Agenda item

Report C14069

Members were requested to confirm the arrangements for the nomination of Co-opted Membership of the Care Services PDS Committee for 2014 -16.  Following the review of ECHS partnership arrangements in 2012/13 it was proposed that the areas being represented by Co-opted Members and the selection process should be examined to ensure they reflected any changes resulting from the review.  Officers outlined the proposed new arrangements and timescales.

The suggestions of the groups that would be invited to nominate a representative would be:

Subject to agreement from Care Services PDS Committee, these groups would be asked to submit nominations for a representative and alternate between 30^th June and 25th July. These nominations would be considered by the Care Services PDS Chairman with a view to confirming new co-opted members and alternates at the meeting on 24 September 2014.

Members considered an email from Pat Wade, Chairman of the Voluntary Sector Strategic network (VSSN), which had been tabled.  Officers explained the aim was to select co-opted members that represented the voice of service users and their carers. Whilst Bromley Advice & Information Network (BAIN) provided free, confidential, independent, information, advice and specialist casework to individuals it was not a forum for bringing together the wider views of disabled people in Bromley. However, it was recognised that other disability groups could be established during the next two years. If this was to happen then the Committee could review its membership again.

Members questioned why Bromley Mencap had not been included. Officers responded that there had been discussions with them to establish whether there was a suitable overarching service user group and if one emerged it would be possible to review the situation at a later date.

Officers explained the rationale behind selecting X by X.  The group was a user-led organisation for deaf and disabled people and carers in Bromley. Their representation included physical impairments, sensory impairments, mental health survivors, people with learning difficulties or learning disabilities, people with long term health conditions, people living with HIV or AIDS and people who used or had used drug or alcohol services.  With such a wide remit officers felt this organisation was in an ideal position to represent a variety of interests on the Committee.

The next stage after the meeting was to approach the relevant groups for nominations.  It was possible that some of the previously co-opted members would be nominated back onto the Committee.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  The report be noted.

(2)  The selected groups are approached for nominations to represent the areas outlined above.

(3)  The timescales are noted.

(4)  The selected co-opted members will be appointed for a two year term.

(5)  The selected members will provide the Care Services PDS with an annual report.