Agenda Document Pack - Scrutiny and Performance Committee - 25/03/2026
Perth and Kinross Council · 25 March 2026
Back to Scrutiny and Performance Committee — 25 March 2026 and its agenda
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Ambition | Compassion | Integrity Our vision is for a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality Council Building 2 High Street Perth PH1 5PH 18/03/2026 A hybrid meeting of the Scrutiny and Performance Committee will be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 13:00. If you have any queries please contact Democratic Services on (01738) 475000 or email Committee@pkc.gov.uk. THOMAS GLEN Chief Executive Those attending the meeting are requested to ensure that all notifications are silent on their device and other devices are in silent mode. Please note that the meeting will be broadcast online and recorded. The recording will be publicly available on the Council’s website following the meeting. Members: Councillor Colin Stewart (Convener) Bailie Alasdair Bailey (Vice-Convener) Councillor Keith Allan Councillor Steven Carr Councillor Angus Forbes Councillor Michelle Frampton Councillor Ian Massie Councillor Willie Robertson Councillor Caroline Shiers Councillor Frank Smith Councillor Jack Welch Page 1 of 30
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Scrutiny and Performance Committee Wednesday, 25 March 2026 Agenda Members are reminded of their obligation to declare any financial or non- financial interest which they may have in any item on this agenda in accordance with the councillors’ code of conduct. 1 WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3 MINUTE OF MEETING OF SCRUTINY AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE OF 28 JANUARY 2026 FOR APPROVAL (copy herewith) 5 - 8 4 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (copy herewith 26/76) 9 - 10 5 ARM'S LENGTH EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS - ANNUAL ASSURANCE PRESENTATIONS 5(i) CULTURE PERTH AND KINROSS 5(ii) LIVE ACTIVE LEISURE 5(iii) PERTH THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL 6 STRATEGIC ALLIANCE UPDATE Verbal Update by Strategic Lead - Economy, Development and Planning 7 LOCALITY RESOURCING MODEL Presentation by Quality Improvement Manager (Secondary & Inclusion) 8 SUMMARY REPORT ON CARE INSPECTORATE AND EDUCATION SCOTLAND INSPECTIONS Report by Strategic Lead - Education and Learning (copy herewith 26/77) 11 - 22 Page 3 of 30
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9 PERTH AND KINROSS HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP (HSCP) DRAFT CLINICAL AND CARE GOVERNANCE ASSURANCE REPORT Report by Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO) (copy herewith 26/78) 23 - 30 10 FUTURE TOPICS FOR SCRUTINY REVIEW Page 4 of 30
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Scrutiny and Performance Committee Minute of hybrid meeting of the Scrutiny and Performance Committee held in the Council Chambers, 2 High Street, Perth, on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 1.30pm. Present: Councillors C Stewart, Bailie A Bailey, Councillors K Allan, M Frampton, I James (substituting for Councillor A Forbes), I Massie, W Robertson, C Shiers, F Smith, G Stewart (substituting for Councillor S Carr) and J Welch (up until item 6). In Attendance: L Simpson, Strategic Lead – Legal and Governance; S Merone, Strategic Lead – Economy, Development and Planning; K Johnston and S MacDonald (Economy, Development and Planning); K Molley, A Brown and M Pasternak (all Legal and Governance). Also in attendance: H Smout (Culture P&K); P Cromwell (Live Active Leisure); C Glasgow (Perth Theatre and Concert Hall) (all up to Item 6); D McKay, D Kidd and E McNaughton (Tayside Contracts). Apologies: Councillors Carr and Forbes Councillor C Stewart, Convener, Presiding. 1. Welcome and Apologies The Convener welcomed all those present to the meeting. Apologies were noted as above. 2. Declarations of Interest In terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, Councillors C Shiers and G Stewart declared a non-financial interest in Item 6. 3. Minute of Meeting of Scrutiny and Performance Committee of 19 November 2025 The minute of meeting of the Scrutiny and Performance Committee of 19 November 2025 was submitted and approved as a correct record. 4. Outstanding Business Statement Resolved: The status of actions in the Outstanding Business Statement, be noted and completed actions be removed accordingly. 3 Page 5 of 30
