PRESENT:- Councillor Wilson in the chair.
Councillors Mrs Bromby (vice-chair), Cawsey, Eckhardt, N Sherwood, Simpson and Whiteley.
The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
1 DECLARATIONS - OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) - There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
No whip was declared.
2 'EVERY CHILD MATTERS' - The Deputy Chief Executive - Individuals attended the meeting to give a presentation on the 'Every Child Matters framework' and bring members up-to-date.
The panel were given an in depth presentation covering areas including 'The past' e.g. the 1944 Act, Social Services and Seebohm (1968), The National Health Service leading onto 'The Future' following the Victoria Climbie tragedy and the report of Lord Laming which led to the new Children Act and Children's Trust.
Members were informed of the five outcomes of Every Child Matters, and the progress which was being made within the authority and its partners.
Resolved - That the Deputy Chair Executive - Individuals be thanked for providing such an informative presentation, and for answering members questions.
3 YOUTH SERVICE REVIEW - The panel have formed a sub-group to clear with the Youth Service Review. The panel were informed that the sub-group met in July 2007 with Kate Longstaff from the Youth Service, and David Lea, Service Director Learning, Schools and Communities, to discuss the panels transition report and the key points arising out of the review.
The next stages will be for the sub-group to receive details of a benchmarking exercise carried out the other authorities on the youth service, and to interview the cabinet member for children's services.
Resolved - That this action be noted.
4 (1) 'REVISION OF THE CHILDREN'S HOMES STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE' - This report was referred to the Scrutiny Panel from the cabinet member for children's services in order for the panel to discuss and make any relevant comments.
The report sought approval from the cabinet member for the revised Statements of Purpose for Children's Homes in North Lincolnshire.
Resolved - That the panel note the report with no comments.
5 (2) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S FORWARD PLAN - SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2007 - The Head of Legal and Democratic Services circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council's Forward Plan for September to December 2007.
The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.
6 (3) ADDED ITEM - In accordance with Paragraph 12 of Part 4 (Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules) of the council's constitution. Councillor Mrs Bromby asked that the report on 'Safeguarding Children CRB checks for Employees' previously approved by the Corporate Services Cabinet Member on 3 August 2007, be placed on the agenda for discussion.
The purpose of the report was to review the current position in respect of Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks for employees who work with children throughout the council and in schools, also to consider phased changed to the current policy on CRB checks.
Members had a lengthy discussion on report and its contents.
Resolved - (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that the panel re-visit this issue in 6 months time.