Joint Engagement Forum – 27th January 2026 Summary
The forum focused on collaboration across adult social care and health, reviewing completed actions from November and sharing updates on key initiatives. Highlights included:
Councillor Roles and Council Structure
An overview was given of Devon County Council’s two‑tier system, Adult Social Care leadership, and how councillors work through scrutiny committees and the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Developing Questions for Councillors
Members focused on creating meaningful, non‑tokenistic questions about lived experience, accountability, access, equality, and how engagement leads to real change.
April 2025 Joint Engagement Forum Preparation
It was agreed that questions would be finalised, collated, and shared with councillors in advance to allow informed responses at the April meeting.
Co‑production Activity
Updates highlighted successful co‑production work, including awareness sessions delivered by people with lived experience for Devon County Council training programmes.
Autism and Neurodiversity Engagement
Devon offers extensive autism support through multiple weekly groups, new planned services, a public health needs assessment, and continued provision of Autism Alert Cards.
Ethnically Diverse Community Engagement
Community activities successfully engaged large numbers of people through cultural, educational, and environmental events that promoted inclusion and sustainability.
Carer Ambassador Programme
The Carer Ambassador scheme remains stable and effective, influencing improvements across health, transport, digital access, autism, and respite care.
Older People’s Experiences
Age UK Devon reported a mix of positive collaboration and concerns, particularly around financial assessments, communication delays, and unexpected charges.
Learning Disability Partnership Work
Plans were shared for the Learning Disability Partnership Board’s 2026 programme, focusing on reasonable adjustments, transport, assessments, and reducing harm from medication.
Adult Social Care Survey and Escalation
The Adult Social Care User Survey was highlighted as a key tool for service improvement, with engagement issues being escalated through formal governance routes.
The next forum will take place on 21st April 2026, featuring a Q&A with senior leaders. Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance.