Agenda item

To agree the draft scoping framework as enclosed. To be followed by a discussion on any background information and the Review.

Councillor Sudan welcomed the Panel to the first meeting of the Social Mobility Scrutiny Review and provided some background information. 

The purpose of the Panel was to investigate the state of social mobility within the borough.  There had been concern around the low level of social mobility within the town for some time and the Government’s Social Mobility Commission had now highlighted the borough as one of the poorest local authority areas in the country for social mobility and the worst in the South East.

Panel Members discussed the draft scoping framework. It was felt that the review of social mobility should cover all those growing up in Crawley and not be limited to those on low income households.   There was an acknowledgement that the social mobility index data required some analysis as whilst Crawley appeared low on the “Overall Rankings South East” tab on the Overall Score, this may not necessarily be the case in all areas.  Other data and reports were available that contradict some figures already established and therefore further analysis would be required. It would be key to ascertain the main challenges and identify practical steps to improve those life chances.  The scoping framework was agreed as set out as an appendix to these minutes.

Panel Members discussed the possible approach to be adopted.  There were specific concerns around education, careers and employment (as identified by the Social Mobility Commission).  It was highlighted that the expansion of housing within the borough would potentially impact on the capacity of primary school places and increase the pressure on class sizes. 

The Panel discussed at the length the various pathway options identified for those leaving education; including employment, apprenticeships or higher education with acknowledgement that suitability and ability were paramount, as was a cross-section of the local authority area itself.  There was a view that some careers advice was inconsistent and this should ideally commence at an early stage in primary schools and be further consolidated at secondary school.  It was a concern that both social media and time pressures could be contributing factors to learning and succession planning.

As a result of some preparatory work that had been undertaken, Members acknowledged that the Crawley Employment and Skills Plan (2016-2021) had identified various actions. This document included apprenticeships, careers advice, higher education, training and working with local businesses and employers but it would be beneficial for the Panel to receive an update on its current status.

The Panel also recognised the importance of requesting feedback from the community and voluntary sector, together with Crawley Young Persons Council and it was noted that this could be undertaken through alternative methods to a witness session if the need arose; survey or via email.

It was agreed that it was necessary to obtain further evidence from a wide source of witnesses connected with the issues.

RESOLVED

1.         That evidence gathering interviews be arranged with the following:

·         Head of Strategic Housing and Planning Services, together with the Head of Crawley Homes – CBC

·         Head of Economic and Environmental Services – CBC

·         Councillor Burrett (Cabinet Member for Education and Skills) and Deborah Myers (Director of Education & Skills) - WSCC

2.         That the Chair write to Head Teachers requesting attendance at the education establishment to discuss the provision of initiatives, support and challenges -  with the possibility of obtaining views of cross-section of school children on their career aspirations.

3.         That a draft set standard questions for discussion with Head Teachers be drafted by the Chair and emailed to Panel Members and Lead Officers.

4.         That Panel Members identify a clear set of questions to ask representatives attending witness sessions.

5.         That Community voluntary group(s) be contacted to establish their views on the provision of initiatives, support and challenges.