People Scrutiny Panel – 10 October 2017
PRESENT: – Councillor T Foster in the Chair.
Councillors Collinson, Evison, Godfrey, and Rowson.
Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr W Egan and Mr G Marsden (Church Representatives) and Mr S Milner and Mrs P Whittaker (Parent Governor Representatives).
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
417 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.
418 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– There were no requests received.
419 POST-16 EDUCATION – RAISING THE PARTICIPATION AGE – The Chairman welcomed Sandra Simmons, Head of Participation and Achievement, and Julie Lane, Post-16 Lead Officer, to the meeting. The Chairman reminded the panel that they had requested an update on the ‘Raising the Participation Age’ approach, including how it was being embedded locally and how it was performing.
Julie delivered a presentation covering key aspects of the programme, including delivery structures, support for young people, funding, and local outcomes. Both Julie and Sandra responded to members’ questions throughout, who asked about issues such as Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), internships, the provision of information and options, and financial incentives. The Chairman indicated that a further discussion on SEND may prove useful to provide the necessary assurances and to discuss the issue in more depth.
Resolved – (a) That Sandra Simmons and Julie Lane be thanked for their attendance, presentation and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that a further meeting on this subject be arranged, involving officers from the Access and Inclusion Team.
420 FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME AND PRIORITIES – The Chairman reminded the panel of the work programme for 2017/18, and invited members to submit further items for potential reviews via the Director: Governance & Partnerships. A discussion took place on possible review topics, and the Chairman stated that decisions on the work programme for the remainder of 2017/18 would be taken at the next scheduled meeting.
Resolved – (a) That all members submit potential work programme issues to the Director: Governance & Partnerships, and (b) that the situation be noted.
421 ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.