The Scrutiny Commission of Charnwood Council convened on 10 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2024-2028, the procurement of a contractor for flood damage reinstatement works, and updates on various scrutiny panels and work programmes.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028

The Commission reviewed the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy 2024-2028 presented by the Head of Transformation, Strategy and Performance. The strategy, which followed a period of public consultation, was praised for its comprehensive data on the workforce and its inclusive consultation efforts. Key elements of the strategy include:

• Treating care-experienced individuals as a protected characteristic.
• Raising awareness of the Equality Impact Assessment process.
• Monitoring compliments and complaints to identify trends related to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Increasing the diversity of interview panels and reducing bias in recruitment by anonymising candidates at the application stage.

The Commission resolved to support the recommendations, emphasising the importance of improving accessibility and promoting engagement from all community sections.

Procurement of a Contractor for Flood Damage Reinstatement Works

The Commission considered a report from the Director of Housing and Wellbeing regarding the procurement of a contractor to undertake reinstatement works following flood damage. The Council is engaging with insurers and loss adjusters to ensure cost-effectiveness and is considering installing flood defence measures in at-risk properties. The contract duration for the reinstatement works is set for 18 months. The Commission supported the recommendations, highlighting the need for effective flood defence measures.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny - Cabinet Response

The Commission reviewed a report detailing the Cabinet's responses to its recommendations on pre-decision scrutiny items. The Commission noted the Cabinet's consideration of its views and recommendations, affirming the value added by the scrutiny process.

Scrutiny Panels

Updates on the work of various scrutiny panels were discussed. The next meeting of the Public Transport Scrutiny Panel is scheduled for 26 June 2024. The Annual Scrutiny Report, detailing the work of scrutiny panels over the 2023/24 period, is in development and will be available at the next meeting.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The Commission reviewed and agreed on updates to the Scrutiny Work Programme. This includes scheduling a member briefing session on the Lightbulb Service for 28 May 2024, which will cover Disabled Facilities Grants and delivery models. An update on the Waste Management Scrutiny Panel is expected at the next meeting, although its availability depends on pending legislation.

Scrutiny Commission Work Programme

The Commission also reviewed its own work programme, noting forthcoming Executive Key Decisions and ensuring effective and timely scrutiny of these matters.