Decision details

The Chair welcomed Catherine Ratcliffe, from Contact, to the meeting. The report presented provided a brief overview of Contact, a charity for families with disabled children which offered support, news and resources for parent carer forums.

The Committee was informed that the request was received by Contact in October 2017 to support the establishment of a new parent carer forum in Lancashire.  Work commenced in November 2017 with the first meeting of 14 parents in Leyland with a further meeting held in December.  Subsequent meetings were cancelled due to unforeseeable circumstances and inclement weather across the county.  Members were advised that there was considerable work required due to the geographical size of Lancashire and a request was made to parents in Leyland and Ormskirk to work together in small groups to assist with the engagement of parents and carers across Lancashire around the proposed new forum.

It was reported that the challenge was about establishing a culture of change and a co-productive relationship. Building a relationship of trust between parents and the local authority was vital. Forums were independent and depended on the goodwill and commitment of parents.

It was noted that in Lancashire around 20% of parents were from minority groups and the question of how Contact engaged with these parents was raised. It was pointed out that part of the grant application was about hard to reach groups. In addition, it was acknowledged that it was difficult for some parents to travel and Contact had asked parents where their preferable meeting places would be.

Members were advised that it was important to build capacity from the outset. It was also important to reach the people who may be reluctant to come and have their voice heard. It was vital to make these people welcome. Further to this, it was reported that governance for the new forum had to be fit for purpose.

Members were concerned that the work needed to be undertaken in ensuring engagement from parents and carers across Lancashire required more one to one support from Contact but acknowledged the challenge that the geographical size of Lancashire presented for one person to complete. 

From the information presented, the Committee felt that there was a need for additional capacity to be provided from Contact to further support work undertaken given:

• The geographical size of Lancashire and the challenges that presents in ensuring inclusivity and engagement for all parent/carers;
• The added complexity of the capacity and relationship issues from the previous forum; and
• The need to ensure better engagement and relationships within the forum and with Lancashire County Council

The Committee also felt that given the time taken so far in relation to the progress made, that an action plan was required with timescales to further support the commitment from Contact in supporting the development of a Lancashire Parent Carer Forum.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The report presented be noted.

2. A letter be sent from the Chair of the Committee to the Regional Manager at Contact with a copy to the Department for Education highlighting the concerns raised on the progress in Lancashire on the establishment of a Lancashire Parent Carer Forum,
3. An action plan be drafted on delivery and timescales by Contact, and
4. A further update on progress from Contact be provided to the Committee later in the autumn.