Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 14th September, 2009 be approved as a correct record.

Julie Westwood, Director of Resources, Planning and Performance, presented the submitted report relating to the Children and Young People’s Services Improvement Plan summary as considered by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services on 18th November, 2009. It was noted that detailed regular monitoring took place against a number of actions across several themes.

The full improvement plan had been formatted to ensure accuracy in tracking the achievements made in the monitoring period and the calculation of actions completed.

Also submitted was the highlight report for October which detailed the items achieved during that month, overdue items and the items planned for the forthcoming month. Risks and issues of concern were also illustrated.

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

• value for money considerations
• social work caseloads
• vacancy rates
• recruitment and retention of staff
• referrals process
• agile working
• scrutiny arrangements

Resolved:- That the information be noted.

Lorna Kelly, Performance Management Officer, presented the submitted report setting out the draft guidance in relation to the Council’s approach to performance clinics which recently had been reviewed and revised.

The background to the review was highlighted as were aspects of the guidance that needed strengthening.

As a result the guidance was revised and now focused on :-

- Overview

• Aims of performance clinics
• Different types of performance clinics
• Reasons why a performance clinic is called

- Attending a Performance Clinic

• What happens at the clinic
• What happens after the clinic

- Cancelling Corporate Performance Clinics

-Further Information and Supporting Documents

• Planning and co-ordinating a corporate performance clinic
• Preparing for a corporate performance clinic
• Corporate performance clinic briefing paper template
• Corporate performance clinic agenda template
• Corporate performance clinic timescales

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

• re-launch of the guidance
• scrutiny involvement in the process
• partnership performance clinics
• mandates and deadlines for action
• membership on a rota basis with independent chair
• potential for a training session through the Member Training and Development Panel in the context of extending the role of the elected member
• attendance of Chair of Audit Committee at future clinics

Resolved:- (1) That the information be noted.

(2) That the draft revised guidance be approved and implemented with effect from December, 2009.

(3) That it be noted that Corporate Management Team had been made aware of the proposed changes to the guidance in the Quarter 2 performance report presented on 16th November, 2009.

Matt Gladstone, Assistant Chief Executive, presented the submitted paper updating the latest position with regard to the above. It was noted that the results were due to be published on 10th December, 2009.

Matt outlined the overall position, key messages and key challenges for the Authority.

Resolved:- That the information be noted.

Resolved:- That the next meeting be held on Monday, 11th January, 2010 at 10.00 a.m.