Issue - meetings

The Panel will receive a verbal update on this agenda item.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care introduced the Somer Valley Youth Connect Team Leader and the Head of Young People’s Prevention Services who were present for this item. He explained that progress was being made on developing what the service will look like in the future. He said that consultation had begun in February / March 2017 and that current thinking is often fed back to staff.

He said that he had discussed proposals with the Cabinet Member and that two engagement events with community partners had been held to assess their levels of interest and the use of the three associated buildings. He added that as of November 2017, 8 groups have given firm expressions of interest.

He said that a successful bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport had secured funding of £20,000 to assess the potential to create a staff mutual to take on the delivery of Youth Connect. He added that he had met with colleagues earlier in the day and that the feeling was there was potential in the project and that viability / feasibility reports would be carried out.

The Chair asked what the current thoughts were in respect of the buildings.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that he felt that some middle ground would have to be met as it would not be possible for all of them to remain in the control of the Council.

The Head of Young People’s Prevention Services confirmed that there has been a wide consultation of staff regarding this matter and officers were intent on seeking the best service for our young people.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that she was concerned that potentially a substantial number of posts could be lost during this process and that Paulton and other areas of the Council do need a functioning Youth Service.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that a staff mutual was likely to be the best long term option to be able to access funding and grow and develop as a business.

The Somer Valley Youth Connect Team Leader said that should a staff mutual be formed there could be the potential to increase services by working with Parish Councils.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People commented that if successful he felt that other local areas would like to use our services.

The Head of Young People’s Prevention Services explained that an informal consultation on a new model was likely to take place in January 2018 followed by formal consultation in March 2018.

The Somer Valley Youth Connect Team Leader said that early feasibility work was ongoing and that a decision regarding a staff mutual would be made in December /January as to whether or not to go forward. He added that if the project moved forward it could open opportunities for staff that may initially be at risk of redundancy.

The Chair asked for a written update report to be submitted to their January 2018 meeting.