National Care Service Forum 2024: report

What you told us – accountability and the NCS Board

1. A strong NCS Board is essential for gathering evidence, conducting performance audits, and upholding rights both nationally and locally.

To achieve this there should be meaningful representation on the NCS Board, with a transparent recruitment process and training for new members. Seldom heard voices should be included and prioritised and there must be accessible language and materials.

Other points around this included:

• the challenges around ensuring fair representation on the NCS Board, and how the varied representatives on the NCS Board will relate to Ministers’ overall accountability
• concerns around the voting dynamics of the NCS Board and ensuring equal voting rights for those with lived experience
• that the Board’s oversight should rely on robust data and reports to ensure accountability and effectiveness

2. One way we will know we have achieved our aims for the NCS Board is a shift in focus from initial outcomes to long-term improvements.

People said building on existing structures and focussing on what works well could be more useful than complete reorganisation. We heard that greater transparency is needed around how funds are allocated and spent, particularly concerning government funding for unpaid carer services. This improved transparency could enhance understanding and accountability among local leaders.

Other points people raised around this included:

• service users and frontline staff must understand how the NCS differs from existing services
• a national system for data collection would ensure robust data sets – current disparities in IT systems in different areas hinder this
• different channels should be used for gathering feedback to capture a wide range of experiences
• there could be a national “you said, we did” mechanism for sharing feedback with service users, fostering accountability and responsiveness
• the need for enhanced coordination between NHS discharge teams and social work services, to reduce reliance on unpaid carers