Agenda item

Strategic Concerns/Risk Register

Minutes:

Nina Sleight, Service Director Education, Early Start and Prevention, was welcomed to the meeting to discuss the strategic risk relating to educational outcomes progress.  It was noted that young people had been severely affected by the pandemic. The Council, with partners including the Barnsley Alliance, were working together to support pupils achieve the best possible outcomes.

 

In relation to action 1 in appendix 1 of the report, relating to improving attainment and progress, Members heard how structures and frameworks were in place through the Barnsley Alliance and its subgroups to provide support and challenge.  Issues highlighted would then be raised with the school and governing body and escalated as required.

 

The sector led approach supported best practice and improvement, and additional support was brokered where necessary.  It was noted that the approach of the Barnsley Alliance was to act quickly and take measured and appropriate action.

 

With regards to action 2, Members heard how closing the gap between the most vulnerable pupils and their peers remained a focus, particularly on those with those who have a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) or those particularly disadvantaged.   Regular assessments are undertaken to ascertain where pupils are and used to generate a response.

 

It was noted that particular focus had been given to Communication, Language and Literacy, with projects developed to address issues in this area.  Through sector led improvement, experts were deployed as and when required, with clear targets and goals.  A more rigorous model of peer review had been developed using an evidenced based methodology.

 

It was acknowledged that action 3, building leadership capacity at all levels, was particularly difficult with the workforce already undertaking day to day duties.  However, Barnsley Alliance had funded a leadership programme to enhance capacity.  Networking opportunities had also been developed, with opportunities for new head teachers and deputies to meet and share concerns.

 

In relation to action 4 and the development of an Education Improvement Strategy, Members heard that this was currently being co-produced, and would highlight what evidence would be used to measure progress.

 

Action 5 was to implement the written statement of action for children with SEND but without an Education, Health and Care Plan.  It was noted that the written statement had been submitted to Ofsted and a longstanding SEND improvement plan with appropriate governance was in place.

 

Data was being shared to assess progress in an open and transparent way within the Alliance.  Support was provided, as was challenge and partners held each other to account on progress.  If concerns were highlighted, it was noted that these would be escalated to the regional school commissioner and Ofsted.

 

Questions were raised regarding the review dates in the report, and it was noted that these were termly prompts for officers, however the assurance was given that appropriate structures were in place to closely monitor and review progress more regularly.

 

The Committee went on to consider the risk related to Financial Sustainability and the Service Director, Finance introduced this.  It was noted that risks pertained to two areas, the first relating to several emerging financial risks which associated with areas not fully understood or costed and therefore not accounted to in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.  The second related to sustainable funding of the sector, and the impact of the one-year financial settlement on long term financial planning was noted.

 

Action 1 within appendix one related to emerging financial risks, and examples of these were provided. These included the planned review of health and social care, and the cap on care costs. Also noted were supply chain issues, inflation and the impact of this on day to day running costs, the capital programme, and other contracts which may be linked to CPI or RPI.  It was noted that the cost-of-living crisis may also impact on the demand for services, and the ability for residents to pay bills. 

 

Noted were other significant risks such as the return of covid, the Environment Bill, and the need to reduce carbon emissions. It was acknowledged that all these issues would need to be unpicked and modelled carefully to understand the impact.

 

Members acknowledged the potential impact of the risks mentioned, and that the budget was caveated in this respect.  In relation to divestment of fixed assets, it was acknowledged that smart working would necessarily result in revisions to the asset management strategy, potentially creating opportunities and efficiencies.

 

In relation to Action 2 and understanding the implications of the reform of Local Government Finance, it was noted there were concerns that future funding may not be weighted towards relative need or to reflect deprivation.  In addition, future funding was likely to take account of the ability to raise taxes locally, and the impact of this was not fully understood.

 

It was acknowledged that there would be transitional arrangements, and it was hoped that Barnsley would benefit from the Fair Funding Review, but there was a risk that this would not be the case.

 

Action 3 related to the development of a continued improvement and efficiency programme to mitigate the risks already highlighted.  Though efficiencies of around £6.5m had been planned for over the next two years, it was suggested that this figure could significantly rise.  In addition to actions already undertaken, this could result in fundamental service redesign. It was acknowledged that Members would need to be kept informed of the situation.

 

Members acknowledged that the situation would be very challenging moving forward, but it was noted that the situation did present some opportunities, such as consideration of how the Council interacted with customers, and utilised digital technologies.

 

RESOLVED that thanks be given for the updates, and that the updates be noted.

Supporting documents:

 

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