Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 23 March 2023
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 23 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
16 March 2023 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the ARGYLL AND BUTE COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP - MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE will be held in the ONLINE VIA MS TEAMS on THURSDAY, 23 MARCH 2023 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. AGENDA 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES (CHAIR) 2. APPROVAL OF LAST MINUTES AND REVIEW OF ACTIONS (RONA GOLD) (Pages 3 - 4) Minutes from December 2022 meeting are attached to the notification of agenda pack email. 3. MATTERS ARISING FROM AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUPS (SHONA BARTON) (Pages 5 - 12) 4. CROSS CUTTING THEMES (a) Climate Change (Stan Phillips) (Pages 13 - 16) (b) Child Poverty (including Implementation of UNCRC update) (Fiona Davies and Mandy Sheridan) (Pages 17 - 84) (c) Financial Inclusion (Fergus Walker) (Pages 85 - 88) (d) Community Wealth Building and Scottish Government Community Wealth Building Consultation (Takki Sulaiman and Morag Goodfellow) (Pages 89 - 92) Scottish Government Community Wealth Building Consultation (e) Digital Communities (Iain MacInnes and LiveArgyll) (f) Building Back Better (Kirsty Moyes) (Pages 93 - 96) - Community Engagement (Kirsty Moyes) Public Document Pack
Page 2
- Volunteering (Takki Sulaiman) 5. ABOIP CONSULTATION RESULTS AND NEXT STEPS (RONA GOLD, JOHN MCLUCKIE AND KIRSTY MOYES) 6. AOCB (a) Response to Survey on Parliamentary Consultation on Community Planning (Chair) (Pages 97 - 100) (b) Response to Scottish Government Community Wealth Building Consultation - Comments by 6 April 2023 (John McLuckie) (c) Argyll and Bute's Children Strategic Group (Rona Gold) 7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING AND CLOSE (CHAIR) Date of the next meeting is Thursday 22nd June 2023 at 1000.
Page 3
CPP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING ACTION GRID – from 7th December 2022 Complete In Progress Outstanding Please highlight actions as per traffic light system to show progress Date Set Action Who Required by Date 8/12/21 Shona to begin preparations for a short video with interviews and feedback from current and past Chairs. Shona 28 September 2022 22/6/22 CPP partners to contact Rona Gold if they are interested in joining the Shaping Places Project Steering Group. All 28 September 2022 22/6/22 Ross McLaughlin to ask the Climate Change Working Group to consider Steering Group membership and report back to CPP Management Committee. Ross McLaughlin 28 September 2022 22/6/22 CPP Team to collate information from Fergus Walker on Financial Inclusion and include in an upcoming issue of the CPP bulletin. CPP Team 28 September 2022 6/10/22 Partners to contact Stan with any advice on any end of year funds available, ideas on how to secure external funding and how to approach looking for private funding. All 7 December 2022 6/10/22 Rona to seek advice from Council Procurement and Finance Officer on how Council could be involved in securing private finance. Rona 7 December 2022 6/10/22 Takki to contact Stan regarding advice on funding bids. Takki 7 December 2022 6/10/22 Meetings to be set up with Joe, Rona and Stan with statutory partners to discuss funding opportunities for Climate Change Group. CPP Team 7 December 2022 6/10/22 OFCOM to be invited to talk to December CPP MC. CPP Team / Iain 7 December 2022 7/12/22 If any partners have successfully produced graphic plans that meet accessibility and format requirements, can they please share that with Rona. All 23 March 2023 7/12/22 New AliEnergy leaflet to be circulated to partners and published in next Community Development and Community Planning e-bulletins. CPP Team 9 December 2022 7/12/22 Fergus Walker to collate all information on Warm Spaces within one place on our website. Partners to signpost to this information as required. Fergus Walker / All 16 December 2023 Page 3 Agenda Item 2
Page 4
Date Set Action Who Required by Date 7/12/22 Partners are encouraged to promote and complete the TSI Volunteering survey. All 30 January 2023 7/12/22 Iain MacInnes to discuss with Rona regarding the invitation of Openreach to a future CPP MC. Iain MacInnes / Rona 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Iain MacInnes to investigate the issues with mast resilience, general and to the specific case in Carradale. Iain MacInnes 23 March 2023 7/12/22 All Community Planning partners are invited to contribute to OFCOM consultations and to promote the use of Social Tariffs through their organisations and networks. All 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Fergus Walker to share the link on social tariffs to the Financial Inclusion Group. Fergus Walker 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Jonathon to share wording of press release on Social Tariffs to Fergus Walker to shape wording on advice for claimants. Jonathon Ruff 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Kevin Allibone to raise within DWP the provision of an alternative provider to TalkTalk in Argyll and Bute due to accessibility issues in this area. Kevin Allibone 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Jonathon to share the Connect Nations Scotland report with the CPP MC once published and come back to CPP MC to talk more about what OFCOM are doing to help public fund investment in these areas. Jonathan Ruff 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Partners to engage with groups they work with to promote joining ACPGs. All 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Stuart to respond to Ian Brodie on the exact number of Community Councils that had not been formed. Stuart McLean 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Rachel McGruer to link with Gary Cameron to ensure Argyll and Bute challenges are included in discussions on NCS. Rachel McGruer 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Partners are asked to widely promote the promote ABOIP survey within their organisations, to staff that live in Argyll and Bute and via social media and bulletins. All 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Questions on the HITRANS paper can be passed to Rona. All 23 March 2023 7/12/22 Community Planning Response Surveys to be circulated to partners and ACPGs to complete and distribute as required. Any responses to be included in the CPP MC response can be forwarded to Rona. 23 March 2023 Page 4
Page 5
Management Committee Date: 23 March 2023 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – February 2023 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper presents key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group meetings that were held virtually in February 2023. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to: a) note the Highlights detailed at section 4 of the report; b) note the position with relation to the various office bearer roles outlined at section 4; and c) note and consider the concerns of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group regarding the proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the area by Forestry and Land Scotland. 3. Background There are four Area Community Planning Groups, one in each of the Council’s administrative areas (Bute and Cowal; Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands; Helensburgh and Lomond; and Oban, Lorn and the Isles). All meetings were held on a virtual basis using Microsoft Teams. Prior to the meetings discussion took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. There was good attendance at all 4 meetings by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All groups considered: Page 5 Agenda Item 3
Page 6
Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements The annual review of the Terms of Reference and the Membership of each Group was considered, the dates of future meetings, up until April 2024, was also provided. The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed that Councillor John Armour be re-appointed as Vice-Chair for a period of 6 months, with the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreeing to appoint Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (Fyne Futures) as Vice-Chair. The current Chair of the Oban Lorn & The Isles Community Planning Group, Kevin Champion, had been in post since February 2021, a period of 2 years. In accordance with the Terms of Reference the Group considered a report which required them to nominate a member to take on the role of Chair. Kevin Champion was subsequently re-appointed, however Mr Champion advised that he would be moving from the area during the summer of 2023 and as such a new Chair will require to be appointed at the August 2023 meeting. Climate Change Working Group Stan Philips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted an update report that highlighted the actions being taken forward to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. Argyll and Bute Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Update The Groups considered a report that outlined the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (Self-Management) community capacity building fund; the Community Link Working service; the newly launched Health Improvement website and health screening awareness. Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update An update from the Community Learning Service, Live Argyll which provided information on activities relating to the Sawa project Bute which concluded in October 2022; cooking on a budget youth sessions; Dunoon girls group; MSYPs consultation events and the new appointment of LiveArgyll Community Learning Services Youth Team Leader was considered. Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Page 6
Page 7
