The Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission was scheduled to discuss a range of topics focused on improving outcomes for Black boys and young Black men in Newham. Key discussions were planned around the findings of the Black Boys in Newham Survey and the borough's participation in the Disproportionality Challenge Fund, which aims to address disparities within the Youth Justice System.

The Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission

The commission was set to review the membership, terms of reference, evidence session dates, key lines of inquiry, and identified witnesses for its ongoing scrutiny inquiry. This inquiry aims to understand and improve the disparities faced by Black boys and young Black men in Newham across various aspects of their lives, including social, political, criminal justice, economic, health, and educational outcomes. The terms of reference, agreed upon in September 2023, outline the commission's objective to produce reports and recommendations for the Executive. The report pack details the overall key lines of enquiry, which include understanding specific challenges in education, employment, healthcare, and social integration, assessing existing support systems and identifying gaps, and exploring how to effectively engage Black boys and young Black men in community initiatives.

Black Boys in Newham Survey

A report was scheduled to be presented, outlining the key messages emerging from the Black Boys in Newham Survey. This survey, conducted by Rights and Equalities in Newham (REIN), aimed to gather the experiences of Black boys and young men aged 10 to 25 residing in Newham. The report was intended to assess how the insights from this survey have informed strategies and approaches for improving outcomes for this demographic. The survey focused on eight key areas, including education, employment, community safety, resident engagement, mental health services (CAMHS), and children's health services. The report was expected to detail the survey's findings, including service priorities identified, actions taken to implement recommendations, and how these align with other council strategies. It was also to summarise current issues, developments, risks, and challenges in implementing the survey's recommendations, alongside key performance indicators (KPIs) and how services are performing against them. The report also highlighted that the survey's recommendations have been integrated into the council's Children and Young People's Plan, with a strategic focus on reducing disproportionality and tackling racism.

Disproportionality Challenge Fund Grant Award for Newham

The commission was scheduled to consider Newham's involvement in the Disproportionality Challenge Fund (DCF). This fund, supported by MOPAC (Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime), is aimed at addressing the needs and improving outcomes for Black youths within the Youth Justice System (YJS). The report was to provide an overview of Newham's DCF programme, detailing how it specifically targets Black youths, including data on their representation within the YJS and how the project's objectives align with their specific needs. It was also to outline how the programme aims to address systemic issues contributing to the overrepresentation of Black youths in the YJS, alongside current issues, developments, risks, and challenges affecting its implementation. Key performance indicators related to the programme, with a focus on the impact on Black youths, were also to be presented, along with specific interventions planned and approaches to engage Black youths, families, and experts in the programme's design and implementation. The report highlighted that 75% of the Youth Justice Service cohort for the current financial year (April 2023 to December 2023) are from a Black minority ethnic background, though there has been a 14% reduction in this proportion compared to the previous year.

Newham Community Safety Partnership Plan 2022-2025

The commission was scheduled to evaluate the approaches within the Newham Community Safety Partnership Plan 2022-2025 that specifically address disparities faced by Black men and Black boys in Newham. The report was to summarise key priorities within the plan targeting these disparities, alongside current issues, developments, challenges, and risks. It was also to present KPIs related to these priorities, a summary of service performance against these KPIs, and key findings from previous community safety consultations and surveys specifically related to Black boys and young Black men. The report was also to detail engagement and co-production of community safety strategies with community and voluntary sector organisations, an overview of the budget allocated for service areas focused on tackling disproportionality, and how individual Black boys and young Black men are engaged in the development and implementation of community safety strategies.

Equalities in Newham Strategy

The commission was also set to evaluate the council's approach to addressing equality and inclusion priorities for Black boys and young Black men within the Equalities in Newham strategy. The report was to summarise the council's key priorities in this area, along with current issues, developments, challenges, and risks. It was also to present service KPIs related to these equalities and inclusion priorities, an overview of how service areas are performing against these KPIs, and health equity initiatives addressing the specific health needs of Black boys and young men. The report was to detail how the Tackling Racism, Inequality and Disproportionality (TRID) programme aims to address disparities and improve outcomes in education, employment, health, and social inclusion for this demographic, including how feedback from these groups is integrated. Plans and partnerships aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for young Black men, commissioning arrangements supporting community and voluntary sector organisations, and the budget allocated for these priorities were also to be discussed.