People Scrutiny Panel – 31 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.
422 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS, AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – Cllr Collinson declared a personal interest as he had a family member employed by North Lincolnshire Council’s Disabilities Team.
No whip was declared.
423 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– There were no requests received.
424 LOCAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD – ANNUAL REPORT 2016/17 – The Chairman welcomed Edwina Harrison, Independent Chair of the Local Safeguarding Children Board, to the meeting. The Chairman explained to the panel that Edwina was invited to present the Board’s annual report every year, to enable members to assure themselves on local safeguarding processes, and to allow the panel to gain a better understanding of the situation in North Lincolnshire.
Edwina gave a detailed presentation on the 2016/17 annual report, covering progress on previous priorities, identified areas for future focus, internal processes for ensuring that children and young people were kept safe, and how the Board knew it was making a difference. Edwina ended her presentation by discussing the potential implications of the Children and Social Work Act 2017, which would have significant implications for local safeguarding arrangements.
The Chairman led a discussion on relevant aspects of the report and on safeguarding in general. Members asked questions on issues such as child sexual exploitation, local prevalence rates, work with schools and colleges, domestic abuse and neglect, and the recent Ofsted report into safeguarding arrangements.
Resolved – (a) That Edwina Harrison be thanked for her attendance, presentation and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.
425 FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME AND PRIORITIES – The Director: Governance & Partnerships updated the panel on a number of received suggestions on potential items for future work. These were discussed in turn, with possible approaches debated by the panel.
Resolved – (a) That initial scoping of a shortlist be undertaken by the Chairman and Vice-Chair, and (b) that a further update be provided at the panel’s next meeting.
426 ADDED ITEM – The Director: Governance & Partnerships informed the panel that there was one outstanding added item request on the Annual Adult Services Complaints report. Arrangements were underway to enable the panel to discuss this item.
Resolved – That the situation be noted.