All 4 Community Planning Groups considered an update report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which included information on the significant ongoing rise in requests from clients for advice and support with energy costs; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisers; the annual consultation exercise and the research project for 2023. Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found via the following link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/ Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) The DWP provided statistical information on the number of customers claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. Further information was provided in relation to a number of targeted packages of support for the most vulnerable which included the benefit uprating; the new cost of living payments; the benefit cap rise and employment and support allowance. Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) The afore-mentioned Groups gave consideration to a written update by Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on the Argyll & Bute Community Directory’s Self Service Function which will allow organisations to update and maintain their listing themselves; useful resources and warm spaces information in relation to the Cost of Living Crisis; fully funded distance learning qualifications with Skills Network training. Phil Ashby from Argyll TSI provided a short demonstration of the Community Directory during the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group. Partners were advised that the Directory will allow users to locate the details of a range of services throughout Argyll and Bute. Home Energy Efficiency - (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council provided the afore-mentioned Groups with a verbal presentation on Home Energy Efficiency and the funds available to people within Argyll and Bute. Jackie highlighted that the premise of the Energy Efficient Scotland Scheme is to reduce carbon emissions to contribute to the Scottish Governments aim to have 0% emissions by 2040. Jackie reported that the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme is available to home owners or private rented tenants with grant amounts dependent on property type and personal circumstances, with awards starting at £8,500 for a flat and a maximum of £13,500 for a detached property. Page 7
Page 8
Jackie highlighted that from July 2022 until now, £1.12million had been spent in Argyll and Bute and that more than 130 households in Argyll and Bute have been insulated in this year’s programme. A similar presentation will be delivered to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group in May 2023. ALIEnergy (Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands & Oban, Lorn and the Isles) The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands & Oban, Lorn and the Isles ACPG’s were provided with a brief update on the current workstreams being progressed by ALIEnergy, which included the provision of support to those experiencing financial difficulty and fuel poverty. The Groups were also advised on a number of funding streams that aimed to alleviate child poverty which included working in partnership with Inspiralba to introduce a new Parental Employability Support Fund and accessing funds from Children in Need. Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead for Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon provided the Group with a verbal presentation regarding the Shaping Places for Wellbeing project which aims to improve Scotland’s wellbeing by reducing health inequalities while addressing the health of the planet. Becky advised that there are 7 project towns and that the team will analyse a range of Public Health data sources to understand how Dunoon is performing within an Argyll and Bute and Scottish context. Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll, highlighted that Centres have provided additional support in response to the rising living costs such as offering a wide range of free access courses and competitively priced National 5 English and Maths tuition. Rhona also advised that opens days were held in all UHI Centres in November and January with a further open day scheduled for March; the Graduation Ceremony for 2022 graduates was held in September 2022 and The Sawa partnership project for New Scots reached completion in October 2022. The Group gave consideration to a report by Scenic Sandbank who are seeking to improve the area around Sandbank for the benefit of residents and visitors. The report provided information on the Community Garden Project and an application made to the Scottish Land Fund to buy the land close to the former Sandbank Primary. Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust provided an update on what the Organisation is doing to mitigate against the Cost of Living Crisis such as the distribution of a small pocket of money to those in need and the use of the village hall as a community hub and warm space. Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) Page 8
Page 9
Helensburgh Community Council provided an overview of the their activities. It was highlighted that the new Community Councillors are settling well into their roles. The Community Council are currently analysing the results of the consultation on the proposal to remove Crossing Patrollers from Helensburgh Primary Schools and the continue monitoring and interest in the proposals for a new development on the waterfront.. Fun First advised that they continue to run family sessions during term time in addition to Baby Massage, Baby Yoga sessions and monthly sessions for new or expectant parents. Fun First have also delivered joint sessions with Albatross Arts which were successful and funded through the Argyll and Bute Community Fund, they have also recently received funding from the National Lottery and have been selected as one of the Co-op’s community causes for 2022/2023. 2 community focus items were consider by the Group, Vicky Brindley from the Naval Families Federation (NFF) and Mary McGinley, Chairperson, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank. Vicky Brindley advised that the NFF was for members and families of those serving with the Royal Navy (RN) and Marines to have their views heard by those in a position of power; feel valued; be treated with fairness and respect and to thrive in their communities of choice. Mary McGinley advised that the Foodbank continue to see an increased demand from those finding it difficult to feed themselves or their families. Mary highlighted an increase of 21% in food bags issued and an increase of 49.7% in numbers supported as more families are requiring the support compared to the same quarter last year. Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) The Group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the locality. Information was provided on various other projects such as Land Management Plans and the ongoing peatland restoration programme. The Group were advised on a number of upcoming complex operations and proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the area. Concerns around the proposals were raised by a number of Partners, with the lack of consultation and engagement with the wider community a serious issue for many. Having noted the strong feeling on this matter, the Chair suggested that this issue be fed back to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for further discussion and action. Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) provided a brief presentation on the progress being made on the delivery of Phase 2 of the Inveraray to Crossaig project, specifically the construction of the new 45km overhead line between Port Ann and Crossaig substation and the associated enabling works. Page 9
Page 10
Campbeltown Community Council outlined two community events scheduled to take place in February 2023 which are being run in partnership with South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT); Inspiralba and Architecture and Design Scotland Climate Action Towns. The update also outlined the concerns of the Community Council in relation to a number of road related issues. Members of the Kintyre Youth Action Group provided an update on work they are leading on within their communities, which included representing local youth views; running community events such as local coffee mornings to raise funds for the people of Ukraine; setting up of an LGBTQ+ Youth Forum and their involvement in a number of volunteer programmes such as local food banks. Consideration was given to an update from South Islay Development which included information on the new community hub at Port Ellen Playing Fields and the development of the £1 million Ardbeg All Islay Fund. The Community Focus item was delivered by Shirley Nicolson, Senior Support Worker with Lochside Champions. Shirley spoke to the written update provided which was a series of questions and responses from the consultation on the provision of their service. Shirley introduced two of the people she supports who provided information on a number of issues which affect them in their daily life and included difficulties in accessing the everyday activities that so many take for granted, such as being able to visit friends and family, gain meaningful employment or live independently. Tim Bailey of Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) outlined the background of MACC and the support it provides to the local community with direct spending on local contractors and charitable donations to local good causes. He advised of a number of key projects that would benefit both MACC and the local community, which included a datacentre and the production of hydrogen as a means of electricity generation. Mr Bailey sought the support of Partners in bringing the project start date of 2032 forward to enable the reversal of the projection of population decline within Argyll and Bute, bring jobs to the area and increase the local economy. Councillor Brown provided a short update on the Community Cycling Ardrishaig project. She advised that following the withdrawal of funding for the original Bike Bothy in Ardrishaig, a group of local people had formed the Community Cycling Ardrishaig group. She advised that they currently meet every Monday and that they have their own Facebook page. Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the workstreams of the Climate Action Towns group. The report highlighted the ongoing work to support the development of the Campbeltown Community Action Plan, to ensure that it considered future climate change and climate risks. Page 10
Page 11
Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) The Group considered a report from Oban Community Harbour Development Authority (OCHDA), highlighting that Argyll & Bute Council had submitted the Harbour Revision Order to Transport Scotland. Mr Kincaid advised that OCHDA would welcome greater local influence over the port. North Argyll Carers Centre highlighted the increase in demand for their services, with 29 new adult carers and 15 new young carers being registered since the last meeting. The Health and Social Care Partnership have awarded funding to support a pilot which will enable the Carers Centre to put in place regular home-help type preventative supports for carers. The Group gave consideration to a report from Robbie Layden regarding the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the locality. Information on Land Management Plans; Renewable Energy plans; the ongoing peatland restoration programme; removal of Larch Trees infected by disease; proposals to introduce car parking charges within the locality was also highlighted. Isla McCulloch, a trustee with Adventure Oban, delivered the Community Focus item, specifically a presentation on the Active Travel Plan for Oban. Isla highlighted the key actions proposed in Oban such as Safer Cycle Routes to Schools, Improvement on signage and lighting for active travel routes, ensuring pavements meet the needs of people with additional access needs and maintenance of the general appearance of Oban’s greenspace, pavements and shop fronts. 4.1 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in February 2023. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held in April covered various Outcomes. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action may have a knock on effect on finance and/or staff resource Prevention Contributes to the prevention agenda Equalities Contributes toward reducing inequalities For More Information: Page 11
