Issue - meetings

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 29 March 2018.

Councillor Graham Jones introduced the meeting by welcoming Councillor Jeff Brooks back into the Chamber as a Council Member.

Councillor Graham Jones then bade farewell to Rachael Wardell, the Council’s Corporate Director for Communities, who was leaving the Council on 4 May 2018 to join the London Borough of Merton. He gave thanks to Rachael for all her hard work and for the significant achievements that had been made during her time at the Council. Councillor Graham Jones then invited Councillors Lynne Doherty and Rick Jones to say a few words.

Councillor Doherty gave particular thanks to Rachael for her work in leading Children and Family Services. Councillor Doherty explained that Rachael’s vision for the service was the key driver for successfully achieving its improvement journey from being rated as Inadequate by Ofsted to Good. Councillor Doherty stated that she would seek to ensure that high levels of service were maintained.

Councillor Doherty also praised Rachael’s innovative approach and highlighted the Family Safeguarding Model and the Emotional Health Academy as positive examples of this.

Councillor Doherty highlighted the fact that 95% of West Berkshire’s schools were rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. This was again a reflection of Rachael’s vision.

Finally, Councillor Doherty highlighted the improvements made to the recruitment and retention of staff in Children and Family Services. This had enabled a reduction in the Council’s use of agency staff.

Councillor Rick Jones commented from the Adult Social Care perspective. This service was also performing well and he particularly highlighted safeguarding work and that adults in care were very well cared for. He added that Rachael was leaving behind a definite legacy for the Directorate.

Councillor Mollie Lock echoed the points made by Councillors Graham Jones, Lynne Doherty and Rick Jones. She also added that Rachael had provided new enthusiasm to the Directorate. Councillor Lock also noted that it had been interesting to see how well the Council’s Looked After Children had progressed.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2018 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Leader.