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The Panel received a briefing on the Target Operating Model for Child and Family Services and an update on the West Glamorgan Safeguarding Board's annual report for 2024-25. The minute records no decisions on either item. It records two actions on the Safeguarding Board item: further information on youth projects is to be provided, and the Panel is to consider a joint scrutiny meeting with Neath Port Talbot Council in future years.
No disclosures of interest were received.
No declarations were made.
Panel agreed the Minutes of the meeting on 22 July 2025 as an accurate record of the meeting.
Letter to Cabinet Member following the meeting on 22 July 2025 was noted.
No questions were received.
Louise Gibbard, Cabinet Member for Care Services and Julie Davies, Head of Child and Family Services presented a briefing on the Target Operating Model for Child and Family Services. Discussion Points: • The Report included an overview of the strategic vision and three-year transformation plan focussing on: • Strategic Objectives: Supporting families earlier, reducing statutory intervention, valuing staff, and improving service delivery. • Transformation Themes: People, Permanence, and Prevention. • Financial Context: £77 million budget for 2025–26, with £20 million from external grants. • Internal vs External Provision: Aim to shift to 85% internal care provision. • Risks and Mitigation: Addressed reliance on external providers, IT system changes, and workforce challenges. • Panel asked questions about - Collaboration with education, fostering household targets and progress and residential care expansion, councillor involvement in fostering promotion, city centre youth hub and the new information system.
Linzi Margetson, Principal Officer Safeguarding Quality and Performance presented the West Glamorgan Safeguarding Board Annual Report 2024-25. Discussion Points: • The report highlighted: o Multi-agency cooperation and strategic priorities o Digital innovations including the safeguarding tracker and integrated referral form and use of the Performance dashboard using Power BI o Training and practise reviews o Youth engagement via the Junior Safeguarding Board. • Head of Service reported the Board’s governance and escalation processes are strong, with recent examples of effective partnership working and national recognition. • Panel asked questions about projects under the Junior Safeguarding Board and arrangements for scrutinising the annual report. Actions: • Further information to be provided to the Panel about youth projects managed by the Junior Safeguarding Board including ‘Calm Minds’ and ‘Woodland Learners’. • Panel to consider joint scrutiny meeting with NPT Council for this item in future years.
Panel considered the work plan and noted items for the next meeting.
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