The Governance Committee of Havering Council met on Friday 22 May 2026. The meeting's agenda included guidance notes for complainants and a report concerning a Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel.

Guidance Notes for Complainants

The committee was scheduled to consider guidance notes for complainants, which outline the procedure for hearings. These notes explain the process for individuals who wish to make a complaint under the Children Act 1989. The guidance details the composition of the Hearings Panel, which consists of three independent members, and the role of a representative who assists the panel. It also clarifies that the panel's role is to review what has already occurred and make recommendations to the Children's Services department. The procedure for hearings, whether in person or otherwise, was to be explained, including the inquisitorial nature of the panel's questioning. The notes also set out the timeline for the local authority's response to the panel's recommendations, which must be provided within 15 working days of receiving them.

Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel Report

A significant item on the agenda was the Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel Report (HAV650746). This report, prepared by Zena Smith, Head of Committee and Election Services, would have been reviewed by the panel. The report pack indicates that the panel's function is to consider complaints and make recommendations for resolution. The panel can either dismiss a complaint in whole or in part, or uphold it and decide on the necessary actions to rectify the upheld elements. The report pack also notes that the panel's role is limited to reviewing existing information and cannot conduct its own enquiries. The outcome of the panel's deliberations, including its recommendations, is to be compiled into a written report and shared with the local authority and the complainant within five working days of the meeting. The local authority is then required to respond to these recommendations within 15 working days.

The meeting was scheduled to take place in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Havering. The panellists scheduled to attend were Ms Carol Canary, Ms Dawn Hutcheon, and Ms Nicola Manners. Bernadette Lynch was the contact person for information regarding the meeting.