Report to: People Scrutiny Committee
Date of meeting: 19 November 2024
By: Deputy Chief Executive
Title: People Scrutiny Committee Work Programme
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 A;
2) review upcoming items on East Sussex County Council’s Forward Plan as set out at Appendix B 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 work programme was reviewed by the Committee at its work planning awayday on 21 October, where it was agreed that input into Adult Social Care and Health’s (ASCH) preparations for a Care Quality Commission assessment should remain on the work programme, and to receive an update from ASCH on progress of its Carers Partnership Strategy. The Committee also agreed to add the following items to the work programme for the incoming committee to consider for future scrutiny work:
· transport for all age care as a potential review topic;
· recruitment of foster carers as a potential review topic;
· support for carers as a potential review topic; and
· an update in autumn 2025 on the impact of any agreed savings on services within the committee’s remit.
2.2 These changes are reflected on the latest draft work programme attached at Appendix A. 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?
Briefings and training
2.4 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
2.5 A copy of the Council’s Forward Plan of executive decisions for the period 1 November to
28 February 2025 is included at Appendix B. 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