Newsletter 12/05/23
12 May 2023
Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.
Understanding your experiences of NHS health and care in Sussex Survey – Action required
(Sent by NHS SUSSEX INTEGRATED CARE BOARD)

Understanding your experiences of NHS health and care in Sussex
We would like to hear from local people in Sussex about your views and experiences of the NHS in Sussex as work progresses to improve health and care for the next five years.
People across Sussex are being asked to have a say on NHS services and their experiences of local health and care. It comes as we prepare for the 75th anniversary of the NHS on 05 July and a year on from when NHS Sussex and Sussex Health and Care were established.
As part of these anniversaries, health and care leaders in Sussex will be publishing a five year action plan that will set out how NHS Sussex is working to improve the lives of local people by supporting them to live healthier for longer, and making sure they have access to the best possible services when they need them. The plan has already been informed by insight and feedback from people and communities across Sussex – and this new survey being launched today will help to further shape the actions needed.
You can have your say online – https://yoursaysussexhealthandcare.uk.engagementhq.com/embeds/projects/23934/survey-tools/24206
There will also be the opportunity to share your views face to face as teams from NHS Sussex attends community events and forums during May. Please check Let’s Talk about your experiences of NHS health and care in Sussex | Sussex Health and Care Your Say (engagementhq.com) for more details.
Please can you share the survey through your networks, forums, community groups, and friends and family.
Children’s Services Ofsted Inspection Report Special
(Sent by West Sussex County Council to all key stakeholders)

Welcome to our Children’s Services Ofsted inspection report special
Today Ofsted have published their inspection of local authority children’s services (ILACS) report following our full inspection back in March.
Ofsted Inspectors have praised West Sussex County Council’s Children’s Services for its ‘relentless approach to improving practice,’ giving the service an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’, with two ‘good’ judgements and two that ‘require improvement to be good’. This rating is up from the last full inspection of Children’s Services back in 2019, when all areas were rated as inadequate.
Inspectors recognised the ‘strong, determined and cohesive leadership team’ who have made significant improvements since 2019.
The key findings from the report were:
- Most children coming into care make good progress
- The voice of children and young people is strong and well-considered in decision-making
- Early Help support is making a positive difference to children’s lives
- Staff benefit from a wide range of support, and training and development opportunities; and feel valued
- The implementation of the new Family Safeguarding practice model has been carefully considered with clear plans for the next steps
- Partnership working is improving, although there is more to do
- Leaders have been determined to shift the organisational culture and put children first
- Practice in some teams is variable and more work is needed to ensure all children receive a consistent service
- The advice and support provided to care leavers aged 21 and over requires improvement
- Placement choice for children who are looked after requires improvement
- There needs to be a stronger response to specific children aged 16 and 17 who present as homeless or who are missing from home.
| Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for children and young people, said: ‘I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the huge progress we have made over the past four years.
“The outcome of this inspection is testament to the determination and hard work of all our staff across Children’s Services and the county council. We have been relentless in our approach to put children first and drive sustained improvement within our services. “We know we have more work to do so all our children and young people receive a good level of service. Ofsted have recognised our commitment to make further improvements and these areas are being addressed as part of our new continuous improvement plan and the West Sussex County Council priority to keep people safe from vulnerable situations.” |
| Paul Marshall, Leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “This council has been resolute in its commitment to improving our Children’s Services.
“Over the past four years, we have made significant investment in our services and ensured the political and corporate weaknesses reported in 2019 have been fully addressed. I am pleased Ofsted can see the positive changes both corporately and politically which is acknowledged in their report. “I would like to thank our members, staff, children, young people and families, partners and our Commissioner John Coughlan for their unwavering support and scrutiny which has supported us to get to this position and will enable our ongoing improvement journey.” If you would like to read the full report it is available here. |
Op Sceptre Week 15th May – 21st May 2023 / Crimestoppers Campaign
GATCOM – 27 April 2023 – Key Messages from Meeting
The key messages from the last GATCOM meeting held on 27 April 2023 are now available on GATCOM’s website – click here to see. Please feel free to share the key messages with your wider community and other interested parties.
GATCOM News Bulletin
NALC Newsletter
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