Agenda item

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.

The Chair asked if an update could be provided on the proposed changes to the Connecting Families service that were raised at the last meeting.

The Executive Director for People replied that the consultation remained ongoing and that a regular dialogue was taking place between the Senior Leadership Team and the Unions.

He added that expressions of interest in certain roles would not be sought until the consultation had closed.

He said that the consultation had been extended until 17^th July 2026 and that further engagement activities have been planned. He added that at this stage the new structure of the service is anticipated to be issued on 1^st September 2026 and go live on 1^st November 2026.

He stated that following on from the all Councillor briefing in March 2026 a further briefing would sought for some time in May 2026.

The Chair commented that the previous briefing had been helpful and welcomed the offer a further one.

Councillor Joanna Wright said that it was good to hear that talks are ongoing, but said it was her understanding that many staff still don’t feel part of the consultation. She added that she believed that further strikes are planned, or at least being considered and asked what can be done to avoid such action, given the likely impact it would have on the public.

The Executive Director for People replied that he was aware that Unison had held an indicative ballot of their members which had shown that they were in support of taking strike action. He added that the Council would seek to mitigate risks should a strike take place and would work with the Unions to attempt to avoid such action.

Councillor Wright says she recalls being told that there would not be a fire and rehire process and asked if an explanation could be given to those staff that had received a letter stating that their role no longer existed.

The Executive Director for People replied that the process around the deletion of posts has been explained to those concerned and that the letters sent were part of the HR process. He added that in many cases the reason for the letter was that the role was to be subject to a change in title. He stated that five posts were at risk of redundancy.

Councillor Wright said that she remained unhappy with how the process had been carried out so far, especially for the five people whose roles were at most risk.

The Executive Director for People replied that the consultation is still ongoing and that support is being given to those members of staff whose roles are at most risk.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, thanked him for his update.

Kevin Burnett raised the issue of supervised teeth brushing in schools and asked if Public Health could consider whether this role should be undertaken by Health Visitors rather than school staff.

Lucy Baker, Place Director, BSW ICB replied that as there wasn’t a Public Health officer currently present, she would relay that point to them.

Kevin Burnett referred to the statement made by Becky Somerset, Director,3SG where she spoke of the £250,000 worth of savings to be made from Contract Management and any impact that this may have on the Third Sector. He said that they should be consulted on any potential impact and for their work to be protected where possible.

He added that he would welcome a review of the Council’s budget setting principles to be held prior to next year.