Joint Engagement Forum (JEF) – 21st April 2026 Summary
Adult Social Care Performance Update
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Explained what LGR means; Simplifying how councils operate by replacing two-tier arrangements (county and district councils)with unitary councils (providing all council services in the area). Then explained Devolution; The transfer of powers and funding from national to local government e.g. combined authorities OR mayoral strategic authorities.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection
- CQC Inspection – Where we are now
The inspection took place last Autumn, the final report has not been published yet.
- Themes used for the inspection
- Overall satisfaction of people who use services
- Adult Social Care Priorities 2026-27
Q&A with Councillors –
Explained the role of the board which has been running for 16 years to Councillors.
DCC reminded everyone about the previous JEF that he led in January. Members were given the opportunity to discuss and prepare questions for this Q&A, and they were circulated to all JEF members once they were collated, with an opportunity for individuals to amend theirs if necessary.
The Councillors began by introducing themselves and explaining their roles and confirming that they would like to use this meeting to create more opportunities for engagement, then answered questions. Attendees asked their questions and each Councillor had the chance to answer.
Local Engagement round up:
Co-production
Co-production Advisory Group (COAG) have met as a group and adjusted their workshop to one hour and made it more interactive. They will be facilitating a workshop for leadership trainees on May 5th, and this will be at County Hall.
Ethnically Diverse Community Involvement
Hikmat is in the process of changing to be half charity, half CIC, which is lots of work at the moment.
Some service users are upset, and Hikmat are struggling to help them. Many of the Afghan community are being rejected;375 women’s applications rejected in the last two months. In Lebanon, 620,000 women need help. Some being rejected for family reunion in the U.K. There are millions of women who are suffering in Palestine, Gaza and the Sudan.
Carer Ambassadors
Read through recent Carer Ambassadors activities and their impacts
Older People/Age UK Devon
The report identifies a systemic failure to meet the Care Act 2014 duty to provide timely information and advice. While Age UK Devon acknowledges DCC’s efforts to speed up some assessments, the evidence shows that:
- Delays, unclear communication, and tone issues remain widespread
- Financial distress and emotional harm could often have been avoided through better early engagement
- Improved communication, clearer explanations, and basic acknowledgement of contact would significantly reduce anxiety and complaints
Disability Together Engagement
Full update circulated after the meeting. Discussed what work Disability Together has been working on in the last Quarter.
The learning Disability Partnership Board
Members of the Health and Social Care Group led a session on barriers faced by people with learning disabilities when trying to access an ASC assessment at February’s Board. Key council officers have been invited to the June Board to address the issues and barriers raised to see how they can be rectified.
Group members recorded a script that will accompany a short animation that explains how to apply for a concessionary bus pass. It is quite a complicated process, and you must provide evidence of your eligibility.
Learning disability – Friendship Groups
The reporting process has been adjusted so our focus has been on working through Adult social care issues that arise within the groups. Two recent guest speakers have been Francesca Rivo, re-psychotropic medications. And those psychotropic medications that are around mood stabilizers, and Martin Dainton talk about remaking complaints and ways of contacting the Council.
Next JEF – Tuesday 21st July 2026 10.30am- 2:00pm