Issue - meetings
THE Partnership Business Case
Meeting: 08/11/2016 - Commissioners' Decision Making Meeting (Item 6.2)
6.2 Agreement of the business case for the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership PDF 117 KB
Additional documents:
- 6.3.1 Appendix A - THE Partnership Draft Business Plan cleared by F&L 241016, item 6.2
PDF 117 KB
- 6.3.2 Appendix B THEP business plan cleared by F&L 241016, item 6.2
PDF 63 KB
Decision:
Debbie Jones, Corporate Director, Children's Services introduced the report which summarised the development work establishing the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) and the proposed business plan. Commissioners’ comments relating to the THEP report made on 24 May 2016 were addressed at section 3.15 of the report.
The Chair invited Councillor Mukit to comment on the report on behalf of GSSC and he indicated that Members supported the approach taken to promote learning, collaboration and joint working between the parties of the partnership. GSSC also asked for assurances in a number of areas and clarification of monitoring arrangements.
The Chair invited co-opted members to comment on the report and Councillor Saunders welcomed the progress toward the development of the organisation so far achieved.
Commissioners welcomed the report. Commissioners Wood and Caller also commented on the reported noting that there should be clarity; on arrangements when Council funding ceases in 2019, on potential service risks, on identifying quantifiable baselines and targets.
RESOLVED
1. That the completion of requirements by THEP included in the Commissioners Decision Report of 24th May 2016 be noted.
2. That the THEP business plan and financial planning and agree the release of all funding for year 1 be noted.
3. That the Council’s proposed scrutiny and governance arrangements for the THEP be noted.
Meeting: 01/11/2016 - Grants Scrutiny Sub-Committee (Item 7)
7 THE Partnership Business Case PDF 117 KB
Additional documents:
- 6.3.1 Appendix A - THE Partnership Draft Business Plan cleared by F&L 241016, item 7
PDF 117 KB
- 6.3.2 Appendix B THEP business plan cleared by F&L 241016, item 7
PDF 63 KB
Minutes:
The Sub Committee considered the Tower Hamlets Education Partnership (THEP) Business Case which was presented by Christine McInness, Kathryn Smith and Michael Keating of THEP Board.
Christine McInness informed the Sub Committee that it is being proposed that THEP present 6 monthly reports of activity and impact to a sub-group of the Children’s Partnership, Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny. She also stated that given recent Government announcements Re-Academies there is a strong rationale for THEP and its vision and values.
Kathryn Smith presented the following information relating to THEP: -
· Vision and Values;
· Membership
o 6 Nursery Schools
o 61 Primary Schools (69 in total)
o 14 Secondary Schools
o 6 Special Schools/PRU
· Associate Members
o Aldgate & All Hallows Foundation
o Bow Arts Trust
o Queen Mary University of London Borough of Tower Hamlets Spitalfields Small Business Association
o Spitalfields Music
o Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership
o Tower Hamlets Together
o Toynbee Hall
o Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets
· Staffing
o Executive Director
o Primary Head consultant
o Consultants as and when required
· Governance
o Interim Board
o Interim Advisory Council
o Management Teams
o Governor Forum
· Political Climate
· Partnership Working in TH’s Schools
· New Funding Methodologies
· The Logo
· School Improvement/Effectiveness/Development/Transformation
· Outcomes driven
Members made the following comments regarding the information presented:
· Is the Tower Hamlets College a member?
· What’s the vision for the Board for the future?
· The Governance Forum referred to in the presentation, is there going to be a voice for parents and students?
· Is there a case for the constitution of a Children’s Scrutiny Panel, would it take-away from the merits of the Governance Forum in the interest of the young people?
· The growth of the THEP is welcome and the £300k seems to have been well spent, but how is it being monitored? Is there a report to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee providing details of the spend?
· What happens next to raise the aspirations?
· There is a role for businesses in the THEP, other than the ones already involved as Associate Members, e.g. Barclays and HSBC, where a different approach can be taken to engage with these organisations to support employment in TH etc.
· Are any comparisons being looked at with other Boroughs?
· Is any thought being given to Post 16-18 year old opportunities?
Councillor John Pierce informed the Sub Committee that there is a scrutiny function opportunity for a Children’s Scrutiny Panel, but it depends on the number of meetings, the capacity and resources available. But the discussion is worth having and looking into the progression of it.
Kathryn Smith informed the Sub Committee that Tower Hamlets College were not members of THEP yet, but there was an enormous piece of work to be done to look at the size of the Board and keep in mind the wide range of skills and expertise both locally and internationally that is available.
Zena Cooke stated that in relation to the reporting mechanism and holding to account that the decision making relating to Grants is currently with ... view the full minutes text for item 7