Agenda item

Report of the Chief Grants Officer and Director of City Bridge Trust.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Chief Grants Officer and Director of the City Bridge Trust presenting the proposed final version of the City Corporation’s Social Mobility Strategy for 2018-28.

Members heard how this strategy was designed collaboratively across the organisation and represents a broad range of views.

Members were very supportive of the strategy and made the following comments:

·         As the strategy spans ten years, it was important to consider the frequency of reviewing the strategy against its objectives. Members were in agreement that a deep analysis every three to four years would be sufficient, alongside an annual review.

·         In addition, Members asked for more cross referencing of strategies to help evidence the measures achieved.

·         Members commented on the messaging of the strategy and suggested that a more coherent narrative was put forward.

·         It was noted that the City Corporation had a vulnerability in that more financial support is given to the City Corporation’s independent schools than its academies.

·         Social mobility had not progressed across the UK as the Government had envisaged, and a Member had first-hand experience of how young people lack soft skills, which make them less employable.

·         Members noted how, particularly, children of a low socio-economic background will have become more disadvantaged over the Summer holidays, due to lack of learning and stimulation, and in some cases, lack of nutrition. Members felt quite strongly that this could be an area where the City Corporation could support and the Member who raised the issue offered to investigate the issue further, including how Livery Companies could support.

·         The Chairman of the Establishment Committee asked for the report to be discussed by his Committee in order to note the equalities implications of the strategy.

·         Whilst Members were supportive of the collaborative approach behind the strategy, there were some concerns that aspect could be lost if there was not a clear owner. Members noted, however that the Director of the City Bridge Trust would own the strategy until March 2019.

·         The emphasis of the over-arching measures of success should be on the learners, residents and worker population we work with across London and beyond, rather than the main focus to be on how the City Corporation would be perceived.

·         A Member noted that there was no mention of the prison sector and due to the City Corporation’s strong links to the Old Bailey, there would be scope to include this.

·         That this Sub-Committee should make a recommendation to the Policy & Resources Committee that they consider the outcomes of the Members Diversity Working Party as part of this strategy.

·         Members noted that the recent GCSE and A Level results across the City Corporation’s academies had been very high.

RESOLVED, that:

·         The Social Mobility Strategy be endorsed for onward approval by the Policy and Resources Committee;

·         The proposed next steps for its delivery be noted;

·         That the Establishment Committee consider the equalities impact of the Social Mobility Strategy;

·         That the Policy and Resources Committee be recommended to consider the outcomes of the Members Diversity Working Party as part of this strategy.