Health and Social Services Committee

Policy Review: Interface between Health and Social Care

Expert Adviser Job Specification

1. The Health and Social Services Committee of the National Assembly for Wales is proposing to appoint an expert adviser to support its work in reviewing the interface between health and social care services in Wales. 2. The Health and Social Services Committee is one of seven subject committees of the National Assembly, whose functions include contributing to the development of Assembly policy and keeping under review the discharge of public functions by public, voluntary and private bodies.3. The Committee is currently undertaking public consultation on the review. It will consider the response to this consultation in January and take further oral evidence in February and March. It will report its findings to the Assembly before the summer recess next year.The aims and terms of reference for the review are:AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of joint working and co-operation between the health and social care services; to identify good practice and to offer recommendations to improve joint working and co-operation between the key agencies.Terms of Referencei. To review the mechanisms for joint planning and provision of services in health and social care and the quality of the evidence a base;ii. to examine the accountability arrangements for joint planning and service provision;iii. to evaluate the effects (both positive and negative) that decisions in one service can have on another;iv. to examine key areas that impact on the quality and provision of a seamless service, particularly:

• hospital discharge
• intermediate care
• residential and nursing home services
• domiciliary care services
• involvement of the independent and private sectors
• support for carers.

v. to review the role of health and social services in promoting the independence of patients and the prevention of unnecessary admission or re-admission to hospital.Job Specification5. The subject of the review cuts across the planning and provision of care by the NHS, local authority social services and the voluntary and independent care sectors. The complexities of the interface are the reason why a review is necessary and in taking evidence from those involved in working in and across the various sectors the Committee will need advice on the validity of the evidence it receives and the weight to be attached to it.6. As the review proceeds the Committee may also need advice on whether it should focus in more detail on any of the issues that arise. 7. The Committee may also wish to seek guidance on the organisations and individuals from whom they should seek evidence and on the lines of questioning.8. The Adviser will also be asked to provide advice to the Committee on reporting its findings and conclusions.9. The Committee will be seeking expertise in

• the strategic and operational planning of care services across the sector;
• the strategies and policies that underpin service provision;
• evaluating and recognising good practice;
• understanding the issues that facilitate and constrain cross sector planning and delivery; and
• understanding the needs of the patient/ client and their families and carers;

10. The appointee will need to demonstrate

• the ability to take an objective view of the issues to be considered;
• good analytical skills and an ability for strategic thinking;
• effective oral and written communication;
• the ability to work closely with the Committee and other bodies.

11. The expert adviser would be required to provide up to 15 working days (based on an eight hour working day) between January and May 2004. This will include attendance at around four committee meetings. The post will be remunerated at a maximum rate of £150 a day, plus any reasonable travel and subsistence costs. These will be re-imbursed at the normal rate payable to National Assembly staff.12. Candidates are asked to provide:

• A curriculum vitae;
• A short statement (no more than two sides of typed A4) setting out their view of the key issues to be addressed in the review;
• Confirmation that they can meet the time commitment.

13. Applications should be sent to the Clerk of the Committee, who will also provide further information if required:Jane Westlake
Committee Secretariat
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1NQTelephone number 029 2089 8149
e-mail Jane.Westlake@wales.gsi.gov.uk.14. The closing date for applications is Friday 14 November 2003.