Date & Venue:
22nd May 2019, Costessey Town Council, Norwich
Key Highlights:
- Leadership & Membership Updates:
- Amanda Dunn introduced as the new Assistant Director for Learning Disabilities & Autism Commissioning.
- No objections were raised to Mark Rushen’s appointment as co-chair.
- Working Group Updates:
- Workforce Development & Training:
- Autism training for NCC staff rolled out, including e-learning and one-day intermediate courses.
- Plans to expand training to wider partners (NHS, social care, education) pending funding discussions.
- Business case required to assess costs for external access to training.
- Engagement:
- Adult autism questionnaire finalized, awaiting Easy Read format.
- Autism Awareness Day in Norwich was successful—plans for a Great Yarmouth event.
- Data Collection:
- Autism Dashboard in development, improving data tracking across local services.
- Public Health Autism Needs Assessment approved for wider distribution.
- Diagnostic Pathways:
- New autism diagnosis pathway for adults & children under review.
- Concerns raised about poor communication with those on waiting lists—NCH&C to address.
- Education:
- £120m investment in SEND improvements, including 170 special resource base places.
- Focus on improving EHCP processes and increasing school inclusion support.
- Workforce Development & Training:
- Independent Review of NAPB:
- Recommendations for improving board operations, engagement, and transparency accepted.
- Changes to be integrated into the communication & engagement plan.
- Norfolk Autism Strategy Development:
- Strategy co-produced with input from autistic individuals, carers, and organizations.
- Final draft expected to be approved by NCC Cabinet in August 2019.
- Members encouraged to endorse the strategy within their organizations.
- Public Forum (NAPG) Concerns:
- Tensions and negativity raised in previous meetings—proposals to restructure engagement.
- Suggestions for smaller, focused sessions instead of large group meetings.
Next Steps:
- Expand autism training to external partners and resolve licensing/cost barriers.
- Improve data collection through the Autism Dashboard.
- Launch the Norfolk Autism Strategy following Cabinet approval.
Next Meeting: 18 July 2019, County Hall
To read the full minutes click here