Page 12
Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 12
Page 13
Management Committee Date: 23 March 2023 Addressing the Climate Emergency in Argyll and Bute 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide the CPP Management Committee with an update of the Climate Change Working Group. 2.0 Recommendations The CPP Management Committee are asked to: Note the approach and status of the project outlined in the report. 3.0 Background Over the past year, the Climate Change Short Life Working Group has been revived as a CPP sub-group, known as the Climate Change Working Group. It took a fresh look at its remit and potential outputs, which have ultimately centred on producing a Climate Change Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. The Action Plan is proposed to be produced by employing a Climate Change Project Manager to lead on the process. More recently, the Climate Change Working Group has been exploring funding options for such a post. This update sets out our current position. 4.0 Detail 4.1 Funding The Climate Change Working Group are currently pulling together a funding package to support the post of the Climate Change Project Manager. The cost of a Project Manager post is estimated to be in the region of £120,000 over two years, which would include the salary of an appropriately qualified climate leader, associated employer costs, T&S costs, etc. Page 13 Agenda Item 4a
Page 14
Subsequent to previous calls for funding contributions, we had two firm contributions from partners: £20,000 NHS Highland - Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership £50,000 Argyll and Bute Council We also recently received funding from NatureScot to the tune of £7,000 for this financial year, and have submitted a further bid for funds from next year’s budget of £15,000. 4.2 Next Steps The Climate Change working Group have decided to start the project with the budget we currently have. We have decided that we would advertise the Project Manager post with options for: i) 0.75 Full Time Equivalent for two years, or ii) 1.0 Full Time Equivalent for 18 months …depending on the preferences of the successful candidate. In any case we would need to continue searching for funding for either a continuation of the project timeline, or to provide additional assistance for the part time set- up. However, it was felt that finding £30,000 in year two would be achievable. Given this decision and approach, we are currently finalising the legal agreements which will complete the governance arrangements. Once these are in place, we will move to advertise the post. 5.0 Conclusion 1. We propose producing a strategic Action Plan process as the best, and most thorough, way to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute. 2. We have an approved governance arrangement for the Climate Change Project Manager post. 3. We are actively pursuing the recruitment of a Project Manager to start this Action Plan work and hope to have someone in post within the next two months. 6.0 Implications Strategic Implications Consultations, Previous considerations Page 14
Page 15
Resources Prevention Equalities Stan Phillips, Chair, CPP Climate Change Working Group For more information, please contact: Stan Phillips, Operations Manager, NatureScot stan.phillips@nature.scot Nicola Reaney, Administrative Officer, Community Planning Nicola.Reaney@argyll-bute.gov.uk References Appendices Page 15
Page 16
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 17
1 Update for CPP Management Committee: Implementation of the UNCRC In order to assist local authorities with the implementation of the UNCRC, the Improvement Service, led by Rebecca Spillane, UNCRC Implementation Manager, have produced the “Getting Ready for UNCRC Incorporation Framework: A Practical Resource for Local Authorities in Scotland to prepare for UNCRC Incorporation” Autumn 2022. This document looks at a Theory of Change for implementing the UNCRC in Scotland; the key change areas identified are: Policy - policy adaptation, coordination, administrative integration and budgetary consideration. Capacity - building cross-sector capacity and capability to integrate rights- based ways of working. Culture - changing attitudes, norms, values and everyday actions. Empowerment - ensuring a system of information, advocacy, complaints, redress and effective remedy for children and young people From this it goes on to provide a framework for action and identifies the Key Steps to take to Get Ready for UNCRC Incorporation; these are: 1. Leadership; 2. Participation of Children and Young People; 3. Empowerment of Children and Young People; 4. Child Friendly Complaints Procedure; 5. Training and Awareness Raising; 6. Improving Practice- Tools and Resources to support your work; 7. Publishing Child Friendly Information; 8. Measuring Progress; 9. Children’s Rights Budgeting; 10. Accountability and Reporting on Children’s Rights; 11. Non Discrimination / Rights at Risk. Key Things to remember when looking at the implementation process: The UNCRC provides a rights-based framework to uphold the rights of children and take their views into account in decisions that affect them including policy, practice and budget making decisions. This extends beyond the traditional areas of education and children’s services and into areas such as housing, transport and the environment. It also extends to those services being delivered by organisations who are commissioned or procured by a duty bearer e.g. the Council or Health Board. Page 17 Agenda Item 4b
Page 18
2 Implementation of the UNCRC must be a whole Council approach and must extend beyond traditional areas like education and children’s services. Leaders will need to embrace the need for actions like; child friendly complaints procedures, providing child friendly information, co-production in planning / budgeting etc. with children and young people, training of staff in UNCRC / children’s rights respecting practice, review of all policies and plans to ensure they are compliant with the UNCRC and the rights of the child; monitoring of all of these areas going forward will be important There will be a nationally agreed process for implementing a child friendly complaints procedure. However the Argyll and Bute UNCRC Implementation Group is looking at Argyll and Bute being selected as one of the areas piloting this procedure in the next 4 months. This will place us at the forefront of this change process. Data and evidence will be necessary to allow the Council to be able to demonstrate compliance and meet its reporting duty. We are required to complete a Children’s Rights Report 2023 - 2026, by the end of April this year. This will replace and update our existing Children’s Rights Report which was produced in 2020. The UNCRC Implementation Group are looking at producing a Toolkit to assist Managers and Heads of Service with understanding and implementing the necessary changes. This could be combined with an awards system that requires evidence of changes made and the creation of a Children’s Charter by each service. A similar process is currently being used with some success in Inverclyde. Staff training will be an important part of UNCRC Implementation. This must include giving leaders and managers the information and tools they need to be able to make the changes necessary in their own areas. The Improvement Service is looking at what they can contribute to this need but it is likely that most of this will have to be provided locally. A budget for this will be necessary. Creating E-Learning provision on LEON and other platforms might be a partial answer to the need to offer at least awareness raising to all Council staff. There is currently one e-learning module on LEON that explains the UNCRC and its relationship to child poverty. It will be important to ensure that Equality Impact Assessments are carried out for all policies and plans. Currently Argyll and Bute does not have an Integrated Impact Assessment; this is a concern. It will be important that those using our current EQSEIA provide ample evidence of having considered impacts on children and that they can demonstrate engagement and coproduction in their planning. There are child rights impact assessment (CRIA) and child rights impact evaluation (CRIE); if we decide not to use these in preference to the use of our EQSEIA we must ensure that there is a similar level of evidence, engagement and coproduction involved. If an Page 18
Page 19
3 Equality Impact Assessment is not completed there must be a clear statement as to why it has been considered unnecessary. It will be necessary to ensure that all impact assessments are published along with the proposed policy or plan so as to be accessible to children, young people and their representatives. As information must be accessible to children and young people, it is likely that in most, if not all cases, child friendly versions of the policy, plan and its accompanying Equality Impact Assessment must be produced and also published. The UNCRC Implementation Group will produce an Action Plan to take forward the necessary changes and highlight opportunities, challenges and risks. It should be noted that membership of this group will need to grow to include managers from areas that do not traditionally work with children. Pace of change must be fairly fast as the act is likely to be passed into law in the next few month and implementation will be expected in the 6 months following that. In addition the reporting duty laid out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 means that a local Children’s Rights Report will be required by the end of April this year, to cover the period 2023 – 2026. An important factor in creating both our Action Plan and Child Poverty Action Report will be the need for engagement and co-production with children and young people. Co-production is at the heart of the UNCRC and its implementation and there are key questions that Council leaders and service heads must ask themselves. There are already real problems evident in the need to involve children and young people in co-production in so many different areas (the production of all strategic and department plans, proposed significant changes in services and ways of working etc.). Currently co- production is actively sought by services such as: education, child poverty, employability, young carers, CPP, youth work, health, social care and many more. This will increase considerably when the UNCRC is implemented and all service areas must do the same. Points to Consider: Argyll and Bute demographically has a relatively small number of children and young people; smaller still those who are willing to engage in co-production. Issues relating to the rurality of many of our children and young people is a complication, making face to face, joined up discussions more problematic. This is compounded with digital factors such as device availability and poor Wi-Fi reception. There are risks that we do not involve more marginalised groups in co- production; LBTQI+, those with disability, ethnic minority groups, gypsy Page 19
