Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 11th September, 2006 be approved as a correct record.

Deborah Johnson, Performance and Quality Officer, presented briefly the submitted report highlighting the findings of the Joint Area Review which was carried out by the Inspectors in May and June, 2006. It was noted that the published full review report was available on the Council’s website.

Overall the results were good and there were very few recommendations. A firm commitment had been given to broader improvements and the details of the grade descriptors had been used to develop a Grade 4 Plan. Work on this was currently being undertaken. It was felt possible to achieve improved grades in some of the outcome areas in time for the 2007 Annual Performance Assessment.

The report set out the grades awarded and the recommendations for action (a) immediately (b) over the next six months and (c) in the longer term.

Discussion and a question and answer session ensued and the following issues were covered :-

-     discussions regarding more timely access for non-urgent paediatric occupational therapy cases

-     PCT and Council priorities

-     assessment of results compared to other authorities

-     borough wide post 16 education and training

-     voluntary sector provision

-     school improvement attainment

-     Key Stage 2 and impending performance clinic

Resolved:- (1) That the information be noted

(2) That the updated table of comparators in respect of results be made available.

(3) That the Grade 4 Plan be reported to a future meeting of this Board.

Lorna Kelly, Corporate Improvement Manager, presented briefly the submitted report highlighting the need to refresh the Corporate Improvement Plan due to internal and external factors.

The report covered :-

-     background information to the initial development of a Corporate Improvement Plan

-     proposed refresh including any existing outstanding actions and detail of how to action:-

            -     requirements of the White Paper

            -     Our Future

            -     Corporate Assessment recommendations

            -     employee opinion survey findings

            -     Quality of Life findings

            -     Local Area Agreement (LAA) requirements

            -     Use of Resources outcome

            -     Data Quality findings

-     the way forward : setting out the timetable to ensure that the Corporate Improvement Plan was revised, consulted on and approved by March, 2007.

Resolved:- That the information be noted and proposed way forward be supported.

Matthew Gladstone, Acting Assistant Chief Executive, gave a brief update on the outcome of the above and highlighted the scores which were published on the Council’s website.

Reference was made to potential issues.

Matthew Gladstone, Acting Assistant Chief Executive, reported briefly on numerous approaches from other authorities seeking information following our CPA.

Reference was made to potential resources issues particularly in responding individually to requests.

It was proposed to investigate holding one or two events to which authorities could be invited. A nominal fee would be charged.

Resolved:- That the information be noted and proposals for events be supported.