Integrated Impact Assessments – Implementation of Supporting Adult Carers and Caring Relationships Policy
Implementation of Supporting Adult Carers and Caring Relationships Policy
There is currently no specific formal Policy for Supporting Adult Carers and Caring Relationships. A “Breaks with Caring and Respite” Procedure was implemented in April 2013 and last reviewed in December 2014. Since then, there have been significant changes in legislation, particularly with the implementation of the Self-Directed Support (Scotland) Act (2013) and the Carers (Scotland) Act (2016); leading to a Short Breaks Services Statement for the Partnership. This has established the requirement to promote variety, flexibility, choice and control within commissioning and service provision and a shift in Strategical planning to co-production and market facilitation.
The Supporting Adult Carers and Caring Relationships will set out and define how the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership will support Unpaid Adult Carers to enjoy a life outside of and/or alongside of their caring role, support their health and wellbeing and sustain their caring relationships to continue in their role.
• Evidence used to inform development of the policy has been widely consulted on both locally and nationally.
• Varying levels of consultation and engagement shaping the different versions with local carer organisations, 3rd sector providers, Edinburgh Carer Support Team.
• Feedback from Shared Care Scotland through involvement with their promoting variety programme
• Carer Focus event held on 24th February 2023 with the purpose of consulting on the draft policy. Representatives in attendance included, Unpaid Carers, Carer Organisations, 3rd Sector professionals, Integration Joint Board Carer representative and Edinburgh Health and Social Care.
Yes – Adult Health and Social Care Plan.
7th June 2022
Reviewed and updated 22nd March 2023.
Name | Job title | Date of IIA training |
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Emma Pemberton
CEC Report Writer |
Care and Support Manager – Learning Disability Services, EHSCP | 28/10/21 |
Robert Smith
CEC |
Care and Support Manager – Learning Disability Services, EHSCP | |
Kyle Oram
CEC |
Planning and Commissioning Officer – Older People, Unpaid Carers and Day Opportunities, EHSCP | |
Hugo Whitaker
Third Sector Representative |
Development Worker – Adult Health and Wellbeing, EVOC | |
Ruth McLennan
Carer Organisation Representative |
CEO – Care for Carers | |
Laura Stirling
CEC – Locality Team Representative |
Cluster Manager – NW, EHSCP | |
Keith Lugton
NHS |
Carer Co-ordinator – Integrated Carer Support team, EHSCP | |
Christine Farquhar
(unable to attend meeting – views offered out with IIA meeting) |
EIJB Carer Representative | |
Ruth Hendery
(unable to attend meeting – views offered out with IIA meeting) |
EIJB Carer Representative |
Evidence | Available – detail source | Comments: what does the evidence tell you with regard to different groups who may be affected and to the environmental impacts of your proposal | ||
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Data on populations in need | Scottish Government 2016) 2013 Scottish Household Survey
The Scottish Health Survey (2016) https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-health-survey-2016-volume-1-main-report/pages/60/ |
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Data on service uptake/access |
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Data on socio-economic disadvantage e.g. low income, low wealth, material deprivation, area deprivation. | Women are known to be disproportionately affected by their Unpaid Caring role, with a greater impact for those over 50. Nationally women carers represent 60% of carers compared to men who represent 40%. Many Unpaid Carers give up work to carry out their caring role and can struggle to re-enter the workforce. | |||
Data on equality outcomes | Carers’ charter – gov.scot (www.gov.scot) | The Act extends and enhances the rights of carers in Scotland to help improve their health and wellbeing, so that they can continue to care, if they so wish, and have a life alongside caring.
