Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services about the progress of the Service Improvement Action Plan which encompassed recommendations from case file audits, the Strengths-based Learning Review from January 2014, and the grade descriptors from the new inspection framework. Members noted that all aspects of Children’s Social Care were considered, including the Children and Families Team, Leadership and Management and the Local Authorities Designated Officer role, and the plan would be monitored through the Children’s Executive Board, Inspection Planning Meetings and City Safeguarding Sub-Group.

In response to a Member’s question, officers reported that there was an expectation for staff to retain and develop skills to deal with issues that occurred infrequently in the City. Despite being a challenge, Members noted that this was being met through shadowing, workforce development, or working with officers in other Local Authorities.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.