Issue - meetings

The Board received a report with respect to the establishment of a Children’s Trust, which would form part of the HSP structure and replace the former Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Board (CYPSP).  

It was noted that the Trust had met on 19 May and had agreed its Terms of Reference, Membership and the format for its three Sub Groups. The Children’s Trust Executive Performance Management Group (EPMG), which would take an overview of performance and agenda planning, had be established and was due to meet on 24 June.

Concern was raised that the size of the Trust would inhibit its ability to work effectively. In response the Board was advised that the Membership had been reviewed with a view to reducing it size. However, as new legislation was expected with respect to the membership of Children’s Trusts, it had been decided that the membership should remain relatively broad until guidance was issued. The six month review would provide an opportunity to evaluate whether the size of the Board was appropriate in light of the new legislation.

It was noted that as the Sub Groups developed the members of the Trust may feel that it was more appropriate for them to take up places on these bodies.

Clarification was sought as to how the Trust and the role of its members differed from the CYPSP. It was noted that each partner organisation, regardless of its size, would share equal accountability for delivering the Trusts work. The document contained a section describing the difference that the Trust would make. The new legislation around the Trust was also likely to review the role of trustees.

In terms of the relationship between the EPMG and the HSPs Performance Management Group (PMG) it was noted that in order to ensure that the PMG could hold the EMPG to account there would be no cross membership; second tier officers had been nominated by the statutory organisations with places on both groups to sit on the EPMG.

The Board discussed the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and the relationship between this and the Children’s Trust. It was noted that there would be an element of by scrutiny between the bodies. However, they had separate roles to perform and therefore would not be a duplication of work.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the amendment set out below, the proposals set out below regarding the implementation of the Haringey Children’s Trust, as set out in the report and protocol, be approved.