Leeds City Council has entered into an innovative shared services partnership with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, with the two local authorities working together to implement a new adult social care case management system in Leeds.
In a report to the council’s executive board meeting next week, an update is provided on the significant progress that has been made in Leeds towards implementing the social care case management system, which was developed and is owned by Calderdale.
The two authorities have now signed a partnership contract and established ongoing governance arrangements. Plans are in place to complete system build, development and testing by December 2013, with full implementation planned for April 2014.
Calderdale has a proven track record of system development, and adopting their Client Information System (CIS) will give social workers in Leeds a highly efficient tool to collect, store and manage information about people who use social care services in the city. It also offers a cost effective solution for Leeds’ business and technical requirements, plus the opportunity for both councils to work together, with the potential to generate revenue in the future.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive member responsible for adult social care services in Leeds said:
“I’m delighted that this innovative partnership approach with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council is progressing on time and within budget.
“Caring for the increasing number of older, vulnerable adults in our society is one of the biggest challenges facing all local authorities across the country, and joining forces with another council to develop a flexible client management system for adult social care will deliver enormous benefits for both parties.
“Calderdale has a proven track record in system development, and by embracing the principles of civic enterprise and entering into a partnership agreement with them, we will be able to work together to develop the system further more cost effectively whilst retaining public money in the public sector.”
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and social care, Councillor Bob Metcalfe, said:
“I’m really pleased that Calderdale and Leeds are working together on the Client Information System. It means the councils can share skills and the cost of enhancing the system for example, to give easier access to information on our performance and services, and to develop new ways for people to access services directly on the internet.”