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5. Arm’s Length External Organisations Operational Updates S MacDonald, Economic Development Manager, provided a brief introduction to the three ALEOs. 5.(i) Culture Perth & Kinross The Chief Executive of Culture Perth and Kinross provided an update on the work carried out so far throughout 2025/26, towards the future sustainability of the libraries. 5.(ii) Live Active Leisure The Chief Executive of Live Active Leisure provided an update on the policy applied for all venue closures over the festive period. An update was also provided on the policy regarding the recently reported incident in the changing areas of Perth Leisure Pool. 5.(iii) Perth Theatre and Concert Hall The Chief Executive of Perth Theatre and Concert Hall provided an update on the performance of the Panto and wider festive programme for 2025/26. Members questions were answered. The Convener thanked representatives from the three ALEOs for their attendance, and they left the meeting. 6. Tayside Contracts Annual Performance Report 2024/25 There was submitted a report (26/28) summarising the work undertaken across all Tayside Contracts’ activities during 2024/25, to deliver the best possible services, and achieve the best possible outcomes, for the communities of Tayside. D McKay, Tayside Contracts, delivered a short slide-based presentation highlighting performance highs, key pressures and next steps for Tayside Contracts. Councillor M Frampton raised concerns over the standard of service provided by robotic cleaners and if the increase in robotic cleaners would mean that there would not the same need for human cleaners. D McKay advised that the trial of robotic cleaners was focused on large open areas. D McKay reassured members that use of robotic cleaners would not be to replace the need for existing cleaners but due to resource issues, it would allow for cleaners to be used more efficiently in other areas. Councillor K Allan referred to the fault numbers in Perth and Kinross being significantly higher than Dundee as Dundee have completed their transition to all lighting assets being LED technology. Councillor K Allan queried if Perth and Kinross would follow in the same direction. D McKay confirmed that Perth and Kinross are moving towards the same solution as Dundee and advised that updates would be provided through the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. Page 6 of 30
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Councillor K Allan queried why the primary free school meals uptake remained at 65% across Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus. D McKay confirmed that a School Meal Action Plan was developed following the pandemic to look at ways to increase the levels of uptake of free school meals. D McKay confirmed that ongoing engagement occurs with school pupils, parents and carers to raise awareness of the free school meal entitlement. D McKay confirmed that Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus are at the higher end of the scale for free school meal uptake compared to other Local Authorities in Scotland. The Vice-Convener referred to move towards the Central Production Unit in 2022 for school meal provision in Perth and Kinross and queried if the CPU had created opportunities for local suppliers, local farmers and food production businesses. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts engaged with local suppliers in 2022 to encourage them to gain access to the markets they have links to and advised that Tayside Contracts are looking again at different ways they can engage with local suppliers. In a supplementary question, the Vice-Convener queried if other public and private bodies had been secured for the CPU and if not, were plans in place to seek other customers. D McKay confirmed that the three collectives coming together had made the CPU operate more efficiently and effectively. D McKay advised that engagement has been carried out with other Local Authorities since 2022. Five Local Authorities have been in discussions, but so far, no other Loal Authorities have transitioned. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts are looking at opportunities around the external care home provision to expand the CPU further. Councillor G Stewart queried if ultra-processed food was supplied by Tayside Contracts. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts have a variety of items on their menu that are ultra-processed foods and advised that items such as bread would be classified as ultra-processed. D McKay reassured members that the school meal menu meets the nutritional standards set out by the Scottish Government. In response to a supplementary question from Councillor G Stewart, D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts gather feedback from customers to ensure they are receiving meals they would like to eat in line with the Scottish Government guidelines. In response to a question from Councillor G Stewart regarding targets set for potholes and gullies, D McKay confirmed that the KPIs are set by Perth and Kinross Council based on what would be achievable with the financial and physical resources available. D McKay added that there have been improvements in both areas in 2025/26. Councillor C Shiers referred to the positive work undertaken by Tayside Contracts on continuous improvement and internal scrutiny. Councillor C Shiers queried how Tayside Contracts plan to carry out future engagement and scrutiny. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts would continue to look at areas of performance and accessibility to information. D McKay added that engagement with committee members had been beneficial to set out a programme of areas of interest and allow for more discussion and debate. D McKay advised that the recent Audit Page 7 of 30
