The Committee received a report that highlighted the approach, methodology and evidence gathered during the challenge session and subsequent review which were then used as the basis for developing the recommendations from the Social Value Act challenge session.  The challenge session was prompted by concerns about whether the significant changes made to the youth service (i.e. the interim delivery model put in place from July 2016) and the larger changes to come as a result of service review and reorganisation, adequately address the “lessons learned” from previous shortcomings in service delivery and provide the right service for local young people.  The challenge session aimed to ensure that the future plans for the youth service have properly absorbed “lessons learned” from past work and have explored innovative approaches to achieving desired outcomes. It was noted that the three main areas of focus during the challenge session were the:

·         resilience of the service,

·         staffing of the service, and

·         approach to outreach.

The questions and comments from Members on the presentation are outlined as follows:

The Committee:

·         Commented that it would wish to see in future more details on the numbers attending youth centres in the Borough;

·         Indicated that it would wish to see how the offer provided by the Youth Service measured up against other providers.  In response it was noted that best practice from such providers would be considered;

·         Would wish to see further evidence that would illustrate the benefits of the new ways of working;

·         Noted that once restructure of the Service is completed them Members would receive an update;

·         Noted that the Executive wished to a Service that provided value for money;

·         Noted that incidences of Anti-Social behaviour near Youth Centres was being addressed by the Council and partner agencies but the perpetrators were not those using the Centres;

·         Agreed that it was important to get the message out to the community as to what was being done to deliver an improved delivery of the service;

·         Commented that it needed to be recognise the challenge that gangs present now that they are very much embedded in our communities and the impact upon young people; and

·         Agreed that it was important that the Service should have  access to funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106

As a result of a full and wide ranging discussion on the above the Chair Moved and it was:-

RESOLVED to