Exploring Co-operative Solutions to the Challenges of Social Services in Wales

Meeting on a sunny May afternoon, members from the Co-operative movement, Local Government, the Welsh Government, and a range of Third Sector and citizen organisations pooled their considerable expertise in the service of a better future for older and disabled people.

Wales is currently in the throes of a range of crucial changes to the laws and structures of social services.  A Social Services (Wales) Bill is due out, and also consultations on the creation of a Welsh model of Self Directed Support and a Strategy for social care Social Enterprise.

These changes are being shaped with an increasing openness to the role and added value of co-operative principles and structures.  The Welsh Government wants the users of social services to enjoy “a stronger voice and real control”.  The challenge is to take this aspiration beyond rhetoric and make it a reality.

– Could the idea of Co-operation offer an alternative, giving citizen-users of social support services a real say in the planning and delivery of that support?

– Could the idea of Co-operation offer an alternative to the competitive model of care, giving the citizen-user far more than a choice between providers; giving instead the status of a voting member with ownership of their own care and support agency?

The overwhelming support was positive. But only if a rainbow of stakeholders signed up to a long-term process of innovation, education, problem solving and evaluation.

– The problem of cost-driven procurement-led service commissioning needs to be addressed.  The promotion of Direct Payments and Self-Directed Support will be a part of the solution, giving citizens the chance to buy what they want without worrying about EU Procurement Regulations.

– The introduction by local authorities of contract specifications which insist on the meaningful involvement of users, and family carers where appropriate, in the governance of providers, will be another major step in the right direction. Frontline staff also have an inter-related ‘voice’ that needs to be heard.

– And the creation of a legislation platform that drives regulation in the direction of user-empowerment, whether directly or through access to advocacy and support, will also help to shape provider behaviour and create an integrated citizen-centred system.

These, and other challenges and possible solutions, were identified. To take things forward, a Foundation Project was suggested that would encompass the learning journey required.  Support came quickly from the meeting, with enthusiasm for practical follow up action.  This provides a great opportunity to support co-operatives in this important and growing sector.

Wales Progressive Co-operators, in partnership with Cartrefi Cymru, have been organising a programme of ‘Co-operative Social Services’ learning events, including a successful visit to Wales in February by Jean-Pierre Girard from Quebec, and a study tour of Cardiff, Neath, Lampeter, Newport, Newtown and Llandudno, in June, by John Restakis, the Canadian author of “Humanising the Economy – Co-operative in the age of Capital”. Details can be found at:

www.progressive-cooperators.org.uk/wales-group

Co-operators should be aware that the ideals and needs of the social care sector dovetail perfectly with the Co-operative ethos. There is also a mutually beneficial relationship to be forged between co-operative social care and other co-operative businesses, from community pharmacy and other services such as food, banking and insurance. And with an aging population, the potential demand for, and benefits from, co-operative solutions is enormous. Now that would be a fine legacy for UN Year of Co-operation 2012.

David Smith – Wales Progressive Co-operators

Adrian Roper – Cartrefi Cymru