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Scotland report identified that Tayside Contracts have strong governance in place and significant improvements have been made. In response to a question from Councillor I Massie regarding dietary requirements, D McKay advised that if a pupil advises that they have a particular allergy, the menu would be adapted to meet those needs. D McKay confirmed that he would feedback on Councillor I Massie’s suggestions about adding ‘GF’ to menu items were appropriate and see if any of the standard meals that are currently on the menu could be altered to the gluten free version as they taste very similar. In response to a question from Councillor J Welch, D McKay confirmed that promoting efficiencies can be done through various means such as line management engagement or by reporting on performance information to help identify any areas for improvement. Employees are encouraged to provide their thoughts, and information would be gathered and discussed by management. In response to a question from the Convener regarding the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, D Mckay advised that any cost increases are passed through the Councils. D McKay confirmed that Tayside Contracts look at ways to mitigate against cost impact for any cost increases. D McKay added that the increase in national insurance contributions would have had a greater impact on Tayside Contracts than the Council. The Convener queried if the KPI targets could be increased for the following year in high performing areas. D McKay advised that targets would be monitored through the three-year business plan and confirmed that targets could be adjusted if deemed appropriate. The Convener thanked representatives from Tayside Contracts for their attendance and informative presentation. Councillor J Welch left the meeting during the item. Resolved: The contents of Report 26/28, be noted and scrutinised. 7. Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Care and Professional Governance Assurance Report Resolved: Perth and Kinross Care and Professional Governance Forums were held on 24 October, 21 November and 19 December 2025. There were no Social Work/Social Care issues escalated for exception reporting. Page 8 of 30
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SCRUTINY AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE OUTSTANDING BUSINESS STATEMENT (OBS) (Report No. 26/76) No. Minute Reference Subject Title Outstanding Action Update Lead Officer /Service Action Due Action Expected 63. 28 January 2026 Item 5 (i). Arm’s Length External Organisations – Culture Perth & Kinross EKOS Consultant report be shared with all Elected Members. Report was shared with all members via email. Helen Smout / Karen Johnston Complete 25 March 2026 64. 28 January 2026 Item 5 (ii). Arm’s Length External Organisations - Live Active Leisure. Evidence gathered on the festive opening and usage of the new Blairgowrie Recreation Centre to be shared with Members. Paul Cromwell / Karen Johnston Due 25 March 2026 4 Page 9 of 30
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Our vision is a Perth and Kinross where everyone can live life well, free from poverty and inequality ___________________________________________________________________ Committee or Board: Scrutiny and Performance Committee (Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee (1 June 2026)) Date of Meeting: 25 March 2026 Report Title: Summary Report on Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland Inspections Report Number: 26/77 Report Author(s): James Chiles, Performance & Improvement Officer, (FBSCommittee@pkc.gov.uk) Organisational Lead: David Macluskey, Strategic Lead – Education and Learning ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the performance of Education and Learning services inspected and reported on over the past year by the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland, since the previous report of this type in 2025, and to set out the service’s approach to implementing improvement actions arising out of inspection. 1.2 Sections 1. Purpose 2. Recommendation 3. Background 4. Summary of Inspections 5. Conclusion 6. Impact Value Assessment 7. Appendices 2. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee: 2.1 Scrutinises and comments as appropriate on the contents of the report. 8 Page 11 of 30
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3. Background 3.1 Care Inspectorate 3.1.1 Regulated care services in Scotland are inspected by the Care Inspectorate using a range of quality frameworks, each with key questions and quality indicators. Services are measured against the National Health and Social Care Standards. 3.1.2 Where inspected, each key question and contributing quality indicator is graded on a six-point scale as follows: 1. Unsatisfactory 2. Weak 3. Adequate 4. Good 5. Very Good 6. Excellent 3.1.3 The updated quality framework for daycare of children, childminding and school-aged childcare has been in place for inspections carried out since 1 June 2022. 