As required by section 36 of the Act the Scottish Ministers have prepared the Carers’ charter, setting out the rights of carers in or under the Act. Consideration of equalities when identifying outcomes: 1.53. Section 8(2) requires that in identifying an adult carer’s personal outcomes and needs for support, the responsible local authority must take into account any impact that having one or more protected characteristics (within the meaning of section 149(7) of the Equality Act 2010) has on the adult carer. Equalities ExamplesOlder carersOlder carers may have to manage their own long-term conditions and frailty which may impact considerably on their ability to provide care. Sensory loss & deafblindnessWhere an adult carer has dual sensory loss or is deafblind, responsible local authorities could have an appropriately skilled professional involved in the ACSP or consider a specialist assessment undertaken by a professional with dedicated skills in understanding the impact that deafblindness or dual sensory loss can have on an individual person and their family. English not a first languageWhen planning to undertake an ACSP, it is identified that English is not the carer’s first language. In this situation, it is recommended that the responsible local authority would offer deaf-blindness or dual sensory loss can have on an individual person and their family. Carers with a learning disabilityIn the case of adult carers who have a learning disability, responsible local authorities may consider who is best placed to undertake the ACSP. The carer may have barriers to participate in their ACSP. Consideration of the use of an independent advocate alongside the carer may help the carer to express their views and opinions on what their needs and personal outcomes are. The carer may also require their own social care needs assessment alongside their ACSP and to the level at which they may reach eligibility for support as undertaking a smaller caring role may have a much greater impact on an older carer than other carers. |
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Research/literature evidence | Joint Carers Strategy |
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Evidence of inclusive engagement of people who use the service and involvement findings | Feedback Summary and actions from local Carer Focus Group Event facilitated by Care 4 Carers | Local and national evidence and data has informed the development of the Breaks from Caring for Adult Carers Policy which is currently in draft and will be further informed on completion of the IIA and wider consultation. | ||
Evidence of unmet need | Breaks with Caring and Respite Procedure
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Good practice guidelines |
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Carbon emissions generated/reduced data | No specific data | |||
Environmental data | No specific data | |||
Risk from cumulative impacts | Joint Carers Strategy |
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Other (please specify) | ||||
Additional evidence required | No | |||
Equality, Health and Wellbeing and Human Rights |
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Negative
There are no specific references within the Policy to how people with protected characteristics will be identified and supported. It is recognised that often people with protected characteristics, particularly those from ethnic minority communities, asylum seekers and the Gypsy/ Traveller Community are often reluctant to engage, do not recognise themselves as unpaid carers or consider themselves to be in need of support, therefore important to highlight the intention of the Partnership in ensuring people with protected characteristics are widely recognised and supported. Transitionary periods, whether from children to adult services or at any age is recognised as a stressful period and in line with the Disabled Children and Young people (Transitions to Adulthood) (Scotland) Bill, and the Principles of Good transition practice guide it is important that this is reflected within the Policy, otherwise may lead to unintended negative impacts. Children and most young people are out with the scope of this Policy, therefore may be viewed by some as excluded.
There is no specific consideration of people where there is a diagnosed terminal illness or for posthumous support. These circumstances will be time critical to ensure good outcomes. |
All protected characteristics Children leaving school, cared for adults and Unpaid Carers involved in any transition, including moving on to full time care. Individuals may have additional protected characteristics.
Children and Young people (not within the scope of this Policy)
People with disabilities, older people, people diagnosed with or caring for someone with a terminal illness |
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Environment and Sustainability including climate change emissions and impacts | Affected populations | ||
Positive
Promoting and enabling the flexibility of Self-Directed Support (SDS), will positively encourage people to access their own and/ or universally available resources which will reduce duplication and costs, such as for premises, energy, heating and vehicle use. The Policy promotes sustainable access to a wide range of short break support and opportunities across partner organisations, which are reflective of collaborative approaches informed at local and national level. Supporting third sector providers will ensure there are robust, wide-ranging and sustainable opportunities into the future. Support for unpaid carers in completing an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) can be sought without direct contact with the Partnership or a Social Worker. This universal access will reduce any wait times for contact with local social work teams and build on the specialist knowledge and experience of supporting unpaid carers within their local community. Advice around income and financial support can also form part of these discussions. |
Primarily Unpaid Carers of Adults and cared for people who cannot manage on their own due to frailty, illness, disability, or addiction’. Some people may have additional protective characteristics such as age, gender and race.
As above. |
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Negative
No negative impacts in relation to Environment or Sustainability are anticipated in relation to Adult carers or cared for people. It is not foreseen that any individual will be affected due to any other protected characteristic. |
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Economic | Affected populations | ||
Positive
Replacement care for planned breaks are non-chargeable regardless of the carers financial circumstances. Access to day support is not considered replacement care within the context of a break from caring when unpaid carers are attending work. Utilising SDS options enables people to manage and spend their individual budgets with maximised choice and flexibility. Promoting variety and shaping the market will ensure growth for existing local social care providers, will encourage new providers to Edinburgh and will create job opportunities for the local population. There will also be an increased demand for access to local accommodation, events and social activities – both community and tourism focussed. |
Primarily Unpaid Carers of Adults and cared for people who cannot manage on their own due to frailty, illness, disability, or addiction’. Some people may have additional protective characteristics such as age, gender and race. People on low incomes.
Local social care staff, people who are unemployed, third sector provider organisations, local communities and local businesses. |
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Primarily Unpaid Carers of Adults and cared for people who cannot manage on their own due to frailty, illness, disability, or addiction’. People on low incomes, particularly women in middle age | ||
Services associated with this Policy, whether in an advisory or supportive context, or through provision for replacement care arrangements, will be provided in the main by voluntary and/or private sector organisations, most of which are commissioned or purchased by the Partnership. All equality, human rights, environmental and sustainability issues are covered by the Contractual or Framework Agreements, good practice guidance or the contracted terms and conditions. Where it is required continued oversight, monitoring and assured sustainability will be provided by the Partnership. Children’s rights are generally not applicable within the scope of this IIA. Where children/ young people are within scope, they too will be covered as above.