Page 20
4 travellers etc. Is there the manpower and resources to ensure this is not the case? The Improvement Service and Scottish Government have said that, if the matter is one that may impact upon them, far younger children than previously considered could be involved and their views should be sought, this would include children in nursery schools. Co-production with children, young people and other key stakeholders requires a budget. It is necessary to compensate people for their time and offer a small reward as an incentive. It is not bribery it is showing that they are valued and respected; workers they are co-producing with are being paid and it should be acknowledged that their time and effort also has value. This can take the form of offering a snack if the engagement is face to face; small payments or vouchers. There is a risk of the same children and young people being repeated asked to engage in co-production and give their views. Many are already opting out and refusing to do more because of this factor. The demand for children and young people to engage in co-production will become significantly higher in the coming year. There is a significant risk that the Council and other bodies will be unable to carry out the co-production required by the Scottish Government. Conclusion: During the course of 2023 work will be taken across the Council to embed the UNCRC and demonstrate how children’s rights are being respected. This will require top down, joined up working that sees everyone becoming children’s rights aware and understanding their place in that and the ways in which their departments achieve this. Support and advice is available from the Improvement Service and the Scottish Government. Page 20
Page 21
5 Notes: What are CRIA and CRIE? A child rights focused impact process supports the systematic assessment and communication of the impact of a proposal or measure on the rights, needs and interests of children. The process is meant to be continuous, from assessment of anticipated impact (CRIA) through to a review and evaluation of actual impact (CRIE). Child rights impact assessment (CRIA) examines the potential impacts on children and young people of laws, policies, budget decisions, programmes and services as they are being developed and, if necessary, suggests ways to avoid or mitigate any negative impacts. This is done prior to the decision or action being set in place. Child rights impact evaluation (CRIE) provides an opportunity to consider the intended or unintended effect legislative changes, budget decisions, policies, programmes or services have had on children and young people’s rights. Where necessary, the CRIE can propose what changes would be needed to ensure the measure respects children’s rights and complies with the UNCRC. This is done after a decision has been made or an action has been taken. https://www.cypcs.org.uk/resources/listen-engage-have-fun/ Children’s Rights and the UNCRC in Scotland: An Introduction Scot Gov., November 2021 https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and- guidance/2021/11/implementing-united-nations-convention-rights-child-introductory- guidance/documents/childrens-rights-uncrc-scotland-introduction/childrens-rights- uncrc-scotland-introduction/govscot%3Adocument/childrens-rights-uncrc-scotland- introduction.pdf Getting Ready for UNCRC Incorporation Framework: A Practical Resource for Local Authorities in Scotland to prepare for UNCRC Incorporation Supporting Children’s Rights, autumn 2022 File appended Page 21
Page 22
6 Argyll and Bute Children’s Rights Report 2020 File appended UNCRC Implementation: UNCRC Programme Update Programme Update January 2023 File appended Page 22
Page 23
1 Argyll and Bute Children’s Rights Report 2020-23 November 2020 Page 23
Page 24
2 Contents Foreword .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4 What Are Children’s Rights? .......................................................................................................... 5 Getting it Right for Every Child and UNCRC............................................................................... 6 Examples of current Practice in Argyll and Bute that reflect the UNCRC ........................ 12 Cluster 1: General Measures of Implementation: ................................................................ 12 Cluster 2. General Principles of UNCRC ................................................................................ 14 Cluster 3. Civil Rights and Freedoms ..................................................................................... 23 Cluster 4. Violence against Children ...................................................................................... 24 Cluster 5. Family Environment and Alternative Care ......................................................... 25 Cluster 6. Basic Health and Welfare........................................................................................ 27 Cluster 7. Education, Leisure and Culture ............................................................................ 30 Cluster 8. Special Protection Measures ................................................................................. 31 Key Actions Going Forward .......................................................................................................... 33 Addendum 1 Key Documents and Plans: .................................................................................. 37 Addendum 2 History of Human Rights Legislation ................................................................ 39 Page 24
Page 25
3 Foreword This report documents how we aim to deliver the Scottish Governments vision of Children’s Rights in Argyll & Bute in the context of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and the United Nations Convention for Human Rights (UNCRC). We are committing to ensure we “respect the rights of children, young people and their families and to hear and listen to their voices”. Throughout this document you will see what we plan to do in the next three years and the articles of the convention that it relates too. We are further supporting this though our duties to a Fairer Scotland and the Islands Act which support our vision for equalities and considerations in our remote and rural communities. We will seek to consider the rights of children throughout the scope of our services to ensure that the children and young people of Argyll & Bute grow up with access to the best opportunities available to support the future generation of adults who will make Argyll & Bute a vibrant place to live and work. The adoption of Children’s Rights in Scotland supports its implementation and provides accountability to ensure better outcomes for children in local decision making. This will be the precursor to supporting change in child poverty, access to health services, protection and rights through justice services and reducing the impact on educational attainment on children impacted in this area. We look forward to delivering this commitment together ensuring that we promote a multi-sector partnership approach. The strength of this approach will help us ensure the rights of all children are upheld. Joanna Macdonald Chief Officer Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Pippa Milne Chief Executive Argyll & Bute Council Pam Dudek Chief Executive NHS Highland Health Board Chair Children’s Strategic Group Page 25
Page 26
4 Introduction This is Argyll and Bute’s first Children’s Rights Report and it will look at how children’s rights are currently fulfilled and some of the key actions taking place over the next three years. In this report Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Health Board and our partners confirm that we support the Scottish Government’s vision that Scotland become the best place in the world for a child to grow up, with opportunities for all in Scotland to flourish. Human rights and the needs of children and young people are central to that vision and to three of Scotland’s national outcomes: We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination. In Argyll and Bute we work to respect the rights of children, young people and their families and to hear and listen to their voices. We will seek to consult them on key policies and strategies, where possible, and to involve them in decision making in all parts of their lives, including education, health and social care, housing, environment and leisure. We will carry out Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIA), engaging with children, young people and their families and making the results of these available by publishing these on the Council website for scrutiny by children, young people and the public. We will ensure that these assessments are written in a child friendly way, or include a child friendly version. In everything we do we will be guided by the principle of the best interests of the child, the wellbeing indicators and the 54 articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Link to Children’s Rights page and a children and young people’s version of the Argyll and Bute Children’s Rights Report. https://sites.google.com/ab.glow.scot/ab-uncrcreporting-cyp/home In 2018 a Care Inspectorate, joint Inspection of Children’s Services in Argyll and Bute reviewed how services work together to protect children where concerns have been raised about their welfare or safety, including children who are currently, or have previously been, on the child protection register. The inspection looked closely at the support that is provide to children and young people who are currently, or have previously been, ‘looked after’, including those living with parents, having short periods of respite care, in kinship care, in residential care (including schools and secure care) and, in foster care. Part of the inspection process involved the Care Inspectorate young inspection volunteers, their role involves attending focus groups with local care Page 26
Page 27