3.1.4 The framework is framed around four key questions. Each of these include a number of quality indicators for actual inspection which are: How good is our care, play and learning? How good is our setting? How good is our leadership? How good is our staff team? The final key question is: What is our overall capacity for improvement? This requires a global judgement based on evidence and evaluations from all the other key areas but is not evaluated specifically. 3.1.5 The Care Inspectorate conducts unannounced inspections for all regulated services as the main inspection method, unless there are practical reasons that this is not appropriate. There are longer intervals between inspections for better performing services and a greater focus on risk-based inspections for poorly performing and high-risk services, such as those which provide 24-hour residential care. 3.1.6 Following an inspection, the Care Inspectorate publishes a report that may set out a series of: Recommendations: statements that set out actions that the care service provider should take to improve or develop the quality of the service; and Page 12 of 30
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Requirements: statements which set out what is required of the care service provider to comply with relevant legislation. 3.1.7 Care service providers must submit an action plan to the Care Inspectorate addressing any requirements and recommendations identified. Progress against the action plan is monitored by the Care Inspectorate through annual return and self-assessment forms submitted by the care service provider and through subsequent inspection. 3.2 Education Scotland 3.2.1 Education Scotland inspects and reports on the quality of education in Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, community learning and development services, colleges, and residential educational provision. 3.2.2 ELC settings are subject to inspection by both the Care Inspectorate, and Education Scotland. There are overlaps between the two inspection frameworks, and sometimes inspections are carried out on a joint basis, but in general, Care Inspectorate inspections focus on the care aspects of service provision, and Education Scotland have a focus on Education and Learning. 3.2.3 For ELC inspections, the joint Quality improvement framework for the early learning and childcare sectors framework is used. For school inspections, a selection of the How good is our school? (HGIOS4) quality indicators are evaluated on a six-point scale. 3.2.4 A short letter is provided to report the inspection, highlighting strengths and aspects for development, and includes a table indicating the quality indicator evaluations against the six-point scale. The inspection evidence gathered during the inspection is published online as a document called the Summarised Inspection Findings. 3.3 Analysis of Inspection Outcomes 3.3.1 There are a number of factors which make the analysis of the inspection gradings complex. These factors include: Improvements and changes to the inspection models and quality frameworks is such that it is not possible to make direct comparisons across each year; The number of inspections carried out within the local authority area varies from year to year; The selection of quality indicators and themes can vary from inspection to inspection; and Page 13 of 30
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Partnerships with private providers may change between inspections, meaning that some included inspection results may be for services which are no longer partner providers. 4. Summary of Inspections 4.1 Services Providing Day Care for Children 4.1.1 This section presents an overview of the performance of services providing day care for children inspected over the past year where Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) is the registered provider, and for services registered as funded partners; this includes childminders with funded childcare places. 4.1.2 A total of 15 inspections were carried out and published by the Care Inspectorate since the last presentation of this report in 2025. The Care Inspectorate inspection reports are reported to the Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee by exception, where any grading has been awarded an evaluation of unsatisfactory, weak, or excellent. In the last year, no services have been reported for receiving unsatisfactory, weak, or excellent gradings. 4.1.3 Of the 56 gradings awarded, 91% were ‘good’ or better, compared to 88% last year), whilst 38% were ‘very good’ or better, which is a decrease from the 46% achieved last year. 4.1.4 Appendix A (Summary of performance, services providing day care of children inspected by the Care Inspectorate), provides further details and interpretation of the overall figures on an annual basis, as well as comparator and national benchmarks, and a summary of the current position for all settings. 4.2 ELC Settings and Schools – Education Scotland Inspections 4.2.1 This section presents an overview of the performance of PKC ELC settings, including partner providers, and schools, inspected by Education Scotland and reported to the Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee. 4.2.2 A total of 8 inspections were carried out and published by Education Scotland since the last presentation of this report in 2025, which included 2 primary inspections, 2 joint inspections of a nursery and primary setting, 1 secondary inspection and 1 follow-up report on a secondary setting. 4.2.3 A combined summary of achievement (2016/17 to date) as well as performance against comparator local authorities and Scotland as a whole, is shown in Appendix B (Overview and Comparison of Education Scotland Inspections 2016/17 - 2025/26 by Performance Indicator). Page 14 of 30
