Information from CXK regarding rural provision.

Nigel Baker, KCC Head of Integrated Youth Services, introduced Andy Moreman the KCC Assistant Head of Integrated Youth Services and Sean Kearns Chief Executive of CXK as present to address issues raised at previous meetings (and as listed in Actions from the last meeting of the Board sees Minute 34).

The Chairman clarified that there were two main concerns: what youth provision was going to look like within the District; and, the concerns with the commissioning process especially with regards to rural provision.  There was concern that there were a lower number of sessions proposed by CXK than had been previously in place or that had been offered by other providers within the commissioning process.  As a commissioning model was to be more widely used in the future, it was important to clarify the actual role / involvement of the District. 

Two documents were circulated: one outlined the youth service provision in Sevenoaks, Dartford and Gravesham; and the other was a map indicating direct and commissioned provision which the KCC Assistant Head of Integrated Youth Services commented on.  Of particular note was the increased spend in the District and that it was only a small part of the total provision for 13 – 19 year olds, with a whole range of services offered by organisations such as Girls Guides and Scouting.  The direct provision would be used to enhance and complement what was already in place.  A good ‘local youth offer’ was meant to ensure resources were maximised and duplication avoided.

The Chief Executive of CXK advised that it was possible to provide services in additional rural areas on a fortnightly basis but that he had been commissioned to work in five areas weekly.  In response to a question regarding cover for sessions if staff were to leave, Members were informed that CXK has  been appointed on the basis of provision of sessions and had to ensure that they were appropriately staffed.  The youth provision would reflect what young people aspired to have delivered, whether that be transport to activities or a regular place to meet.  Staff from a range of backgrounds and mixed skills had been recruited and were currently undergoing safeguarding training; it was hoped the full programme of services would be running in time for the Easter break.  The lead Youth Officer had commenced the previous week. 

In response to questions the Board was advised that if an area was deemed to have significant issues, KCC street based work could be used to address these.  The provision was flexible and there was twice the resource than six months ago.  In response to a question from a Member regarding withdrawal of services if that became necessary, assurance was given that in the event that services were moved from one area to another, local consultation would be carried out.  With the new model it meant that if further resources were found, for example Parish Council funding, work could be commissioned quickly and efficiently.  The commissioning budget was £94,500 a year, for three years, but the amount awarded to each provider would not be disclosed.  Performance was measured on outcomes.

Many County Councils had walked away from youth provision as the Government only required a strategic lead.  KCC had decided to invest in direct delivery at a time where £1M savings had to be found within youth services.  Free training, support and advice was offered to other providers.

The KCC Head of Integrated Youth Services offered to meet with the Chairman outside of the meeting to discuss the concern raised with regards to the commissioning of rural provision.  It was agreed that it would be useful for the Board to review the service provided in a year’s time, examine the outcomes and fine tune if necessary. 

Action 1:  KCC Assistant Head of Integrated Youth Services to facilitate a visit for Members any of the Board wishing to see the services in action.

Some Members were still concerned with regards to the commissioning process, rural provision and lack of continuity of service offered.  Concern was also expressed as to the low level of consultation regarding which areas would receive services. .  The Chairman accepted the KCC Head of Integrated Youth Services offer of a separate meeting to discuss these concerns further.

Action 2:  Copies of the published contract outcomes report be made available.

The Head of Integrated Youth Services advised that this had been the first commissioning model rolled out and that other departments would benefit from this process.  It was all new territory and he would do everything he could to address concerns. The Chief Executive of CXK said that he hoped to be a deliverer of choice.

*amendment made at meeting held on 11 September 21013