5 experienced young people and to visit care services with inspectors to check that they are providing good quality care and discuss with them ways to improve. Inspectors, in their final report, noted that it was a strength that: “Children and young people were respected and listened to at both operational and strategic levels, reflecting positive attitudes and significant investment on the part of community planning partners.” What Are Children’s Rights? Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which we are all entitled in order to live with dignity, equality and fairness, and to develop and reach our potential. Human rights are: universal inalienable (not taken/given away) indivisible interdependent (loss of one impacts all) Everyone, including children, have these rights, no matter what their circumstances. Under international law, States/Governments are obliged to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. In Scotland Government Ministers have a duty to promote public awareness and understanding of the rights of children under Part 1 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. Local Authorities and Health Boards have a duty to report back every three years on the steps each has taken to secure better or further effect of UNCRC requirements under s.2 and Schedule 1 of the 2014 Act. Children’s rights cover all aspects of their lives from birth to 18-years-of-age. Children and young people are people in their own right and it is the responsibility of adults, acting through national and local bodies, to ensure that any barriers to children and young people achieving their rights are recognised and removed. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is one of the core international human rights treaties - a universally agreed set of minimum child rights standards which is the most widely ratified of all the international conventions, and with which States must comply. Importantly the UNCRC introduces the concept of a child’s ‘evolving capacities’ (Article 5), which states that direction and guidance provided by parents or others with responsibility for the child must take into account the capacities of the child to exercise rights on their own behalf. It includes four general principles that are not only rights in themselves but underpin every other right in the Convention: For rights to be applied without discrimination (Article 2) Page 27
Page 28
6 For the best interests of the child to be a primary consideration (Article 3) The right to life, survival and development (Article 6) The right to express a view and have that view given due weight (Article 12) The UNCRC also provides children with a series of individual rights, such as the right to education, health, name, nationality, play and an adequate standard of living. Additional rights have been included for particular groups, including disabled children, children who have been exploited or mistreated, refugee and migrant children, children in custody and children in care. Children’s rights are inextricably linked with the rights of parents and carers, whose important role in children’s lives is recognised throughout. There are 54 articles in the UNCRC, arranged into 8 clusters or themes. Getting it Right for Every Child and UNCRC The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, a children’s rights based document, encapsulates central and local Government duties in terms of children’s rights and is based on the key principles of putting the best interests of the child at the heart of decision making and taking a holistic approach to the wellbeing of a child. In the act, the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) assessment approach reflects the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This approach supports children and young people so that they can grow up feeling loved, safe and respected and can realise their full potential. GIRFEC recognises that all children are unique and that each child should be helped to reach their full potential. A range of experiences can have negative effects on young people; these are recognised in the work on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or other adversities such as bereavement or bullying, or where a family is affected by illness, disability or poverty. https://www.gov.scot/publications/adverse-childhood-experiences/ GIRFEC is central to all government policies which support children, young people and their families and is delivered through services and people who work with families. It is: child-focused; based on an understanding of the wellbeing of a child in their current situation and also on tackling needs early and through multiagency working. The GIRFEC Collective Leadership Programme was established to provide confidence for practitioners and managers about shared understanding and approaches to the leadership and delivery of services for children and families. The programme will support the Argyll and Bute children’s services partnership to increase the capability and capacity around collective leadership, to drive forward integration and further embed GIRFEC at a local level, this also supports implementation of the Page 28
Page 29
7 UNCRC and the linkages between the Articles and key elements of GIRFEC. The National practice model incorporates the 8 well-being indicators into planning, decision-making and practice, and endorses the Articles of the UNCRC. The UNCRC Articles that apply to the Wellbeing Indicators: Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments (CRWIAs): These assessments utilise both the Wellbeing Indicators and the UNCRC articles to assess the potential impact of a policy or other measure, on children and young people’s rights and wellbeing in Scotland. It is a key part of our plan that these will be Page 29
Page 30
8 carried out in Argyll and Bute and the outcomes used to develop good policies and practice that safeguard the rights and needs of children and young people. We will also ensure that the Fairer Scotland Duty, part one of the Equality Act 2010, informs our decision making in a clear and transparent way and that all our strategic decisions have due regard to: eliminating discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the 2010 Act; advancing equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic (as defined by the 2010 Act) and persons who do not share it; fostering good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. In addition we will consider our duties under the Island Scotland Act 2018 and ensure that impact assessments are carried out to ensure that the rights of children and young people from island communities are respected when strategy, policy and service delivery decisions are being made. Article 3: Anyone making decisions that affect young people should make young people’s interests a priority. Page 30
Page 31
9 Supporting Children and Young People During the Covid19 Pandemic: In Argyll and Bute the challenge of the Covid19 pandemic was met by an effective multi-agency partnership, led by the Council that worked to ensure that children and young people were supported and their needs met as far as possible within the restriction imposed by lockdown. Throughout the crisis the need to respect children’s rights, listen to their voices and ensure their wellbeing was the driving force. Crisis support services, help phone lines and information sharing were quickly put in place and this helped the community to come together to support all those who needed it most. Going forward we remain vigilant to the needs of children and young people and the need to ensure their rights are respected in the “new normal.” We will use the experiences of the pandemic and determine what we can learn that will enable us to “Build Back Better”. https://sway.office.com/Dw2xKno7aogbLmcL?ref=Link Some of the measures we took: Hub Schools were quickly established to ensure care for the children of key workers and vulnerable children and these worked well throughout lockdown allowing health, social care and other key frontline workers to continue in their posts. A food group was formed that ensured that all children who were entitled to free school meals continued to get food support as did their wider families if necessary. Children were assisted when shielding by multi-agency wraparound support to them and their families. Argyll and Bute continues to be one of three areas in Scotland leading the way in developing a trauma informed workforce. As part of this we have developed and collated a range of easy to use on line learning materials for everyone in the children’s services workforce to help support the different groups of staff who come into contact with children and families as part of their job. Page 31
Page 32
10 Following lockdown our initial focus was on an on line offer – we have developed this and education made it mandatory for all staff as part of recovery plans https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/trauma-informed-practice-training Children and Families Social Workers kept in touch with children and parents by phone and online. On Bute there was additional contact with single parent families and support and signposting to other services took place. Social Workers would engage children online for long periods in order to allow the single parent some respite. Welfare Rights Officers continued to offer online and telephone advice for families anxious about benefit and employment issues. Education and other staff attended online IRD, Child Planning and multi-agency meetings as required. Reviews for Looked After Children took place within timescales with very few exceptions. The Link Officers and Managers in the central education team and members of the Psychological Services Team provided ongoing support to schools around managing risk and assessing the changing and escalating needs of children and families as lockdown progressed. The Family Placement Manager maintained contact with children and young people in residential placements out with Argyll and Bute and ensured that their needs were met. There was ongoing communication between the Lead for Care Experienced Children and the Named Persons of external education / placement providers. She also contacted all schools where the Lead Professional is from another authority to ensure that there was been continuity of contact and support. The Education Team and partner agencies worked to ensure the safety and protection of our children, to offer and provide support to families and to continue effective multi-agency safeguarding work within the GIRFEC Practice Model, taking account of the increased risk factors associated with the COVID- 19 lockdown. During the week prior to the school closures Education staff completed work to collate social stories to share with children about COVID 19 and the school closures, then shared with parents as appropriate to reinforce positive messages at home. In week one (27.3.20) and prior to the first weekend under lockdown, Education Staff worked closely with the Lead Officer Child Protection and the Interagency Page 32
Page 33