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PKC consistently outperforms both the comparator group of local authorities and the Scotland average across both the primary school and ELC sectors. Performance for secondary inspections is generally lower than the Scotland average, and similar to or slightly below our comparator authorities. 4.2.4 Areas for improvement, identified during an inspection, are addressed through a School Action Plan. Progress against the plan is monitored and a report prepared for parents/carers (and is also shared with the PKC Area Lead Officer) within one year of the report being published. 4.2.5 Inspection reports are scrutinised by members of the Executive Sub- Committee of the Learning and Families Committee. 5. Conclusion 5.1 The analysis of the gradings and reports by the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland provide positive confirmation that the standards and quality in our services remain high and set a clear agenda for continuous improvement. 6. Impact Value Assessment 6.1 This report has been classified as being an operational report and as such does not require a full Impact and Value Assessment. 7. Appendices 7.1 Appendix A: Summary of performance, services providing day care of children inspected by the Care Inspectorate. 7.2 Appendix B: Overview and Comparison of Education Scotland Inspections 2016/17 - 2025/26 by Performance Indicator. Page 15 of 30
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Appendix A Summary of performance1, services providing day care of children inspected by the Care Inspectorate2 3 Table A1: Summary of performance – April 2025 to date4 Number of services inspected = 54 Quality Themes Care, Play and Learning Setting Staff Team Leadership Total Excellent 0 0 0 0 0 - Very Good 5 5 7 4 21 38% Good 8 7 6 9 30 54% Adequate 1 2 1 1 5 9% Weak 0 0 0 0 0 - Unsatisfactory 0 0 0 0 0 - Total 14 14 14 14 56 CHART A1: Performance April 2025 to date: PKC, Comparator Authorities and Scotland 1 Note that rounding of percentage figures may mean totals reported elsewhere differ slightly. 2 Note that comparator and national proportions include all services for day care of children whereas Perth and Kinross figures only represent local authority and partner provider services (it is not possible to distinguish these in national statistics). It also restates previous gradings when quality themes are not assessed in every inspection. 3 Comparator local authorities are Argyll and Bute, Aberdeenshire, Stirling, Scottish Borders and Highland Council. Comparator and national proportions currently available until November 2025. 4 Inspected, published and reported to Learning and Families Executive Sub-Committee. 8 Page 17 of 30
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CHART A2: Performance 2016/17 to 2024/25: PKC, Comparator Authorities and Scotland Commentary: National and comparator figures show PKC out- performing comparator and national benchmarks at both Good and Better and Very Good or Better levels. Note: Vertical axis adjusted to emphasise differences. * Quality Indicators changed on 01/06/2022 by Care Inspectorate. Current Position The charts above illustrate the aggregated individual results of inspections over several years. Some settings will be inspected more than once during this period, and some Quality Indicators are not covered in every inspection. The accumulated result of all these inspections is the current position of all Early Learning and Childcare services in Perth & Kinross - shown in the charts below. These summarise the proportion of settings that currently have a Good or better rating, based on the latest inspection for each indicator. CHART A3: Current Quality Ratings – Perth and Kinross Page 18 of 30
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Appendix B Overview and Comparison of Education Scotland Inspections1 2016/17 – 2025/26 (to date) by Performance Indicator Table B1: ELC Settings Overview by Performance Indicator Number of Pre-Schools inspected = 32 (2 Follow Through, 24 Full and 6 Short Inspections) QI Grading Leadership of change Learning, teaching & assessment Securing Children's Progress Ensuring wellbeing, equality & inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement All Quality Indicators Excellent - - - - - - Very Good 6 8 9 8 - 31 Good 11 12 14 12 1 50 Satisfactory 5 7 4 2 1 19 Weak - 1 3 - - 4 Unsatisfactory - - - - - - Total 22 28 30 22 2 104 Chart B1: ELC Settings Comparison by Performance Indicator23 1 Inspected, published and reported to Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families. 2 Comparator Authorities are Argyll and Bute, Aberdeenshire, Stirling, Scottish Borders and Highland Council. 3 Comparator and National data currently only available up to December 2023. 8 Page 19 of 30
