Decision details

Resolved that:

1.1             That approval be given:

1.               To note the requirement to introduce Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) from a date to be determined by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) following their announcement that this will be delayed from the original date of 1 April 2022.

2.                To endorse the implementation plan in preparation for the introduction of the new Liberty Protection Safeguards.

3.                To the revised structure for social work service, as set out in table in the Cabinet Report, to enable the council to prepare for the implementation of LPS, and to recruit to the required posts:

The staffing and commissioned resources in the current DoLS team have been repurposed as detailed in the table in Cabinet Report, in line with the proposed staffing model and requirements to support implementation of the LPS.

4.               To the commencement of the required consultation with the affected workforce and Trade Unions

5.               To authorise the Director of Adult Social Care, to implement the new structure and make any minor modifications required following the guidance from the code of practice on the Mental Capacity Act and LPS.

6.               To note that additional funding for Advocacy Support (Independent Mental Capacity Advocates) for the implementation of Liberty Protection Safeguards is likely to be required.

7.               To agree to provide a further report on progress and financial implications before October 2022 and to confirm any new timescales for the introduction of LPS and its implementation once agreed by DHSC.

1.2             That the Director of Adult Social Care, be authorised to implement the new structure in preparation for Liberty Protection Safeguards.