Agenda item

Members considered a report that detailed the way in which Learning and Opportunities, Children and Young People (LOCYP) managed strategic risks further to a request at the Audit Committee in August 2016.

It was noted that the strategic risks were now managed more rigorously and transparently than ever and there was robust management in place that was challenged using a number of processes that were in place.  Internal leadership meetings were held on a regular basis which helped to maintain control and ensure that improvements were ongoing. Additionally, the directorate reported to the Extended Leadership Team, the Council’s relevant Overview and Scrutiny Panel as well as other public meetings and boards, and most significantly, to Ofsted and other Government Inspectorates.

The Director of Learning and Opportunities, Children and Young People, Damian Allen, was in attendance at the meeting in order to response to any questions by Members along with other members of his senior management team. The Chair invited Members to raise any queries in order to allow for a good discussion on the item and alleviate any concerns.

One of the main issues that Members raised was with regard to academic achievement and what strategies were in place to deal with these risks. Members were informed that the School Improvement Strategy had been revised and had been reintroduced, and was now split into three areas; Intensive, targeted and Self-supporting. A lot of work was being done and data was being reviewed on a half termly basis to ensure that this was managed effectively. Further to this, the Chair questioned how this was being managed in terms of academies and what the Council’s relationship was with them. Members were advised that whilst first and foremost the authority mainly targeted maintained schools, their relationship with academies was improving and actions were in place to address any issues. Damian Allen informed the Committee that in terms of academies that were not performing, letters were sent out to them, and even though the Council had no direct control, the Directorate raised the concerns to the Chief Executive of the relevant Academy Trust. All parties however were committed to improving the outcomes for children and young people, and schools were in a much improved position to 18 months ago.

Within the report, there was a lot of detailed information, which Members touched upon through the course of the debate. The Doncaster Childrens Services Trust (DCST), was noted as a risk, both financially, and from a governance perspective but officers reassured the Committee that this was being monitored effectively, and whilst it was not a route that the Authority would have chosen to undertake, they had to ensure that it was well managed and ensured a successful outcome. Ofsted would be due to undertake a further inspection in the Autumn, which it was hoped would result in a ‘good’ outcome as continuing improvements were being made. The budget however remained one of the largest risks, and despite a number of savings being made this year, the budget was well exceeded and costs needed to be brought down further, whilst still maintaining a sustainable model was delivered and the needs of children and young people in the Borough were met.  The Committee felt that this needed expanding on further and requested further evidence on the risk management of the Directorate in relation to the Trust, which the officers present endeavoured to provide. Members were informed that the work undertaken from January onwards could be presented, and would provide clear evidence of the work done. Finally, further to concerns raised, whilst officers acknowledged that there was always more work that could be done in terms of risk management, it was important that due systems were in place and that concerns and risks were managed effectively within the resources available.

RESOLVED that the management of risks within the Learning and Opportunities, Children and Young People Directorate be noted.