This will be explored as part of a communication strategy on completion of further work as a result of the Policy, e.g., procedure or user guidance. This will involve collaborative planning with third sector partners to ensure a wide range of communication tools, including easy read, alternative language options and online access to information.
Audience group | Proposed communications channels | Responsible | Communications assets to be produced to support activity | Proposed frequency |
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EIJB | Development session with the EIJB | Programme team |
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TBC |
Board meeting updates | Programme team |
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June 2021, October 2021 and as requested | |
Colleagues | Colleague News | Communications team | Regular briefings in newsletter to update colleagues on consultation, key decisions, programme purpose etc | Monthly (minimum) and also as required following key milestones |
Project specific detailed engagement and consultation with staff | Programme team | NA | As required | |
Webpage updates | Communications team | Regular updates on progress – such as key dates/decisions / activity | Bi-monthly | |
Other external stakeholders | Formal meetings | Programme team |
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As required |
Board attendance | Programme team |
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As required | |
Formal reports and returns | Programme team |
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As required | |
Attendance at CEC and NHSL corporate management team | Programme team |
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As required | |
Attendance and information reports fed to council and NHS committees | Programme team |
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As required | |
Resident, family and patient updates | Programme team / RRT / CH managers | Media channels, webpage, direct contact (generic email address for enquiries) | As required | |
Care Inspectorate updates | Programme team / RRT |
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As required | |
Media | Reactive media response | Communications team | Lines prepared in advance of key milestones (e.g. 22 June 2021 board / October board) | As required depending on programme deliverables |
Key message lines | Communications team | Lines to take prepared to cover key messages | As required depending on programme deliverables | |
FAQ document | Programme team (with C&E team acting as a consultant) |
FAQ to cover anticipated questions | As required depending on programme deliverables | |
Social media response | Communications team | Reactive social media response prepared to enable EHSCP and CEC to respond to any noise on owned social media channels | As required depending on programme deliverables |
If yes, it is likely that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be required and the impacts identified in the IIA should be included in this.
No.
If further evidence is required, please note how it will be gathered. If appropriate, mark this report as interim and submit updated final report once further evidence has been gathered.
N/A
Specific actions (as a result of the IIA which may include financial implications, mitigating actions and risks of cumulative impacts) | Who will take them forward (name and job title | Deadline for progressing | Review date | |
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Amendment to draft Policy to ensure definition of an Unpaid carer is consistently presented as it is within The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. | Robert Smith
Care and Support Manager |
20/6/22 | complete | |
Consideration to be given to protected Characteristics in the context of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and the Partnership’s intention to support and encourage diversity to be reflected within the Policy. | Robert Smith
Care and Support Manager |
20/6/22 | complete | |
Discussion to be held with Communities and families to make aware of the Policy, identify any further impacts not considered and discuss any collaborative work required. | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
31/8/22 | complete | |
Consideration to be given to individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness in the context of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 and the Partnership’s intention to prioritise people within this circumstance and offer appropriate supports posthumously. | Robert Smith
Care and Support Manager |
20/6/22 | complete | |
Consideration to be given to Unpaid Carers right to access paid employment and volunteering separately to their caring role. | Robert Smith
Care and Support Manager |
31/7/22 | complete | |
Consideration of individuals in transition, particularly highlighting the transition period from Children to Adult Services and transitioning to long term 24/7 Care. | Robert Smith
Care and Support Manager |
20/6/22 | complete | |
Consideration of short breaks being taken together and how this can be built into the Policy. | Robert Smith
Care and Support Manager |
20/6/22 | complete | |
Confirm charging arrangements for replacement care in an emergency situation. | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
31/8/22 | complete | |
Develop appropriate communication strategy on completion of further associated work around breaks from caring, linking in with third sector partners. | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
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Update Policy to reflect feedback received at Carers Focus Group event facilitated by Care 4 Carers on 24th February 2023 (see page 18 for full feedback and actions) | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
22/3/23 | complete | |
Easy Read Version of Policy to be developed. | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
On Policy sign off | ||
Details to be included on publication for how to access the policy in alternative formats e.g., large print or translated. | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
On Policy sign off | ||
Share the feedback from the Carers Focus Group event facilitated by Care 4 Carers on 24th February 2023 (see page 18 for full feedback and actions), with the Carers Strategic Partnership Group and Planning and Commissioning Colleagues. | Emma Pemberton
Care and Support Manager |
22/3/23 | complete |
The current social care recruitment crisis is having a significant and expected long lasting affect on the provision of service, particularly ones which facilitate replacement care arrangements to enable carers to have a break. Whilst the approaches outlined in the policy are expected to ensure sustainable and diverse options and allows for some mitigation, the delivery of replacement care is reliant upon successful social care recruitment and retention.
The Policy has been developed as part of the work from the Partnership’s Transformation programme and will continue to be monitored within the wider programme. The impacts on different groups, including those with protected characteristics will be monitored through the Breaks from Caring Working Group.
Name: Tony Duncan
Date: 7th June 2023