Issue - meetings

To consider a presentation of the Director of Children’s Services with an update on activities and approaches throughout the third national lockdown.

The Panel received the presentation of the Director of Children’s Services with an update on the activities and ongoing work throughout the third national lockdown.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:

• Enhanced support was being offered to staff throughout the pandemic although staff absences due to mental health and stress were lower than in the previous year. Members noted that there would likely be a lasting mental health impact both locally and on a national scale once the pandemic had passed.
• The same criminal checks were carried out for volunteers as well as for employees.
• Virtual events and meetings had generally experienced higher attendance particularly from partner organisations who had found it difficult to attend some physical meetings previously.
• Children’s Services as a department was fit for the next decade and transforming it’s practices continuously. Members noted the considerable regulations around children’s social care but that the department were striving to develop new and innovative ways of working and improving. Members praised the departments reactive response to the pandemic.

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Families Advisory Panel notes the content of the presentation.