Agenda

To receive apologies for absence from those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.

To note the change to the membership in that Councillor Eric Firth has replaced Cllr Anwar on the Panel. 

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on the 22^nd September 2023 and 1^st December 2023.

Members will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have any disclosable pecuniary interests or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Committee.

The Panel will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

The Panel will consider a report on Working Together to Safeguard Children advising that in December 2023, the Department for Education published new statutory guidance on multi-agency working to help, protect and promote the welfare of children.

Contact:         Tom Brailsford, Director of Children and Families

                        Jo-Anne Sanders, Service Director

The Panel will consider a verbal update on the performance highlights from the latest Children’s Services data report covering period ending 30^th November 2023.

Contact:         Jo-Anne Sanders, Service Director

                       Kieran Lord, Service Director

                        Vicky Metheringham, Service Director

The Panel will consider any potential areas of pre-decision scrutiny in accordance with any cabinet decisions relating to children and young people which are on the horizon and receive updates from Senior Officers in Children’s Services.

Contact:         Service Directors (Children’s Services)

Panel Members who attend the Corporate Parenting Board, will feedback on key areas of focus considered by the Board, which will be of interest to the Panel.

The Panel will consider the proposed areas of focus and activity for the 2023/24 municipal year and discuss the method and means to be used to continue the Panel’s work going forward.

Contact:         Helen Kilroy, Assistant Democracy Manager