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Report to: |
People Scrutiny Committee
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Date of meeting:
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24 September 2024 |
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By: |
Deputy 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) 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.
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, incorporating a number of updates including those outlined below. The Committee is asked to consider, discuss and agree the work programme, subject to any further changes required.
Scrutiny Reviews
School Attendance
2.2 The Committee heard in 2021 that overall school absence and persistent absence rates across East Sussex were high, when compared to national levels and statistical neighbours and agreed to conduct a scrutiny review. At the initial scoping board, it was agreed to postpone the review due to the ongoing impact of, and disruption from, the coronavirus pandemic.
2.3 A further scoping board meeting was held in July 2024 where the Board considered the latest data, information on new statutory national guidance, and work underway by the Department to support schools, pupils and families with low attendance. The Board agreed that although attendance was an ongoing area of concern, work by the Department was developing at pace and a more appropriate way forward was through a Reference Group. The Committee agreed at its July 2024 meeting to convert the Review into a Reference Group.
Healthy Ageing
2.4 The review into Healthy Ageing has concluded and the final report is included on this meeting agenda.
Briefings and training
2.5 As part of ongoing development, Members are invited to consider any other topics of interest for training to support their role on the Committee.
Forward Plan
2.6 A copy of the Council’s Forward Plan of executive decisions for the period 1 September to 31 December 2024 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
Deputy Chief Executive
Contact Officer: Rachel Sweeney, Senior Policy and Scrutiny Adviser
Tel. No. 07561267461
Email: rachel.sweeney@eastsussex.gov.uk