Integration of Children’s Social Work and Justice Services

In September 2023, Falkirk Council considered a report on recommended changes to its management and service structure.

As part of this, changes were made to the structure and management within Sport and Leisure; Place Services; Education; Transformation, Communities and Corporate Services; and the back-office functions of Children’s Services. The report noted further opportunities may be available within Children’s Services due to the existing close relationship with Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership’s services, and the upcoming implementation of the National Care Service.

The implementation of the report's recommendations presented the opportunity to further integrate services into Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership. This is being taken forward with a new Programme Board, which will consider the integration of Falkirk Council’s Children and Families Social Work Services and Justice Social Work Services into the Partnership.

The Programme Board is chaired by the Partnership’s Chief Officer and co-chaired by the Head of Children and Justice Social Work Services. The Board reports to Falkirk Council and NHS Forth Valley Chief Executives. The Programme Board is supported by the following subgroups:

• Governance
• Workforce
• Finance
• Communications and Engagement

The programme board has undertaken planning activity, including stakeholder mapping, the design of engagement opportunities, and confirmed the process and approval process required for the project.