11 Training Co-ordinator to ensure that all children and families were sent Child Protection information and sources of support. In this week (25.3.20), the document Assessing and Supporting Vulnerable Pupils was also released to education settings with clarification of our Staged Intervention, Single Workforce Planning approach. Looked After and Care Experienced Children and Young People were part of priority consideration in this process. This approach included measures for continuing to support pupils during the Easter Break. It also ensured that the risk of digital poverty was fully considered when assessing how to keep pupils and families “visible” and acknowledged the need to avoid over-reliance on online engagement. In week two (2.4.20) Schools were contacted, informed and updated on Child Protection Procedures and asked to re-share information with children and families ahead of the holidays. In week five (after the two week break), update and comprehensive guidance was issued to education settings on how we continue to fulfil our statutory safeguarding and Child Protection duties and ensure that all children, young people and families in our community remain visible and supported. (Appendices 5 and 6 and video summary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oSEDRe-HVM&feature=youtu.be The Education Lead for Looked After Children created a bespoke web page of resources and communicated with parents and carers via weekly videos: Creating a support website and weekly video updates for parents and carers: https://sites.google.com/ab.glow.scot/carexeperiencedlearners/home Multiagency online support meetings for Foster Carers and Adopters were arranged by the Family Placement Team (24.6.20 and 5.8.20). The Education Lead for Looked After Children offered financial support for the purchase of devices through the Care Experienced fund (in line with Scottish Government approval to re-allocate funds to address risks associated with lockdown). The Digital Inclusion Project worked across Argyll and Bute to obtain, repair and distribute smart phones, laptops and other devices to those without these resources. A bank of resource materials were added to the resource hub - attached to Our Children Their Mental Health, related to COVID 19 for young people, parents or professionals. https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/mental_health_resources_updated_april_2020.p df Page 33
Page 34
12 Multi-agency work to support children and families with any well-being needs at home and in HUB schools including enhanced risk assessment processes continued as required throughout the school closure period. Guidance was issued to schools about ensuring that communication with the Named Person for each child (or contingency replacement) is possible as required by families, children and young people and staff from other agencies. On 24.4.20, specific guidance was issued by the Education Lead for Looked After Children around the way that schools approached estimates for their care experienced learners in light of the COVID-19 situation. This guidance was seen as good practice by education Scotland. Newly appointed Looked After Health and Wellbeing Liaison Officers worked through lockdown and the summer holidays to support families with Care Experienced Children, initially using technology and then face to face as lockdown easing and COVID risk assessment allowed. Examples of current Practice in Argyll and Bute that reflect the UNCRC Cluster 1: General Measures of Implementation: 1. List of some key policies where children’s rights are taken into account in terms of resource allocation. • Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2020 - 2023. • Argyll and Bute’s Outcome Improvement Plan 2013 – 2023. • Education Service Plan 2020 - 2023. • Argyll and Bute Year of Young People Plan 2018. • Community Learning &Development Strategic Partnership Plan 2018 – 2021 • Community Learning Service Plan 2019 – 2020 (Article 4) Page 34
Page 35
13 2. Our principles and vision is enshrined in the work of our Community Planning Partnership and states: Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership is committed to promoting equality Key Principles: • No-one is disadvantaged because of their race or ethnic origin, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion and belief; • The differences between people are valued and good relations between groups are promoted; • People are treated fairly and with equal respect; • Informed assessments are made on the impact of policies and services; • People are involved in the decisions that affect them and encouraged to participate in public life. (Article 4) 3. Our Local Outcome Improvement Plan (2013 - 2023) states that we believe children and young people have a right to the best possible education and health care. • The economy is diverse and thriving. • We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. • Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all. • Children and young people have the best possible start. • People live active, healthier and independent lives. • People live in safer and stronger communities. (Article 4) 4. The Council carries out Equality and Socio-impact assessments when conducting policy change / service reviews etc. This is to that issues such as discrimination, disadvantage and impact are considered. They also help to ensure that consultation with stakeholders, including children and young people, takes place. Early Learning and Childcare establishments adhere to the Health and Social Care Standards and are inspected regularly on these by Care Inspectorate inspectors. https://www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/inspection-reports Primary and Secondary establishments adhere to General Teaching Council for Scotland standards for registration and teachers exemplify the values of Social Justice, Integrity, Trust and Respect and Professional Commitment. Page 35
Page 36
14 http://www.gtcs.org.uk/web/FILES/the-standards/standards-for-registration-1212.pdf (Article 4) 5. All of our staff in the HSCP are properly registered and Police checked and must comply with national standards. They receive supervision and guidance from trained and experienced Managers. (Article 4) 6. Our services are well managed and are subject to Care Inspection; children’s services were inspected in 2018 – 2019. (Article 4) 7. Education Service Plan (Our Children, Their Future) development included focus groups of young people across Argyll and Bute. The Community Learning Service supported these groups as well as pulling together Youth Representatives from local Youth Forums and Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament to help develop a youth friendly version of the plan. (Article 4) 8. Equity based approach to allocation of support to children with additional support needs and protected characteristics. Dedicated care experienced lead within education to ensure the needs of this vulnerable group are accurately assessed and addressed. (Article 4) Cluster 2. General Principles of UNCRC 1. Argyll and Bute’s LGBTQ+ network Argyll and Bute’s LGBTQ+ network was set up in 2019, holding its first meeting on 19th March, 2019. From the outset, the group comprised representatives from education services and Community Learning and Development, Skills Development Scotland, NHS Highland, Argyll College/UHI, representatives from Mid Argyll Youth Parliament, Waverley Care and Third Sector agencies such as Mid Argyll Youth Development Services (MAYDS) and The Youth Café, Campbeltown. It was considered vital that children and young people be central to the group. LGBTQ+ youth groups were consulted on what they would look for in the network Their views included: Page 36
Page 37
15 A safe space to interact with other young people; Resources to support them; Opportunities to take part in equalities activism; and Community links with other local authorities. (Hermitage Academy Sage group) Those children who were consulted had also talked about the challenges that they had experienced in rural communities and the risk of mental health issues and discrimination were highlighted. It was agreed that as well as considering training opportunities, the group should support schools through educational resources to help embed LGBTQ+-inclusive policy and curriculum and to this end a guideline highlighting key policies and resources on LGBTQ+ inclusive education was issued to schools. Resources are also updated on Argyll and Bute’s SALi and information on updates are publicised to schools on a regular basis. Events and Training: The Oban Pride that took place on Saturday, 18th May, 2019, was significant in that it was the first opportunity that an organised pride event for school-aged young people had taken place. In honour of Pride Month on Friday, 21st June, 2019, Tarbert Academy held a Pride Event which was organised by S3 pupils and was well supported by partner agencies and by the local community in Tarbert. On 12th September, 2019 the LGBTQ+ Network organised a Getting it Right For LGBTQ+ children and young people in Argyll and Bute Conference. The Conference was well attended by primary and secondary school staff, health and social care, Skills Development Scotland, Police Scotland and Third Sector. On Purple Friday, 28th February, 2020 the Network organised a learning event for pupils in S1 to S3. The event took place in Mid-Argyll Community Centre and in the MAYDS centre. The aim of the day was to provide a fantastic opportunity for schools and partners to celebrate diversity in our schools and communities; promote equality and positive relationships; and to help LGBTQ+ children, young people, their families and allies to feel that they are supported and included. Stonewall Scotland delivered a workshop on LGBTQ+ awareness to a multi- agency audience of Argyll and Bute professionals on Monday, 24th August 2020 via Skype. The training was very well attended and raised awareness of current research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ children and young people and key terminology. Page 37
Page 38
16 Next Steps: In January, 2020 it was confirmed that Argyll and Bute were awarded funding for our Rainbow Project, which aims to create an outreach programme to support children and young people, school staff and parents to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion. This will build on some of the work being carried out by Claire Brown and Phill Dexter on Police Scotland Choices for Life programme and will form a key part of our work next session. Phill Dexter, our Outreach Worker, will be liaising with schools throughout the year. A key aspect of our 2020-21 strategy is to take our training and awareness to the heart of Argyll and Bute Council. Unfortunately, due to the Covid19 crisis, the Purple Pride Ball for young people aged 14-18 planned for June, 2020 could not take place. However we hope that we will be able to return to our plans for this sometime next year. We also intend to set up our Rainbow Project twitter and Facebook page so that our visibility, and critically that of LGBTQ+ children and young people, is enhanced throughout Argyll and Bute. Article 2 1. States Parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child’s or his or her parent’s or legal guardian’s race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status. 2. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions, or beliefs of the child’s parents, legal guardians, or family members. Page 38
