More than half the people working for councils on implementing the government’s Supporting People programme are on fixed term or temporary contracts, alarming research has found.
A survey by the Supporting People Advisory Network found that 59 per cent of teams implementing the new regime – due to go live next year – across England have staff that are on temporary contracts.

It also found that in many areas, key partners essential for successful implementation still do not fully understand the role they are expected to play.

The finding backs repeated calls for clearer definitions of the care and support themes when housing and care charges are separated.

Leaving those who have built up crucial knowledge in this specialist field on temporary contracts risks damaging the project if they decide to seek secure employment elsewhere, the network warned.

Its manager, Ken Davies, said: “It seems at best short-sighted to have staff with this knowledge and experience unsure of their futures.

“Very few people have detailed knowledge of Supporting People and its administrative systems.

“There are unlikely to be ready-made replacements should staff decide to move on to the certainty of permanent employment.

“This problem is a serious challenge to teams’ ability to maintain continuity, skills and knowledge during the implementation period and beyond.

“This must also raise questions about how local authorities view Supporting People, and the way the DTLR has portrayed the funding of administrative arrangements.”

Full details of the survey are available at www.supporting-people.org.uk

  • Specialist housing providers are featured in a DTLR guide on meeting black and minority ethnic needs in Supporting People this week.

    Manningham, Labo and Apna Ghar housing associations and Roshni Nottingham Women’s Aid offer case studies on provision.

    Also featured are Touchstone and Asra Greater London housing associations and Wolverhampton council.

    • Source

    Housing Today