Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item reminding Members of the review of Area Councils which had been undertaken in 2019, with key officers and Members providing feedback at a number of workshops.

As a result of the review an action plan had been developed which had been arranged in three themes ‘How we work with internal and external partners and the wider strategic landscape’; ‘Impact of the Area Council’s work’; and ‘Commissioning cycle, including priority setting, use of budgets and member involvement’.

With regards to the link officer role, it was noted that a role profile had been developed; this would be used to highlight the expectations placed on new link officers.  Members noted that David Shepherd had decided to step down from the link officer for Penistone Area Council.  Members gave thanks for David’s contribution to the Area Council in his time as link officer.

Members noted actions within the plan such as the need to improve the link with wellbeing teams, share good practice across Area Councils and develop guidance on how issues could be escalated if required.

The plan included a focus on the evaluation of work and improving communications and branding.  It also embedded Social Return On Investment (SROI) methodologies in order to show the wider value of the work of Area Councils.

Members noted the need to improve priority setting processes, including access to data, and the opportunity to increase the involvement of Members in the procurement of interventions.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the report be noted;

(ii)          That thanks be given to David Shepherd for his contribution in the role as Penistone Area Council Senior Management Team Link Officer, and

(iii)         That Members be kept informed of the delivery of actions contained within the plan.