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Report to: |
People Scrutiny Committee
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Date of meeting:
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16 December 2022 |
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By: |
Assistant Chief Executive
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Title: |
People Scrutiny Committee Work Programme
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Purpose: |
To review and discuss the People Scrutiny Committee’s future work programme |
RECOMMENDATIONS: The Committee is recommended to:
1) review and agree the latest work programme set out at Appendix 1;
2) consider the summary of work and comments of the Loneliness and Resilience Reference Group at Appendix 2 – to follow; and
3) review upcoming items on East Sussex County Council’s Forward Plan as set out at Appendix 3 to identify any issues that may require more detailed scrutiny.
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 latest work programme is attached at Appendix 1. The Committee is asked to consider, discuss and agree any changes required.
Loneliness and Resilience Reference Group
2.2 The Loneliness and Resilience Reference Group was established by the previous People Scrutiny Committee in March 2021 to input into a loneliness project being undertaken by the Adult Social Care and Health (ASCH) department. The Reference Group has met four times since and agreed at its last meeting on 29 November 2022 to conclude its work, and report back to the Committee a summary of the work the Group has undertaken and summary comments on the areas it has considered. This is included as Appendix 2 (to follow).
2.3 When considering potential topics for inclusion in the work programme, the Committee is asked to consider a range of questions. These include:
Scrutiny Reviews
2.5 The first Review Board meeting of the Review of the Use of Prevention in Children’s Services will take place on 5 January 2023 and will consider initial evidence and an updated timeline for the Review. The Review of Adult Social Care Equality and Inclusion will also commence in the New Year.
2.6 A re-Scoping Board of a Scrutiny Review of School Exclusions will take place on 12 January 2023 to consider work on inclusion undertaken by the Department since the Review was agreed prior to the COVID-pandemic; whether it remains appropriate to undertake a review of this area; and, if so, whether any changes are required to the previously agreed Terms of Reference.
2.7 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 December 2022 to 31 March 2023 is included at Appendix 3. 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