Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Social Care

23 November 2001

Appointment to Outside Bodies

Report of the Chief Executive

Simon Whitbourn Ext 7344

David Pryke Ext 7342

1. Summary

1.1. The following decisions are sought:

1.1.1. That Councillor Mrs C A Leversha be appointed as the County Council's representative to Hampshire Foster Care Federation following the resignation of Councillor Baulk from the Federation.

1.1.2. That Councillors Mrs E F M Randall and Mrs A M McNair Scott be appointed to the Hampshire Pre-School Learning Alliance and Voices respectively.

1.1.3. That the County Council does not make any appointments to the following outside bodies.

Advisory Group for the Development of Patients services in Alton (1)
Andover Health Services Steering Group (1)
Basingstoke and Deane Health Partnership (1)
Beneficial Foundation, Portsmouth - Management Committee (1)
Countess Mountbatten of Burma Memorial Trust (1)
Eastleigh Health for All - Joint Committee (1)
God's Port Housing Society Limited (2)
Henry Moody's Charities for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb (2)
Park Club, Winchester (MIND) Steering Committee (2)
St Ann's Old People's Club Management Committee (1)
St Michael's Convent Community Managing Body (1)
Winchester Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility (1)
Winchester Group for Disabled People Executive Committee (1)
Winchester Special Needs Housing Advisory Group (1)

2. Reasons

2.1. It is necessary to appoint a new representative to serve on Hampshire Foster Care Federation following Councillor Baulk's resignation from the Federation.

2.2. It is recommended that the County Council continue to have a representative to serve on the Hampshire Pre-School Learning Alliance and Voices. The latter organisation provides support to families with young children and has previously been supported by joint funding from Education and Social Services.

2.3. Consideration has been given to the appointment of Members to the following organisations:

Advisory Group for the Development of Patients services in Alton (1)
Andover Health Services Steering Group (1)
Basingstoke and Deane Health Partnership (1)
Beneficial Foundation, Portsmouth - Management Committee (1)
Countess Mountbatten of Burma Memorial Trust (1)
Eastleigh Health for All - Joint Committee (1)
God's Port Housing Society Limited (2)
Henry Moody's Charities for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb (2)
Park Club, Winchester (MIND) Steering Committee (2)
St Ann's Old People's Club Management Committee (1)
St Michael's Convent Community Managing Body (1)
Winchester Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility (1)
Winchester Group for Disabled People Executive Committee (1)
Winchester Special Needs Housing Advisory Group (1)

2.4. In respect of the various health based outside bodies, it is considered that the new arrangements for working relationships between the County Council and the NHS health bodies mean that there may be better or different options open for enabling that relationship to be maintained via member involvement. Consequently it is recommended that no member be appointed to the Advisory Group for Development of Patient services in Alton, Andover Health Services Steering Group, Basingstoke and Deane Health Partnership and Esstleigh Health for All - Joint Committee. In addition, historically these groups have had member representatives, but there does appear to be an inconsistency across the county as to why these particular areas had members on the Steering Group/Partnerships whereas other parts of the County did not.

2.5. Since members were appointed to some of these bodies, the relationship between the County Council and these organisations has changed and a number now have a contractual relationship with the County Council. Consequently whereas previously a member was appointed to monitor the organisation's use of County Council money, now this monitoring can occur through the contract. Choosing not to appoint to these bodies also avoids any potential conflicts of interest between a member's responsibilities to the County Council and to the outside bodies to which they have been appointed. Consequently it is recommended that no appointment be made to the Beneficial Foundation, Portsmouth - Management Committee, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma Memorial Trust, The Park Club, Winchester (MIND) Steering Committee, and the Winchester Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility.

2.6. There is also concern that if appointments are made to certain local bodies, there is an inconsistency in that members have not been appointed to similar organisations in other parts of the county. Consequently it is recommended that no further appointment be made to the God's Port Housing Society Limited, the Winchester Group for Disabled People Executive Committee and the Winchester Special Needs Housing Advisory Group.

2.7. With three of the organisations, research would suggest that there has been little contact between the organisation and the County Council and that in some cases the organisation itself may no longer function. Consequently, it is recommended that no appointment be made to the Henry Moody's Charities for the Blind, Deaf and Dumb, St Ann's Old People's Club Management Committee and the St Michael's Convent Community Managing Body.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1. Where it is proposed that appointment should not be made to outside bodies, the alternative option is for the County Council to continue to make an appointment. However, for the reasons set out above, it is considered inappropriate or unnecessary that members serve on these organisations.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer Consulted

4.1. Not applicable

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1. Not applicable

6. Reasons for the matter be dealt with if urgent

6.1. Not applicable

Approved by .......................... Dated 23 November 2001

Councillor Felicity Hindson