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Councillors Wilson (Vice-Chair), Carlile, Eckhardt and Wardle.

Councillor Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

209  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests –

No whip was declared.

210  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

211  SCRUTINY REVIEW – SICKNESS ABSENCE – The Chairman welcomed Janette Murray, Account Manager, from the council’s Occupational Therapy provider Wellwork.  Janette gave a short presentation on the role of Wellwork, including the number and nature of referrals, the various methods of support that they can provide, and some possible areas for future development.

Following the presentation, the Chairman led a discussion on a range of related issues, including cost of providing the service, management, comparisons of the public and private sectors, and pre-employment checks.

Resolved – (a) That Janette Murray be thanked for her attendance, presentation and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.

212  IT REVIEW – SELF SERVICE PORTAL – The Chairman welcomed Jason Whaler, Assistant Director Business Support, and Gary Dunn, Senior IT Officer (Digital Services) to the meeting.  The Chairman explained that Jason and Gary had been invited to update members on the progress, usage and success of the council’s self- service portal.  Jason set out the philosophy of the portal, before explaining how it worked in practice.  Statistics were circulated which provided details of registered users, the number of forms submitted and an estimate of how many cases going through traditional channels were avoided.  Members asked questions on a number of issues, including financial savings, demand, safeguards and the type of issues that customers were using the portal for.

Resolved – (a) That Jason Whaler and Gary Dunn be thanked for their presentation and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.

213  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.