Agenda item

Purpose: To seek feedback on the proposed process for recruiting, appointing, and supporting young people as Co-opted Members of the CYP Scrutiny Committee.

Gordon Oliver (Principal Policy Officer – Scrutiny and Democratic Services) presented the report on Young Person Co-opted Members (Agenda Item 10).

The following points were raised in the debate:

·       Members welcomed the proposal.

·       It was suggested that the iCollege be approached for nominations.

·       Members asked how the two co-optees would be selected. It was confirmed that this would be done via interviews. Interviews would be good preparation for transition to adult life.

·       It was suggested that young people may need advocates to help them articulate their views. It was noted that this would be part of the role of the organisation appointed to provide support for the co-optees.

·       Members noted the safeguarding issues and asked if it would be better for the co-optees to join remotely or to attend meetings in person. Officers suggested that the needs of the individual should be considered (i.e., whether they had a quiet space at home). It was also noted that there were practical/safeguarding issues with ensuring they were able to get home safely after the meeting. However, Members felt that it would be better for the young people attend in person if possible. It was noted that this happened at Corporate Parenting Panel.

Action: Officers to review whether the young people could attend in person rather than remotely.

·       It was suggested that the requirements for co-optees to be bound by the Members’ Code of Conduct and to sign a Declarations of Interest form were too onerous. Officers confirmed that the Monitoring Officer had been consulted. However, all co-optees needed to be clear that there were certain standards of behaviour expected at meetings.

·       Members questioned whether the co-optees should be ‘non-political and independent’. It was suggested that if they were formally affiliated to a particular political party, then this may affect the political proportionality of the committee. However, it was highlighted that the co-optees would be non-voting, so they would not impact on political proportionality. It was suggested that the advert could simply say that this is not a political role. However, the important thing was for the arrangement to work successfully.

Action: Officers to check the requirement for co-optees to be ‘non-political and independent’ with the Monitoring Officer.

·       There was a question about parental consent. This had been covered in the report as part of the proposed safeguarding protocols. In addition to seeking parental consent for their child to participate, parents would also be copied in on all correspondence.

·       Members asked about the allowance for the co-optees. Officers stated that this would be paid pro-rata depending on the start date. Normally, it would be paid in 11 instalments.

·       It was suggested that nominees be encouraged to watch recordings of previous meetings.

·       Officers were challenged to ensure that the young people had real impact. It was noted that there would be training for Members and the co-optees. Also, it was proposed to check-in with the co-optees after each meeting to ensure they understood the papers and had sufficient opportunity to contribute. Also, it was suggested that it would be important for the Committee to choose topics that would be of interest to the young people. It was noted that consideration was being given to a Youth Forum, which would provide another opportunity for youth engagement.

RESOLVED: That the Committee endorse the proposed approach, including:

(a) The proposed process and timescales for the recruitment of two young people as Co-opted Members of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.

(b) The proposed support arrangements to be put in place for the two young people.

(c) The proposed training to be provided to the young people, Members and other Coopted Members of the Committee.

(d) The proposed safeguarding protocols to be put in place