Page 39
17 2. Argyll and Bute Council’s Vision ‘Realising our Potential Together’ is underpinned by 4 key values: • We involve and listen to our customers and communities; • We take pride in delivering best value services; • We are open, honest, fair and inclusive, and • We respect and value everyone. (Article 2) 3. Argyll and Bute Autism Strategy: In 2014 Argyll and Bute published its Strategy for Autism; this was followed up in 2016 with the Autism Implementation Plan 2016 – 2021; this was based on the four strategic Outcomes of: a healthy life, choice and control, independence and active citizenship. In January 2020 a progress report on the implementation of the strategy was produced. The progress report noted the multi-agency nature of the Autism Strategy Group, including Paediatricians, Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Area Principal Teachers, Education Support Officers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and third sector organisations. https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/autism-argyll-and-bute Over the last three years, services for children and young people across Education and the Health and Social Care Partnership have had a sustained focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families affected by autism, in line with outcomes within the local Autism Strategy and taking in to account the outcomes and priorities for 2018 – 21 from the Scottish Strategy for Autism. In Argyll and Bute it is felt that it is important to ensure the rights of children and young people with symptoms of autism and to support them and their families in achieving: Page 39
Page 40
18 A Healthy Life: Over the last three years, diagnostic teams have continued to operate effectively across Argyll and Bute, despite no additional resourcing, to ensure that the process of assessment and diagnosis takes place as close to the child’s home and school as possible. Waiting times have gone up but in all cases, at least one professionals will have had direct contact with the child or young person and their family prior to the assessment or diagnostic discussion. In most cases, members of the diagnostic team will have ongoing contact with the child and family following the diagnostic process, for example, as educational psychologist or education support officer for the child’s school or through providing ongoing guidance around speech and language therapy or health needs. We have worked collaboratively with Scottish Autism to develop training and support materials that are relevant and up to date and available to staff across services. This includes access to the Right Click materials for parents. Scottish Autism also funds Get Set for Autism, a third sector provider offering information and support for families post diagnosis. This service has been invaluable in supporting families and can provide up to six face to face sessions with an experienced professional directed at addressing individual needs and concerns. In all cases where a diagnosis is given, parents or carers are immediately offered this service. Feedback is very positive and the service is currently being formally evaluated There is a growing awareness of apparent levels of increased anxiety being experienced by children and young people on the autism spectrum. As a result there is active engagement with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the Educational Psychology Service to explore the most effective, sustainable approaches to addressing these needs that will also fit within the range of approaches already in place to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of all children and young people. Choice and Control: We have worked to expand the membership of the multiagency autism assessment teams providing high quality training delivered in house to build skill and confidence in recognising, assessing and supporting children and young people with autism based on a clear understanding of the ways in which autism impacts on a young person’s life. Members of the autism assessment teams deliver bespoke training in educational establishment to develop an understanding of autism in general as well as to ensure the delivery of appropriate support to meet individual need. Page 40
Page 41
19 The Looked after Child Lead in Education works with local autism assessment teams to ensure the needs of children are met within local schools and communities. Independence: The processes of assessment and support for autism are embedded within Argyll and Bute’s well established, multiagency GIRFEC practice model which is strength based and builds on the strengths, skills and abilities of each child or young person. Active Citizenship: We have worked closely with the Association for Real Change (ARC), who were responsible for producing the Principles of Good Transition 3, to review our transitions pathways and practice for young people with a disability including those on the autism spectrum. We have also collaborated with ARC to provide feedback on the newly developed Principles in to Practice document which is being rolled out nationally. (Articles 2, 6, 12) 4. When planning the outcomes to be achieved through Pupil Equity Fund, Head Teachers consulted with children and young people, parents and staff. (Articles 3, 12) 5. Argyll and Bute Early Learning and Child Care Group – consulted with 577 parents / carers in 2017 on the expansion of ELC. A ‘Parenting and Family Support Strategy’ was completed in partnership with Health. Argyll and Bute has committed to a service level agreement with UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools Programme for the 2019-20 session. All Head Teachers received an input session from RRS and the level of participating schools increased from 14 engaged schools in February 2019 to 33 in June 2020 (Articles 3, 12) 6. The Changing Lives Initiative (CLI) is a cross boarder project with Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland and was launched in Argyll and Bute in June 2018. The CLI was developed to inform and support parents of young children displaying behaviour consistent with ADHD through the use of the Incredible Years (IY) parenting programme. 22 practitioners from Argyll and Bute HSCP and Early Years Education work alongside the parenting co-ordinator and project psychologist to deliver parent and staff awareness sessions on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the IY programme. This has resulted in a formal parenting programme now being accessible to parents across all areas of Argyll and Bute including the islands of Mull and Bute. An App compliments the initiative and is ideal for reaching the smaller Page 41
Page 42
20 islands and the more remote and rural areas if the county. CLI works alongside existing parenting programmes including the Psychology of Positive Parenting (POPP) and Mellow Parenting. (Article 3, 6, 12) 7. Within Argyll and Bute Education Service we will equip young people to secure and sustain positive destinations and achieve success in life through our priority actions: • Equip children and young people with skills for learning, life and work; • Promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, and • Support lifelong learning. (Article 6) 8. Small group pilots for disengaged young people were run in Campbeltown, Dunoon, Oban, Helensburgh and Lochgilphead engaging with 18 socially isolated and disenfranchised young people. (Articles 3, 6, 12) 9. Development of a multi-agency team which undertook training through Children In Scotland on the use of Model for Improvement to progress children and young people’s strategic engagement. Formation of an advisory group of young people to develop a participation model to inform the Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2023-26 has been initiated. (Articles 3, 12) 10. Consultation with School Councils took place when Argyll and Bute was developing its Child Poverty Action Plan in 2019. This is intended to be an annual process as the plan moves forward and is reviewed. (Articles 3, 12) 11. Engaging with UNICEF to promote the Rights Respecting Schools award scheme across schools in Argyll and Bute. The Education Service has continued with its Service Level Agreement with UNICEF as part of collaborative work through the Northern Alliance. This entitles schools all of our schools to support and accreditation visits at no cost; the only cost for schools is initial registration. The Authority Strategic Lead has continued undertake training and development activities with the UNICEF lead and been a joint assessor for 3 Silver visits as well as a lead assessor for Bronze accreditation. The Authority Strategic Lead has delivered Bronze to Silver workshops at both school and cluster level and, most recently, online as a response to COVID-19 lockdown. Page 42
Page 43
21 The Authority Strategic Lead has worked in collaboration with the Early Years Team to deliver training to EY practitioners around rights- based approaches. The Authority Lead sits on the steering group for statutory Children's Rights Reporting. Increased engagement of schools in the programme - total of 33 schools (up from 17 last year); 14 registered, 14 at Bronze and 5 at Silver. Increased evidence of the language of Children's Rights in school improvement plans and other planning documents. Education activity is reported within the draft statutory Argyll and Bute report on Children's Rights Activity. Training delivered on 2.10.19, 14.2.20, 10.3.20, 3.4.20 and 3.4.20 (the latter was online due to COVID-19). The RRSA journey involves stakeholder engagement questionnaires as part of the inbuilt impact assessment so progress in terms of awareness and engagement is measured as part of the process. (Article 4) 12. In the Review of the CARO Service in 2018, children, young people, parents and Carers were consulted and their views respected in the review and also used for training purposes in order to improve services. (Article 3, 12) 13. HSCP Annual Performance Report 2018 / 2019: demonstrates a clear focus on children and young people’s rights and the need to listen to them and their parents and carers: “We are working hard to actively listen to patients, carers and service users, as their feedback is essential to drive improvement and are pleased to see our engagement processes strengthened to achieve this.” (3) (Article 3, 4, 12) 14. Aligned to national requirements, there is a single point of contact for all complaints made to the Argyll and Bute HSCP. Each complaint is reviewed in terms of content and complexity and handled in line with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Integration Joint Board Complaints Handling Procedure. The right to complain is explained in a child / young person friendly manner in all work with children and young people. For example in and before Looked After Child / Looked After and Accommodated Child reviews, Children’s Hearings, in residential settings, in Child Protection Case conferences. Complaints are dealt with in an open and objective manner and children and young people have access to independent advocacy support if they want this, via Whocares? Scotland (For care experienced children and young people) and an independent advocate for child protection and other areas. (Articles 2, 3, 12) Page 43
