Agenda item

This report takes forward the discussion at the previous meeting about the future of the Children and Young People’s Champion, and of this Working Group, in the light of recent developments such as the establishment of the Youth Council. It recommends that all members of this Working Group become “champions” of young people’s views and interests; and that the Group’s remit be revised to establish its primary role as being a conduit for such views.

Members received a report that took forward the discussion at the previous meeting about the future of the Children and Young People’s Champion, and of the Working Group, in the light of recent developments such as the establishment of the Youth Council.  The report recommended that all members of the Working Group became “champions” of young people’s views and interests; and that the Group’s remit be revised to establish its primary role as being a conduit for such views. 

It was noted that the Executive Member for Children and Young People had legal responsibilities to champion the rights of children and young people.  It was therefore proposed that a recommendation be made that the Executive Member’s portfolio responsibilities be extended to include presenting an annual report to full Council.  The report would be prepared jointly with the Youth Council.

The views of the Youth Council representatives were sought on this issue.  They explained that the Youth Council had discussed the matter at a recent meeting and had put forward the following suggestions:

• Members of the Youth Council did not have the time available to make representation directly to Council or its committees but they did want to have a route to ensure that their views were heard.  They had suggested that this could be done via their attendance at the Young People’s Working Group.  Issues that they raised could then be taken back by Members to the relevant committee or body.
• The Youth Council was aware that it did not currently represent the views of primary school aged children or of the under fives.  To address this issue the Youth Council was offering to facilitate consultation with younger children, perhaps on a termly basis. 
• The Youth Council would welcome the opportunity to have an input in council policies and had asked if it would be possible for copies of reports to be forwarded to them for consideration.

Members welcomed the Youth Council’s proposal that they would facilitate consultation with younger children but highlighted specific challenges that may arise in consulting with the under-fives.  It was suggested that advice be sought from early years specialists on this matter.  Members confirmed that they would be willing to attend the consultation events facilitated by the Youth Council.

Discussion took place regarding the Youth Council’s request that they receive copies of council reports.  Whilst Members commended the Youth Council on their interest in having an opportunity to comment on council policies they explained that, in view of the volume of reports and the timescales involved, this might prove to be unmanageable.  The report writing protocol required report authors to identify any equalities implications and, as age was one of the equality strands, this should highlight issues that would impact on children and young people.   Officers agreed to reflect on other ways to ensure that young people were given the opportunity to give their views on matters that might affect them, without overwhelming them with paperwork.

 It was suggested that, in particular, copies of those reports on which the Social Inclusion Working Group (SIWG) were consulted should be forwarded to the Youth Council for their consideration.  Whilst it was acknowledged that the Youth Council representatives did not have the time available to attend SIWG meetings, it would nevertheless be very helpful to have their input on issues considered by the group.

RESOLVED:(i)         That it be recommended that the remit of the Young

People’s Working Group be as detailed in minute annex 1.

(ii)That it be recommended that the council’s Constitution be amended to include a requirement for the Executive Member for Children and Young People to present to council on an annual basis a report jointly produced with the Youth Council.

(iii)That, in view of the recommended changes to the remit of the Children and Young People’s Working Group, it be recommended that the position of Children and Young People’s Champion remain vacant at this time but that the position should be retained in the Constitution and the situation reviewed once the pilot arrangements had been trialled.

(iv)That the Youth Council be included as a consultee in respect of reports and Equality Impact Assessments that might affect them, particularly those considered by the Social Inclusion Working Group.

REASON:      To ensure young people’s views are taken into account in council decision-making.