Issue - meetings

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive, Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Communications to present the findings of a review of partnership working undertaken by Grant Thornton.

Cllr Butcher left the meeting at 20:45hrs.

Eve Pelekanos, Corporate Head of Performance and Policy, presented the report on the outcomes and recommendations arising from the review of Haringey Strategic Partnership by Grant Thornton, which had been undertaken between November 2009 and February 2010. The 12 recommendations were set out in the action plan along with the Partnership’s responses, and all 12 recommendations had been agreed by management, several of which had already been implemented. It was reported that further announcements were awaited from the Government in respect of the future of the LAA and plans for strategic partnerships.

In response to a question from the Committee regarding progress with the agreed action to implement a new data platform, Ms Pelekanos confirmed that this work would enable joint needs assessments and would be of benefit to all partners.

The Committee expressed concern that Members heard very little about the work of the HSP, and that this review had not identified this as an issue. Concern was also expressed regarding the recommendation on private sector engagement, as not all Members felt that private sector engagement was necessary. The Committee asked whether any payment was required in relation to the advice being sought on how best to engage with the private sector, in response to which Ms Pelekanos agreed to seek information on this point and report back.

The Committee also expressed some concern regarding the recommendation on Community Link Forum representation, as it was felt that it was the responsibility of HAVCO to ensure that all delivery agencies were fully involved in the work of the Partnership and that effective involvement did not necessarily require every group to participate directly in the decision making process. Paul Dossett, Grant Thornton, advised that this recommendation had been made on the basis of feedback received, although the most important issue was to increase the number of demonstrable outcomes.

The Chair advised that Committee that although the CAA ratings had been abolished, the need to continue and improve partnership working remained strong and this work should continue. The Chair welcomed the report that all 12 recommendations had been agreed, and noted the deadlines for implementation. The Chair noted the endorsement of the Section 151 officer in the report.

RESOLVED

That the content of the report and the 12 management actions contained in the action plan be noted.