Agenda item - Chair's Communications
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Agenda item
Chair's Communications
Minutes:
48.1 The Chair provided the following communications:
“I am aware that there has been a considerable level of critical coverage in the press and social media regarding the commissioning of the domestic violence and abuse services. He comments were expressed by reference to the current provider RISE.
Many aspects of the concerns raised relate to the decision-making process as well as the fact that the decision of the then Neighbourhoods, Inclusion Communities and Equalities Committee to set up a working group to oversee the process was not implemented.
RISE has provided services in the area for many years. The decision to recommission the service was taken by a committee, but issues have been raised about the extent to which Social Value was taken into account in the process.
I do not wish to question the legality of the process or the competence of the new providers which I am sure will do their best to provide an excellent service. However, some of the concerns raised do touch on governance and process which could be of interest to the Audit & Standards Committee. There are also issues about the future of RISE as a local provider which I’m sure is of interest and concern to many in the city.
I did seriously consider whether this should be something that the Audit & Standards Committee should look at. However, on balance, this is looking primarily at front line service delivery and implementation of policies rather issues of propriety or irregularity. I also understand that there will be reports going to the TECC Committee this Thursday and a petition will be delivered to the next Policy & Resources Committee alongside an officer report. I understand that there are proposals to set up a working group to review the Council’s approach.
Given all these, I do not think it would be necessary or proportionate to commission yet another workstream. But we will keep this under review and, should any issues come up that are of legitimate interest to this committee, we can, of course look at them.”