Minutes:
The Deputy Director of Children’s Services referred to the discussions at previous meetings regarding the Council adopting care experience as a protected characteristic. The Panel noted that a survey was undertaken to gather the young people’s views which was overwhelmingly positive, however, the survey sample was relatively small. The Vice-Chair suggested that a wider reach may be achieved through the Council’s consultation mechanism. The Deputy Director agreed that this would be investigated.
The next steps, following consultation, would be to prepare a report for the Corporate Parenting Panel which, if agreed, would then be taken forward to full Council for approval. The Panel would be kept informed of progress.