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Table B2: Primary Overview by Performance Indicator Number of Primary Schools inspected = 45 (4 Follow Through, 28 Full and 13 Short Inspections) QI Grading Leadership of change Learning, teaching & assessment Raising attainment & achievement Ensuring wellbeing, equality & inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement All Quality Indicators Excellent 1 - - 1 - 2 Very Good 7 6 10 9 3 35 Good 10 19 22 13 - 64 Satisfactory 6 11 7 1 1 26 Weak - 1 2 - - 3 Unsatisfactory - - - - - - Total 24 37 41 24 4 130 Chart B2: Primary Comparison by Performance Indicator Page 20 of 30
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Table B3: Secondary Overview by Performance Indicator Number of Secondary Schools inspected = 5 (1 Follow Through, 3 Full and 1 Short Inspection) QI Grading Leadership of change Learning, teaching & assessment Raising attainment & achievement Ensuring wellbeing, equality & inclusion Self- evaluation for self- improvement All Quality Indicators Excellent - - - - - - Very Good - 1 - - - 1 Good - - 2 1 - 3 Satisfactory 3 3 2 1 - 9 Weak - 1 1 1 - 3 Unsatisfactory - - - - - - Total 3 5 5 3 - 16 School Inspection Date Inspection Type Perth High School November 2018 Full Perth Grammar School November 2019 Short Perth Grammar School November 2021 Follow Through Pitlochry High School April 2023 Full Perth Academy November 2023 Full Kinross High School February 2025 Short Perth Academy February 2025 Follow Through Follow Through inspections do not result in new gradings and are intended to follow up on recommendations from a previous inspection. Chart B3: Secondary Comparison by Performance Indicator Page 21 of 30
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Table B4: Inspection results since last report Sector School Inspection Type Leadership of change Learning, teaching and assessment Raising attainment and achievement Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion Nursery Guildtown Primary School Full Good Good Good Good Nursery Tulloch Primary School Full Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory Primary Guildtown Primary School Full Good Good Good Good Primary Tulloch Primary School Full Good Good Good Very good Primary Blackford Primary School Short - Good Good - Primary Pitcairn Primary School Short - Satisfactory Good - Secondary Kinross High School Short - Very good Good - Secondary Perth Academy Follow Through - - - - Page 22 of 30
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Perth and Kinross Council Scrutiny and Performance Committee 25 March 2026 Perth and Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Draft Clinical and Care Governance Assurance Report Arun Singh, Chief Social Work Officer (CSWO) (Report No.26/78) 1. Purpose Of Report This purpose of this report is to provide assurance on the Care and Professional Governance of the Perth and Kinross HSCP in respect to Social Work and Social Care services. 2. Situation 2.1 This report provides assurance on the Social Work and Social Care governance arrangements for services delegated within the Perth and Kinross Integration Scheme (approved June 2022) by the Council and delivered by the HSCP. Clinical Governance is a statutory reporting requirement at NHS Board level and our integrated approach enables Perth & Kinross Council to be assured about the standards and quality of social work and social care services. 2.2 The Scrutiny and Performance Committee is asked to scrutinise this report and agree the level of assurance. The timescale for the data within this report are the four months between 1st October 2025 to 31 January 2026 2.3 The recommended level of assurance is: Reasonable Assurance; due to the following factors: • Recent annual reports received in line with the agreed reporting framework demonstrated reasonable levels of assurance to the Care and Professional Governance Forum. • Reporting and escalation of operational risks which have a bearing on clinical and care governance and associated mitigating actions and an established process for ensuring that the strategic risks to the Perth & Kinross Integration Joint Board take account of this where appropriate. 9 Page 23 of 30
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3. Background 3.1 Perth & Kinross HSCP has an established Care and Professional Governance Forum (CPGF). The role of the CPGF is to ensure there are effective and embedded systems for Clinical, Care and Professional Governance and seek assurance from all services within. 3.2 In April 2025, NHS Tayside launched the new Clinical Governance Strategy, which replaces the GIRFE Framework and provides the underpinning principles that support effective clinical governance and to emphasise how all staff contribute to the quality of care for people who access services in Tayside. GIRFE remains Scotland’s approach to supporting adults to promoting coordinated, person-centred are and support that focuses on individual wellbeing, strengths and outcomes. 