Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – People, which provided Members with an overview of the People Directorate’s element of the Council’s Business Plan for 2021-22. 

It was reported that following a review by the Council’s Management Team, the continuation of the approach to the development of a single Business Plan for the 2021-22 financial year was endorsed.  Attached as Appendix 1 was the People Directorate’s element of that Business Plan for the Board’s information.  It was noted that Members of the Board were required to review the Directorate’s Plan at future meetings on a quarterly basis.

The report set out how the Plan was structured and it was explained that it would form the foundation of the quarterly monitoring reports that were provided to the Council’s Management Team, Executive Board and each of the Policy and Performance Boards.

Officers highlighted some emerging issues that would be taking place over the coming months –

·         Ofsted inspections returning to normal, these would be focussed visits that could happen at any time, with 10 days notice being given;

·         Changes to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in relation to harm to children and those who witness abuse; 

·         Changes to the rules around the age assessment of unaccompanied asylum seekers (below 18 years old);

·         a review into support for children with SEND; and

·         changes to the high needs funding formula.

RESOLVED:  That the report is received and the Board notes the requirement to receive quarterly updates on progress against the action plan.