Issue - meetings

Katie Stead, Policy, Improvement and Risk Manager, to present

Consideration was given to a report presented by Katie Stead, Policy, Improvement and Risk Manager, which provided details of recent external inspections, reviews and audits as well as a summary of progress against the recommendations from all external inspections, reviews and audits setting out details of arrangements for ensuring the accountability and governance around their implementation.

Since the last report to Committee in January 2026 (Minute No. 64 refers), 6 new external inspections, reviews and audits had been completed.  In total 37 recommendations or areas of improvement were listed on the tracker of which 21 had been completed since the last report; 16 remained ongoing of which 7 were delayed including 2 that were delayed by more than 12 months.  The reasons for the delays were summarised within Appendix 1 of the report submitted. 

There had been 2 inspections to Rotherham residential children’s homes since January both of which identified significant improvements achieved.

Discussion ensued with the following issues raised/clarified:-

-        The reasons behind the ongoing delay in implementing the 2 improvements identified at the 2024 Ofsted SEND  visit were complex and regularly discussed by management

-        A revised target date for completion of the 2023/24 Value for Money arrangements had been agreed (September 2026)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the recent external inspections, reviews and audits which have taken place and the progress made in implementing the recommendations since the last report in January 2026 be noted.

(2)  That the governance arrangements that were currently in place for monitoring and managing the recommendations be noted.

(3)    That the Audit Committee continue to receive regular reports in respect of external inspections, reviews and audits and the progress made.