4. Assessment 4.1 Clinical & Care Risk Management The operational / team level risk registers for Adult Social Work and Social Care services are discussed monthly at the HSCP CPGF. 4.2 New red risks and changes to existing risks are discussed at each meeting. Deeper dives of red and amber risks are undertaken on a monthly and quarterly basis respectively outwith the CPGF for more detailed discussion with Service leads. Amber risks can be managed at service level as they are understood, have effective controls and clear mitigating actions in place. In addition, they can be monitored and addressed within existing management capacity without requiring escalation. Amber risks can be fluid and be on the register for a short time, for example, vacancies and recruitment challenges can escalate risk for a short period. 4.3 The reviewing of risks supports a proportionate approach to assurances, with relevant risks being regularly monitored. Scrutiny of risks ensures measures are put in place to minimise the risk(s) and assess the effectiveness of mitigations in place to minimise the risk. Where the risk affects, or is impacted by, other parts of the health or social care system, or indeed other agency, we are assured that they are fully informed and engaged in the process. 3.4 There is one red risk currently on the Risk Register for Social Work and Social Care: Risk 1 – Lack of OT capacity Because of increased demand for Single Handed Care and Moving & Handling (M&H) Risk Assessments, there is increased demand to support complex hospital discharges (including out of area hospitals) – environmental Page 24 of 30
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assessments and M&H equipment. In addition, there is increased demand for general assessments for long term conditions. There is consistently high intake of daily referrals by the OT Duty Service; an average of 40 referrals daily. During the reporting period vacancies impacted on the flow of assessments and provision of equipment, albeit mitigations are in place which include recruitment to vacant posts, and each referral is prioritised according to presenting need and allocated on that basis. There is management oversight of the current challenges and collaborative working with Health colleagues. The Allied Health Professional Transformation Review has approved a number of improvement actions to support capacity as well as giving consideration to a peripatetic M&H service to address the backlog and deploy resources to those areas with the greatest backlog. 4.5 Clinical & Care Governance arrangements: 4.6 All services/localities report exceptions on a two monthly basis, and all services and localities reported to the CPGF during this time period. There were no issues highlighted in respect of social work or social care other than the risk above for escalation to Scrutiny and Performance Committee. 4.7 The following services in relation to Council oversight, provided annual reports during the reporting period, and were given assurance levels as follows: 4.8 Internal and External Care at Home & Reablement (Nov 2025): • Staff rotas are being reviewed to ensure staff capacity and service user demand are met. • There is ongoing engagement with the contracts and commissioning team in respect to the quality of services of externally commissioned care at home services. • Recruitment challenges remain in frontline posts. • We have reduced unmet need hours, average days for either hospital referrals or community referrals and waiting times due to the work of the coordinators and the management team. Assurance level – Reasonable Learning Disabilities Service (Nov 2025) • Challenges around the implementation of our KPIs for the Social Work team with significant work undertaken. With the introduction of Mosaic, it has been difficult to pull data from this new system, which has also had an impact on completion of our care support plan reviews. Page 25 of 30
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• Integration of services – significant challenges mitigated by the introduction of a Senior Practitioner/Band 7 Manager within the team who will support the Integrated Manager and give us a better management structure. • Annual Health Checks have been a big success and we have seen an increase of around 67.6% on last year. • Scope Team OT in post for 16 months and have seen a real benefit from her input both through transition work and pilot work. Assurance level – Reasonable 4.9 Complaint summary: April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Complaints Closed 2025-2026 Stage 1 Stage 2 *Reference to 4 or fewer, is to avoid potential identification due to the small numbers involved. (≤4) • Total number of complaints received between October 2025 and January 2026 = 34 • Stage 1 = 34 • 9 Stage 1 complaints progressed to Stage 2. • Total number of complaints closed between October 2025 and January 2026 = 31 • % Stage 2 responded to within timescales = 50% • Stage 2 not responded to within timescales =50% Services the complaints relate to as below • Perth City Locality Social Work South – 5 • Perth Locality Social Work South ≤4 • Mental Health Team - ≤4 • HART Team ≤4 • North Locality Social Work Strathmore – ≤4 • North Locality Social Work Highland - ≤4 Page 26 of 30
