Agenda item

Alex Latham, My Covenant 

To receive a presentation on the Care Leaver Covenant.

Alex Latham, My Covenant was welcomed to the meeting.  Alex provided a brief overview of what the Care Leaver Convent was, which was a promise made by the private, public or voluntary organisations to provide support for care leavers aged 16-25 to help them live independently.  Further information on the Care Leaver Covenant can be found in the presentation that was attached to the agenda.  Alex Latham also informed the young people that a meeting would be arranged separately to brief them on the Covenant.

The Board noted that there were five core outcomes which are:

i)  Independent Living – where care leavers are better prepared to live independently.

ii)  Employment, Education, Training – where care leavers have improved access to opportunities.

iii)  Safety and Security – where care leavers feel safe, secure and stable in their living situation.

iv)  Health – where care leavers have improved access to health and emotional support.

v)  Finance – where care leavers are financially capable and independent.

The Board were informed that there are over 400 signatories that have created offers across England, including pro-bono legal aid, employability training, free counselling, tailored banking process and more.  Examples of some of those signatories are in the presentation attached to the agenda.  However, a lot of the signatories are not in Lancashire, and Alex Latham commented that this is where the Corporate Parenting Board, young people and Lancashire County Council can assist, by engaging with local businesses and other local partners to build offers that are relevant to Lancashire's care leavers and their needs.

In working in partnership with the Local Authority on the Covenant, this will add value to the 'Local Offer'.  As part of the Authority's review of current practice, they are strongly encouraged to engage with the Covenant.  This is a voluntary indication of a desire to do their utmost to fulfil their role as a corporate parent to care leavers.  The Covenant encourages Local Authorities to follow good practice in offering additional discretionary services in line with the recommendations of the National Implementation Advisor for Care Leavers.

The Care Leaver Covenant is working in partnership with sixty other Local Authorities to develop a 'Whole Council Approach' through:

·  Raising Awareness – with both staff and care leavers within the Council.  The Connects Portal for Care Leavers offers life skills, discounts and employment opportunities and is a direct way of reaching young people with offers and opportunities that matter.  Personal Advisors and Leaving Care Teams can also register to receive the same offers, which will enable them to support young people in accessing them. 

·  Training and Employment – opportunities within the Council – leading by example.  Local Authorities (in partnership with their providers and their supply chains) aim to offer up to 12 apprenticeships, internships or work experience (ring-fenced) opportunities for care leavers over a year.  This also includes positive recruitment procedures to support care leavers.

·  Policy Partnership – Care leaver proofing policy and governance.  Reclaiming VAT on the setting up home grant to fund free broadband and digital devices when young people move into their first home.  Multi-agency partnership between NHS Trusts and leaving care teams to develop a core offer for care leavers.  This includes free prescriptions up until the age of 25.  The Board noted that the role of Elected Members as champions and advocates cannot be underestimated.  Members in Local Authorities have been asked to identify an employer or business from within their ward to become a Covenant signatory, and with Lancashire having 84 Councillors, this would provide fantastic opportunities for care leavers.

·  Social Value Toolkit – transforming social value action plan, to improve outcomes for care leavers.  Local Authorities could revise their Social Value Policy to ensure that meaningful offers of work, apprenticeships, internships and work experience for care leavers of a standard part of procurement practices.  The Toolkit launched in March 2022 and is being used by over thirty Councils across England and an example of the partnership procured services, enabled the renovation of properties to support care leavers as they make their transition to independent living.

·  Economic Development – taking advantage of the Council's local partnerships and connections.  Local Authorities could work with small medium enterprise (SMEs), local employer groups and other partners to set and meet ambitious targets to increase the number, range and take up of employment, education and training opportunities.  Building a network of local Covenant signatories, supporting care leavers with opportunities, support and offers.

The Board were informed that in developing a 'Whole Council Approach' it requires strategic buy-in and support across the Council.  This means accepting that the responsibility for being a corporate parent does not solely reside with those people and departments that have Care Leaver in their job title.  This strategic partnership involves both the political leadership and Directors from across the Council.

Following the presentation from Alex Latham, My Covenant it was agreed that this was something Lancashire County Council should adopt.  It was agreed that the Brendan Lee, Lead Officer, will liaise with Alex on how to take this forward which was key on a 'Whole Council Approach'.  The Board noted that Brendan Lee, Lead Officer will take this forward and begin conversations with Corporate Management Team in order to sign up to the Covenant and then raise awareness through Full Council with Elected Members and report back to the Board on the progress.

Resolved:  That the Board:

i)  Agreed to sign up to the Covenant and noted that discussions with Brendan Lee (Lead Officer) will take place on how to take this forward with Alex Latham and following his discussion with Alex Lathan, will then address Corporate Management Team in seeking their approval.

ii)  Noted that Alex Latham will speak with the young people in detail to explain the Covenant.