Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, who reminded Members of the work to review Area Councils undertaken earlier in the year.

Recommendations included improved induction for Members for them to be more fully aware of the role of the Area Council; development of the Link Officer role; and exploring links between the area governance structures, Integrated Wellbeing Teams and Primary Care Networks.  Members heard of plans to share good practice across Area Councils, and to develop guidance around the escalation of common issues, and to consider the effectiveness of services within the area.

Also a priority was improving communications and the visibility of the Area Council.  Members acknowledged the focus on Social Return On Investment in order to show the wider impact of the Area Councils. With regards to priority setting and commissioning, noted was the need to review and improve the availability of data and information, and to consider the possibility of standardising the priority setting frequency and process.  The action plan put forward training for Members to engage in the commissioning and procurement process should there be demand for this.

Members acknowledged the need for their involvement in shaping improvements going forward.

RESOLVED that the report be received.