My Lords, it is encouraging that the results from the social work practices pilots are very positive. Phrases like “innovative”, “flexible” and “less bureaucratic” are very important to begin to change the culture in the way people work. It is also as important that the real personalisation of services is balanced by the job satisfaction of staff.
The Explanatory Notes that accompany the order are almost entirely positive. I picked up a slight nuance in the Minister’s comments. I wonder if there were any identifiable less positive or concerning features about which it might also be worth advising local authorities in how they are going to be commissioning work in the future. Apart from that, it is inevitably unfortunate that there is a short notice period that this is intended to cover, before the Care Bill comes in. At least there will not be a gap now, which is to be praised.