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• Care Homes PKC – 5 • Access Team – ≤4 • Community Alarm/Telecare – ≤4 • Contracts and Commissioning Team – ≤4 • Care at Home – ≤4 • SCOPE – ≤4 • Hospital discharge Team – ≤4 • Occupational Therapy – ≤4 • JELS - ≤4 • Top themes Overall (more than one theme can be applicable per complaint) • Service Provision - 24 • Employees – 7 • Communication - ≤4 Upheld or Partially Upheld complaints (more than one theme can be applicable per complaint) ≤4 Stage 1 complaints were upheld. Actions taken from upheld/partially upheld stage 1 complaints following fact finding: • Further training conducted to ensure staff are fully aware of expected protocols to be applied when carrying out service user community contact. • Reiteration of the importance of reviewing assessments with clients to ensure their views are upheld correctly. • Decisions to be monitored to ensure correct policy is adhered to. • Knowledge of service provision to be reviewed to ensure policies are being followed when providing a duty service and response. 4.10 Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Reports There have been no complaints referred to the SPSO during the time period. 4.11 External Reports & Inspections There were no external inspections during the time period. 4.12 Adult Support & Protection (ASP) During the reporting time period, there were two active Large Scale Investigations. One of these is in relation to a Care Home, and one a Care at Home provider in P&K HSCP (one involving medication administration and provision of palliative care, and one involving various concerns). There are no current active protection orders in place. A training resource is being developed to support practitioners gather the necessary evidence where concerns exist around coercive control and undue pressure. Page 27 of 30
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There are two learning reviews ongoing; one regarding the death of an individual who was open to multiple services but brought a history of non-engagement, and one regarding the decreasing trend over the past 5 years of P&K Care Homes receiving inspection grades of “good” or above. 4.13 Local actions to mitigate risks of Drug related deaths in Perth and Kinross include: Implementation and embedding of the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards. Current RAG scores as at Dec 2025 are green apart from MAT Standard 7, which is being progressed in line with national recommendations. • Perth and Kinross Community Pharmacy Buvidal prescribing test of change in development. • SLA developed and ADP funding awarded for 12 months. 4.14 Workforce There is one red risk in relation to workforce capacity which is detailed above and the mitigations in place 4.15 Financial The composition of the Senior Management Team allows for a discussion of any financial issues from the perspective of Care & Professional Governance. 4.16 Risk Assessment/Management Key risks and assurance processes are detailed in earlier sections of this report. 4.17 Equality and Diversity, including health inequalities Details regarding any Equality, diversity and health inequalities are included, if required within each service exception report. There are no exceptions requiring to be escalated to CGC. 3.18 Communication, involvement, engagement and consultation All HSCP Staff have been invited to complete the latest iMatter survey, and teams will meet to discuss the results of these and create actions to take forward 5. Recommendation Page 28 of 30
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This report is being presented for: • Reasonable Assurance As Chief Social Work Officer for Perth & Kinross Council, I would suggest that the level of assurance provided is: Reasonable Assurance Level of Assurance System Adequacy Controls Substantial Assurance A sound system of governance, risk management and control exists, with internal controls operating effectively and being consistently applied to support the achievement of objectives in the area audited Controls are applied continuously or with only minor lapses. Reasonable Assurance There is a generally sound system of governance, risk management and control in place. Some issues, non-compliance or scope for improvement were identified which may put at risk the achievement of objectives in the area audited. Controls are applied frequently but with evidence of non-compliance. Limited Assurance Significant gaps, weaknesses or non- compliance were identified. Improvement is required to the system of governance, risk management and control to effectively manage risks to the achievement of objectives in the area audited. Controls are applied but with some significant lapses. No Assurance Immediate action is required to address fundamental gaps, weaknesses or non- compliance identified. The system of governance, risk management and control is inadequate to effectively manage risks to the achievement of objectives in the area audited. Significant breakdown in the application of controls. Page 29 of 30
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