Edinburgh Network of Voluntary Organisations
for Children, Young People and Families
NETWORK
Minutes
Date: 2nd June, 2011
Time: 1 – 3.30pm
Place: EVOC, 14 Ashley Place, Edinburgh, EH6 5PX
Present: Joan Fraser, Kate Polson, Sharon Guest, Jan Williamson, Maura Daly, Margo Irvine, Fiona Hird, Alana Taylor, Cathy Macnaughton (Network Discussion only), Theresa Alison (Business Meeting only)
In Attendance: Margaret Douglas (Network Discussion only), Ella Simpson, Tim Randall (minutes)
1.0 Apologies: Sandy Corlett, Sam Anderson, Loraine Herschel, Sophie Pilgrim, Willy Barr, Debbie Nobel, Margot Mackenzie, John Hinton, Heather Levy
The Business meeting was preceded by a presentation from Margaret Douglas about the Consultation on the Health Inequalities Framework
2.0 Minutes of Network 05.05.11
2.1 Acceptance as an Accurate Record
The minutes were accepted as an accurate record.
2.2 Matters Arising not on main agenda
Checked through actions from the May mtg. All had been actioned unless stated below:
Network Representation on Strategic Groups –Tim didn’t hear back from Lynne Porteous after requesting a map, but will follow up. ACTION: TR
Debbie yet to provide an update on the Child Protection Committee and confirm whether a second place for a Network rep has been agreed. Tim and Sharon will remind Debbie. ACTION: TR, SG and DN
3.0 Funding
Ella explained that the Lottery had asked for applicants for an Inspiring Futures fund (see the May Network minutes for more information). 20 applicants will be short-listed and there will 10 reserve – this is will be announced by the end of June.
Kate drew members’ attention to the fact that the draft Commissioning Plan for Advice, Support and Accommodation Services to Prevent Homelessness 2011-2016, which includes care leavers, had just begun. Kate will forward to Tim for circulation. Kate will take the lead on producing a response on behalf of the Network and circulate to members including Ella.
Action: KP and TR
4.0 Network Development
4.1 Thematic Subgroups / ‘e-fora’
Tim updated the Network that the Disabilities e-forum has been established and gave an overview of the purposes and initial set-up – as outlined in the ‘how to’ guide circulated with the Weekly News. It was agreed to ask Sophie whether she knew of any other organisations that should join the e-forum. Action: TR
Fiona mentioned a meeting where there was talk about the need for a new website database of disabilities services. It was agreed that if this happens then the statutory sector should take the lead.
It was agreed that Tim should take forward the Through Care and After Care e-forum and Child Protection e-forum.
ACTION: TR
5.0 Partnership Working
5.1 Feedback from CYPSP
Joan gave a verbal report on the June CYPSP. A paper had been tabled suggesting a number of changes to CYPSP which were broadly endorsed. Some of the changes were:
· Moving ‘Lead Officers’ to ‘Champions’.
· CSMGs will be formally linked in with CYPSP. Thematic groups will continue to exist, although SDG may become a 7th Disability specific CSMG.
The Inequalities subgroup of CYPSP would continue. It is hoped that CYPSP would pilot a shared budget approach in an area of work. In discussion, Network members agreed that the role and remit of CSMGs was not fully understaood and Joan agreed to seek info from Lynne Porteous. Action :JF
There had been a presentation from Margaret Douglas, co-chair of the Health Inequalities Standing Group, on the Strategic Framework for Reducing Health Inequalities in Edinburgh 2011-2021 consultation (similar to the presentation in the Network Discussion earlier) – CYPSP is keen to lead on objective 1 and 2. There is a plan to create a Young People’s Healthy Lifestyle Advisory Group as a subgroup of CYPSP.
Sharon commented that a similar model exists in East Lothian, and their Chief Officers Group has ended up taking big decisions about funding that has led to large vol sector cuts.
5.2 Feedback from Lead Officers’ Group
meeting was cancelled
5.3 Feedback from GIRFEC/SARG
Not met since last meeting
5.4 Child Protection Committee
Feedback has yet to be received from Debbie. Sharon gave a partial update on Debbie’s behalf. Sharon welcomed the establishments of the Child Protection e-forum to improve the mechanism for sector representation.
Sharon had met with Graham McCulloch the previous week to discuss equivalencies and confusion over levels of Child Protection training. Example: Barnardo’s has internal level 1 and 2, but their level 2 may be up at CEC level 4. There is a need for equivalences to be established between different training to avoid wasting resources by having to repeat training for bureaucratic reasons. Sharon will raise this with Lynne Porteous, and at the Training sub-committee next week, as well as confirming with Debbie re 2nd Network place. Tim will take the Child Protection e-forum forward.
Action: SG and TR
5.5 Feedback from other groups
SDG Disability
Feedback had been circulated – Fiona went through, clarifying that it’s okay for her to circulate minutes after they’ve been ratified. Agreed to circulate agenda through the Disabilities e-forum once ratified.
Action: TR
The Children / Young People Acute Deterioration Management (CYPADM) form discussed at the May Network meeting was raised again by Fiona at May’s SDG. Copies of the form were tabled for those present. Fiona reported that the SDG took onboard that the statutory sector needs to be aware of the implications the form could have for the voluntary sector and that this needs to be addressed but no action had been recorded. As agreed at the previous network meeting Joan had also raised concerns at CYPSP. There was little awareness of this form and its requirements amongst non-health members of CYPSP and they wanted the implications and the need for awareness raising to be taken forward by SDG. Fiona said she would liaise with Sophie to ensure it was on the agenda.
Action: FH and SP
6.0 Voluntary Sector News
Ella advised that EVOC is running a Law event in June covering a wide range of issues of relevance to the voluntary sector. Tim to make sure info is circulated in the Weekly News.
ACTION: TR
7.0 Future Network Meetings
8.1 Themes and topics for future meetings
In July Carol Tinto will lead a discussion on a 3rd sector manifesto. This needs to be done soon in order to influence political parties’ manifestos. It will be possible to continue consulting members through the Weekly-News.
In August Paul Hambleton from CEC to speak about ‘harmonisation’ of funding streams for the voluntary sector. Tim will request specific questions in advance through the Weekly News.
Action: TR
Ella suggested Milind (EVOC) could provide some input on social impact assessment in the autumn if members are interested. There has recently been a Community Education student on placement with EVOC doing some work on this.
8.0 Any Other Business
None
10.0 Date of Next Meetings
1 – 3.30pm, Thursday 7 July, venue to be confirmedEVOC, Ashley Place, Edinburgh, EH6 5PX
Subsequent Network meetings:
4th August
8th September (venue tbc)
6th October
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