Annual Audit
Audit Scotland published their Shetland Islands Integration Joint Board annual audit 2021/22 in December 2022. The audit was largely positive with a small number of recommendations for improvement. The audit noted:
The HSCP reports strong performance in delayed discharges, unlike many other HSCPs across Scotland. This has been achieved through focussed daily monitoring as part of the partnership working, with dedicated social work input to support the hospital and the development of an Intermediate Care Team. This has allowed the HSCP to focus on early intervention and prevention work.
There is a long-standing, good working relationship between the council, the NHS and the HSCP. There are good examples of the partners working together to transform services, for example the nursing models for Islands with Small Populations.
The IJB continues to have effective budget setting and monitoring arrangements in place. This is supported by an experienced finance team and a robust internal audit function, as well as appropriate arrangements for the prevention and detection of fraud and error
The IJB continues to have strong leadership, with robust governance arrangements in place and recent induction training for new members. It also demonstrates a commitment to remain open and transparent around its decision making and performance. Further work remains to implement a formal self-assessment process
Areas identified for improvement include:
- increased involvement with review of workforce planning;
- a formal, ongoing approach to IJB members’ development;
- community engagement in the budget setting process
– all of these areas have been incorporated into development work over the course of the year and will continue to be progressed.