Agenda and minutes

In the event the fire alarm sounds attendees will be advised to evacuate the building via the nearest fire exit and assemble at the Bottle of Notes opposite MIMA.

The Chair welcomed all attendees to the meeting and explained the fire evacuation procedures.

Name of Member	Type of Interest	Item / Nature of Business
Cllr J Banks	Non-Pecuniary	Employed within education setting.
Cllr E Clynch	Non-Pecuniary	Employed within education setting.
Cllr D Jackson	Non-Pecuniary	School Governor.
Cllr S Tranter	Non-Pecuniary	Employed within education setting.
Cllr L Young	Non-Pecuniary	Employed within education setting.

 

The minutes of the People Scrutiny Panel meeting held on 16 September 2024 were submitted and approved as a correct record.

The Committee will formulate Terms of Reference for the current scrutiny review.

By way of a starting point and to facilitate discussion, the Democratic Services Officers tabled some potential terms of reference for the Children Missing from Education (CME) scrutiny review.

 

The Chair invited Members to discuss the proposals and to consider any revisions or additions.

 

Following discussion, the panel agreed the terms of reference as follows:

 

1.     To understand the current position in terms of Middlesbrough Council’s Children Missing Education (CME) to examine key data and demographics/characteristics in respect of Children Missing Education in Middlesbrough, and compare with regional and national statistics.

2.     To examine how the Local Authority works with children, young people and their families, and education providers to identify and support CME (e.g. referrals and proactive identification).

3.     To investigate what additional resources, if any, could be accessed to assist with CME.

4.     To consider any potential implications/impact/challenges of CME on providers and services.

5.     To consider the challenges of transient communities and how the Ethnic Minority Achievement Team (EMAT) track and work with newly arrived families.

6.     To consider the increasing number of permanently excluded children in respect of CME.

 

NOTED

The Director of Adult Social Care and Health Integration will provide a position update on the CQC inspection of Middlesbrough Council’s delivery of it’s duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.

The Director of Adult Social Care and Health Integration was in attendance to present a position update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Middlesbrough Council’s delivery of its duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.

 

The presentation included:

 

·        Notification and timeline of the inspection.

·        Preparation activities for staff and external partners.

·        Plans for engagement with the CQC during the inspection.

 

Formal notification of the inspection was received from the CQC on 27 August 2024; the inspection was scheduled for 28 October 2024 - 1 November 2024.  CQC inspectors would evaluate Middlesbrough Council services against the following key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness, and leadership.

 

The following preparations for the inspection were currently taking place:

 

·        Staff Preparation - Regular briefings to ensure all staff understood the inspection process and CQC expectations with a focus on demonstrating quality in all key areas, including evidence of good practice and compliance.

·        External Partner Engagement - External partners briefed on the inspection and their potential involvement.

·        Representatives Identified for CQC Drop-In Sessions - Team representatives had been chosen to participate in CQC’s open drop-in sessions. They would share good news stories and case studies showcasing the positive impact of services, highlighting areas of innovation, collaboration, and success.

·        Key Workers Involved in CQC Case Reviews - Six cases have been selected by CQC for in-depth review.  Key workers involved in these cases would receive tailored briefings in advance of their interviews with the CQC.  Guidance would focus on being clear, confident, and transparent in presenting their work and outcomes for the individuals involved.

 

The following ongoing actions were noted:

 

·        Continued staff briefings and preparations.

·        Ongoing engagement with external partners.

·        Finalise the preparation for CQC drop-in sessions and key worker case reviews.

·        Address any remaining areas requiring attention before the formal inspection begins.

 

The presentation concluded with an overview of Adult Social Care’s strengths and areas for development.

 

A Member raised a query in respect of the expectations of the outcome of the inspection and the likelihood of receiving a poor report or unexpected findings.  The Director of Adult Social Care and Health Integration advised that open and transparent communication had taken place with the CQC and self-awareness of strengths and areas requiring development, was key. It was noted that financial challenges, impacts of cost reduction and ongoing transformation work had placed pressures on the department.

 

A query was raised as to whether there would be mMmber involvement in the inspection and if briefings would take place.  It was confirmed that the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, the Elected Mayor, would be briefed.

 

The panel thanked the Director of Adult Social Care and Health Integration for the presentation and wished the department well with the inspection.

 

NOTED

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chair will provide a verbal update on matters considered at the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 25 September 2024 and 30 September 2024.

The Chair provided an update on items discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Board meetings held on 25 September 2024 and 30 September 2024.

 

At the meeting held on 25 September 2024, Members considered matters relating to: Community Cohesion; Q1 Corporate Performance Update; Q1 Revenue and Capital Budget Outturn Position; and Executive Forward Work Programme.

 

At the meeting held on 30 September 2024, Members considered the Call-In regarding the Disposal of Land at Nunthorpe Grange.

The next meeting of the People Scrutiny Panel had been scheduled for Monday, 11 November 2024 at 4.30 p.m. in the Mandela Room, Town Hall.

 

NOTED

 

None.