Report to:	People Scrutiny Committee
Date of meeting:	27 September 2022
By:	Assistant Chief Executive
Title:	People Scrutiny Committee Work Programme
Purpose:	To review and discuss the People Scrutiny Committee’s future work programme

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RECOMMENDATIONS: The Committee is recommended to:

1) review and agree the updated work programme set out at Appendix 1, reflecting changes agreed at the Committee’s recent work planning awayday; and

2) review upcoming items on East Sussex County Council’s Forward Plan as set out at Appendix 2 to identify any issues that may require more detailed scrutiny.

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1          Background

1.1       The work programme is an important tool in ensuring the correct focus and best use of the Committee’s time in scrutinising topics that are of importance to the residents of East Sussex, and the efficient and effective working of the Council. It also provides clarity for those who may be requested to give evidence to the Committee on the issues under review, and the questions the Committee requires answers to.

1.2       Discussion of the work programme provides the Committee with the opportunity to consider topics that it may be of value to scrutinise, and to decide whether further scoping work is required. This provides a basis for deciding the best way of scrutinising a topic, the timescale, and who from the Committee will be involved in carrying out the review work. If there are a number of potential topics for review, Members can determine the priority of the work within the resources available to the Committee.

2          Supporting information

Work programme

2.1       The Committee’s work programme was reviewed by the Committee at its work planning awayday on Thursday 8 September, where it was agreed:

• to establish a People Scrutiny reference group on implementation of the Adult Social Care reforms. Membership was agreed as Councillors di Cara, Geary and Ungar. It was agreed the first meeting of the Group will take place after the Fair Cost of Care exercise is completed in October and will consider the anticipated impact of the reforms on the Council and local care market;
• to remove the Committee’s Reference Group on the Strategic Commissioning Review of Early Help to avoid duplication of topics on the work programme, as the agreed Scrutiny Review of Prevention in Children’s Services will consider the Department’s latest approach to Early Help; and
• the Committee would receive a briefing on public health work to support local food partnerships.

2.2       These changes are reflected on the latest draft work programme attached at Appendix 1. The Committee is asked to review, discuss any further amendments to, and agree the latest work programme.

2.3       When considering potential topics for inclusion in the work programme, the Committee is asked to consider a range of questions. These include:  

• Is the topic relevant to the Council’s Corporate Priorities?
• Is the issue of concern or of relevance to East Sussex residents?
• Can Scrutiny have an impact and add value by scrutinising this issue, service or policy?
• Is the issue one that the Committee can realistically influence?
• Are the resources needed to undertake the review available?

Scrutiny Reviews

2.4       The Committee agreed to commence three scrutiny reviews of the following topics at its July 2022 Committee:

• Adult Social Care Equality and Inclusion
• Use of Digital and Technology in ASC
• Use of Prevention in Children’s Services

2.5       Work on these reviews is underway. The first Review Board of the Review of Use of Digital and Technology in Adult Social Care will take place on Wednesday 21 September and will consider current take-up of digital platforms and services in Adult Social Care services and the cultural and behavioural changes needed to encourage and enable greater use.

2.6       Any suggestions for potential Scrutiny Review topics should be discussed with the Chair, or the Senior Policy and Scrutiny Adviser, in advance of the Committee meetings.    

Forward Plan

2.7       A copy of the Council’s Forward Plan of executive decisions for the period 1 September 2022 to 31 December 2022 is included at Appendix 2. The Committee is requested to review the forthcoming items on the Forward Plan to identify any issues within the remit of this Committee that may require more detailed scrutiny. The Forward Plan is revised and published on a monthly basis and Committee members should regularly review the Forward Plan.

3.         Conclusion and reasons for recommendations

3.1       An important part of managing the work of the People Scrutiny Committee is regularly reviewing its future work programme. This involves the Committee assessing its priorities, ensuring its ongoing reviews are completed in a timely fashion and identifying new areas for scrutiny.   

PHILIP BAKER
Assistant Chief Executive

Contact Officer: Beth McGhee, Senior Policy and Scrutiny Adviser           

Tel. No. 01273 335828

Email: beth.mcghee@eastsussex.gov.uk