Archived decisions

Contact: Chandra McGowan ext 7127

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the appointment of Councillor Patricia Banks in the role of Older People's champion is confirmed. The appointment should run until the Annual Meeting of Council in May 2006.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aim Number One of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities) by contributing to the Cabinet Priority for Older People. This is because the Older People's Champion is appointed to use her influence to stand up for the interests of older people.

2.2 The National Service Framework for Older People (NSF) was published by the Department of Health in March 2001. It sets out national standards and models of care across health and social services for all older people, whether they live at home, in residential care, or are being cared for in hospital. The NSF introduced the concept of champions for older people. In general champions are people with a desire to improve older people's services and are willing to work together and use their influence to promote the interests of older people. There are four types of champion: elected council members, NHS non-executive directors, clinical or practice champions and older people's representatives.

2.3 Elected council members lead for older people across their council. They aim to ensure that older people become and remain a priority within the council and support implementation of the NSF and the wider older people's programme. They help to ensure that older people are involved in developing services and work with colleagues on the council on promoting an active healthy life. They challenge age discrimination within council services where it exists. They also ensure that the interests of older people are recognised in all areas of council business making links with transport, leisure, environment, and housing.

2.4. A national toolkit to assist older people's champions was published in July 2004 and much progress has been made across Hampshire, working with partners, to implement the standards in the NSF. An updated framework is due to be published this autumn which will sets out the challenges for the next few years, building on current success.

2.5. It is anticipated that Cllr Banks will continue to ensure that the needs of older people are recognised across the council and will take a leading role in ensuring council services improve the quality of life for all older people within the county.

3. Other options considered and rejected

Not applicable

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted

Not applicable

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

Not applicable

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

Not applicable

Approved by: Date: 21 September, 2005

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE