The Autism and Neurodiversity Strategic Partnership supports the Gwent Regional Partnership Board (RPB) and Regional Leadership Group in delivering the strategic intent set out in part 9 of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014, to improve outcomes and wellbeing for people and improve service delivery.

The key aims of the strategic partnership are:

• Improving care and support, ensuring people have more say and control.
• Improving outcomes and health and wellbeing across the region.
• Providing coordinated, person-centred care and support.
• Making more effective use of resources, skills, and expertise across partners

The strategic priorities are:

• Supporting the development of the Gwent Population Needs Assessment and the subsequent Gwent Regional Area Plan.
• Implementing the Autism Code of Practise and delivering the four national priorities: Autism Assessment and Diagnosis, Accessing Health and Social Care Services, Awareness Raising and Training on Autism, and Planning and Monitoring Services and Stakeholder Engagements
• Overseeing the delivery of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in relation to neurodevelopmental conditions and the duties set out in this Act across the Gwent region.
• The strategic partnership is required within the RPB governance structure to monitor a delegated budget and effective grant monitoring arrangements. This includes monies delegated via the Neurodiversity Improvement Programme.

Autism Code of Practise

The Autism Code of Practice is a statutory guideline issued by Welsh Government to ensure that public services in Wales provide effective support for autistic individuals, their families, and carers. The Code outlines the expectations for autism assessment and diagnosis, accessing health and social care services, raising awareness and training on autism, and planning and monitoring services.

The code highlights the importance of creating an inclusive society, ensuring timely and effective support, and promoting the well-being of autistic people through coordinated, person-centred care. The Code also highlights the legal frameworks and duties that local authorities, health boards, and NHS trusts must adhere to when delivering autism service.