Agenda item

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Paul Foster), the South Ribble Partnership Manager (Howard Anthony) and the Chair of the South Ribble Partnership (Jacqueline de Rose) presented an update on the work of the Partnership to the Committee and responded to members’ comments and queries.

The Partnership had recently been relaunched following a restructure and revisions to its governance arrangements. Key objectives had been identified and there was an emphasis on improving the quantity of services available to residents and on utilising connections to bolster co-operative working. The Partnership also seeks to increase volunteering opportunities in the borough.

Substantial consultation had been undertaken to identify the needs and desires of residents and the Partnership is confident in the defined outcomes of this, including the Community Awards and the establishment of a time credits scheme.

The Partnership benefits from several grants and most organisations involved provide funding for projects. South Ribble Borough Council, Progress Housing Group and other partners also contribute to the Partnership and members were assured that finances are used wisely to ensure sustainability.

Members queried the new governance structure of the Partnership and were informed that a formal constitution is adhered to and all Partnership work and reports are publicly available to view. The Executive Board is made up of members with a variety of skills and specialisms.

In response to a query around the Partnership’s action plan and its ambitions, members were assured that the Partnership hoped to see tangible benefits from their work within two years. The action plan was developed through a desire to make a difference to the borough and through feedback from community events.

Members were interested in the social progress index which the Partnership was considering employing. This would track social improvement using several indicators, such as housing quality and education levels, and is currently used by the United Nations. Discussions were ongoing with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, who are the pioneers, and further information would be sent to committee members.

The data dashboard is similarly used to understand the profile of the area. The dashboard was acknowledged as valuable in providing instant information as to what the Partnership could influence.

Members enquired as to how partners are incentivised and were advised that the agreed, clear objectives of the Partnership motivate their work and there is a strong emphasis on recognising the value and contribution of partners.

As the Council had recently declared a climate emergency, the Partnership’s work on climate change was questioned. The need to consider environmental impact was identified by the Partnership and activities could include improving green spaces and assessing how accommodation can be environmentally-friendly.

A further update on the work of the Partnership would be received by the Committee in around 12 months, by which time it was anticipated that there would be a better understanding of existing services, more effective mapping and an increase in volunteering across the borough.

The committee thanked the Chair of the Partnership, Leader of the Council and Partnership Manager for attending and for their comprehensive report.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That

1.    the Scrutiny Committee welcomes the Partnership’s commitment to delivering outcomes.

2.    the Scrutiny Committee looks forward to receiving further information on the social progress index.

3.    the Scrutiny Committee wishes the Partnership well and looks forward to receiving a progress report in 12 months’ time.

4.    the Scrutiny Committee encourages the use of plain English or the provision of a glossary.