have given the council to ensure that the services are transferred safely.
“We are very pleased to be welcoming all the colleagues back to our council team and are looking forward to working with them.”