We recognise that this is a difficult day for all impacted families, especially those who have given evidence to the inquiry. Whilst the publication of the report is welcomed, as the Chair (Tom Kark KC) himself noted, this is the closing of one chapter but the opening of another – the work that now needs to be done, at pace, to ensure that nothing like this should ever happen again.
This is a long and detailed report that will take time to analyse in detail and consider the practicalities of the 106 recommendations.
At the outset, a number of the recommendations laid out, we at Positive Futures consider to be best practice, and should already be at the heart of the support provided to people with a learning disability and autistic people.
For example, the centrality of the person supported and their family in the planning and delivery of services is critical to the development and ongoing review of support; something, we at our organisation describe as a person-centred approach.
Similarly, a focus on process, rather than outcomes does nothing to evidence quality or the supported person’s experience, it simply enables providers to tick a box.
We very much welcome the re-stating of a recommendation to officially establish a statutory Duty of Candour, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK and similar legislation in Ireland. People supported and families should expect to be treated with dignity and respect and be dealt with in an open and transparent manner.
We would echo the Chair’s words and urge NI Assembly to act urgently to move this on.
We would urge caution on the recommendation of CCTV in all settings, whilst it may provide the evidence of abuse having taken place, it does little or nothing to prevent it happening. Creating an environment within an organisation where people supported, families and staff feel psychologically safe to raise and openly discuss issues is fundamental in developing long term trust and keeping people safe. Recruiting the right people with the right values, providing ongoing support and training and having involved and present management is, for us, at Positive Futures why the people we support and our staff flourish. As with other recommendations we would welcome further discussion and clarity as to the practicalities on the way forward.