Page 44
22 15. The Argyll and Bute Corporate Parenting Plan 2018 – 2021: This places stress on the rights of children and young people and the Corporate Parenting Board works closely with care experienced children and young people to hear their voice and include them in the planning of services. There are local inclusion groups and plans for a Champions Board. https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/corporate-parenting-board (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12) 16. Children’s Plan meetings ensure that children and young people’s views are listened to and their rights are respected. An auditing process ensures Child’s Plan meetings are of a high standard. (Articles 3, 12) 17. The Through Care and After Care Team work with young care leavers to produce a Pathways Plan that includes their views and helps them to achieve positive outcomes going forward. (Articles 3, 6, 12) 18. Argyll and Bute’s Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 – 2023: Within our new plan the main focus is on promoting children and young people’s wellbeing underpinned by Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and by adopting preventative approaches dedicated to the needs of children and young people at the earliest possible time. Recognising the importance of children and young people achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health and wellbeing is also paramount. We also want to make sure children’s rights are respected and promoted and are at the centre of what we do. That’s why a big part of this plan will be about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child becoming fully a part of Scots law. We want to make things better for children who are care experienced and for young people who are helping to care for family members. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12) 19. A Social Work file auditing process exists that works to ensure that best practice is taking place and the rights of children have been respected. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12) 20. The Community Learning Service carried out a Community Mapping exercise when developing their Service Plan/Priorities for 2019 engaging with young people through various mediums including questionnaires (paper and online), Focus groups, Youth Forums, street interviews and partner agencies. Page 44
Page 45
23 (Articles 3, 12) 21. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and Youth Forum representatives attend the Community Planning Group and the Community Planning Partnership and to represent local young people views ensuring their voice is heard and influences decision making at these meetings. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament also participated in the interview process of the New/Current Chief Executive. As well, they took part in focus groups to provide a young person friendly version of the Education service plan 2017 – 2020.In addition they carried out a consultation in 2019 with local young people on Youth Participation/Voice structures (Youth Forums and MSYP roles/functions). They visited other Local Authorities looking at best practice including attendance at the Highland Youth Parliament. They produced a report with recommendations for embedding a rights based model of Youth participation within the Community Learning Service which was presented in January 2020. Work is ongoing to implement these recommendations. (Articles 3, 4, 12) 22. Children and young people are encouraged and supported to participate in all stages of planning, provision and delivery of our services (Article 12). See development of Education Strategy and Vision “Our Children, Their Future” (OCTF). This includes: • Children and young people being an empowered part of School Improvement Planning. • Children and young people having a voice through school’s pupil councils. (Articles 2, 3, 12) Cluster 3. Civil Rights and Freedoms 1. Argyll and Bute Council, Education Service and the Highland Health Board have General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policies which ensure the rights of children and young people. No information is shared in any manner which is not consistent with the Data Protection Act. These policies are enshrined in all policies and guidelines and inform our interactions with third parties. The Council’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) policy is public facing and can be viewed on the Council’s website; as can the Highland Health Board statement on their web site. https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/Pages/YourRights.aspx https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/data-protection#privacy (Article 16) 2. Information is available in a wide range of settings and formats; including a number of languages including British Sign Language. Interpreters are employed, where Page 45
Page 46
24 necessary to ensure that children and young people can have their say and understand what is happening to them. Examples of this would include: Children’s Hearings, Court proceedings, Looked after Child reviews, Child Protection Case Conferences and Child’s Plan Meetings. This provision also applies to parents and carers. (Article 17) 3. Children and young people with disabilities and communications difficulties are given practical support to assist them to communicate and express their views within the Child’s Plan process. (Article 2, 3, 12, 17) 4. Television, wifi access and newspapers are available in all three children and young people’s residential houses and in the two school hostels. (Article 17) 5. Argyll and Bute cares about its parks and open spaces and spends £19,569 annually, per 1000 people, on this provision. The Council has a Roads and Amenities Service Plan which is public facing and is reviewed annually. (Article 15) 6. Leaflets and infomercials produced in relation to Children and Young People Service Plan. (Article 17) 7. Cross agency engagement with the Children’s Hearing system to support positive outcomes within the GIRFEC practice model. (Article 2, 3, 12, 16, 17) 8. When children or young people are held in custody or secure accommodation they are supported by children and families and justice workers. Their rights are protected and national standards are adhered to. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12, 37) Cluster 4. Violence against Children 1. Argyll and Bute has a dedicated Care Assessment and Reviewing Services (CARO) which conducts reviews and child protection case conferences. This service and the Children’s Hearing system works to ensure that children and young people are listened to and their rights are respected. They ensure that all methods of managing children’s behaviour and discipline are appropriate and support the needs of children. All Page 46
Page 47
25 complaints by children and young people are taken seriously and dealt with in a timely fashion. Feedback is always given to the child and their family. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12, 28 (2)) 2. All children and young people’s residential homes and school hostels are subject to inspection and clear guidance is given to staff on the management and guidance of children and young people. Foster care is inspected and managed with each child having a Social Worker and each Carer a Key Worker. Kinship care is reviewed by the CARO team and support is given by the Family Placement Team / Fostering and Adoption Team and quality of care is reviewed. (Articles 2, 3, 4, 12, 28 (2), 37 (9a)) 3. Recovery from abuse and trauma is assisted by Guidance Staff in School as well as Primary Mental Health Workers. Argyll and Bute has a supportive Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMH’s) service. Also training is currently taking place to ensure that all staff working with children and young people are trauma informed. Staff have also been trained in the impact of ACE’s on children and young people. (Articles 2, 4, 39) 4. Argyll and Bute Education Service produced its updated Anti-Bullying Policy, based on the principles of Respect for All (2017), in September, 2019. The policy reflected the views of children in primary and secondary schools who were consulted on their opinions and experiences of bullying. Approximately 50 staff across primary and secondary schools took part in the training sessions delivered by respectme in November, 2019 and schools were asked to produce their own policies by June, 2020. To help monitor the effectiveness of anti-bullying and equalities policies in Argyll and Bute, all schools have been asked to record incidents of bullying in SEEMis Bullying and Equalities Module. (Articles 19, 28 (2), 37 (a), 39) Cluster 5. Family Environment and Alternative Care 1. We ensure that younger children have access / are afforded advocacy during processes such as Looked after Child / Looked after and Accommodated Child reviews, Child Protection Case Conferences and Children’s Hearings. We engage with Children 1st for this purpose. (Articles 5, 9, 12, 18, 25) 3. Argyll and Bute has a Corporate Parenting Board and Managers and members receive training on their responsibilities as corporate parents. Managers in agencies such as Education and Health have also received training and understand their role Page 47
Page 48
26 as corporate parents. Our Corporate Parenting Board engages with care experienced children and young people, respects their rights and listens to their views. There are Participation Groups in place. Argyll and Bute was one of the first areas to take part in the Young Care Inspector Scheme and a Young Care Inspector from Argyll and Bute worked on Care Inspections of children and young people’s residential houses. (Articles 4, 5, 9, 12, 18, 25) 4. Children and young people’s residential houses look to provide a good environment for them, including helping them to achieve their educational and work goals, participate in sporting and cultural activities and retain good family and friendship relationships. The houses have Young People’s Meetings where they can have their say in the house environment and wider issues. (Articles 4, 5, 9, 12, 18, 25, 28 (2)) 5. Support from the Education lead for care experienced children and young people, in schools, is having a significant impact on outcomes. Positive Destinations for Care Experienced Pupils. (Articles 4, 9, 12, 18) 6. We ensure learning from significant case reviews impacts positively on practice. (Articles 2, 4, 12, 37 (9a), 39) 7. All placements of children and young people who are looked after are subject to regular review. Also a robust options appraisal exercise to ensure at the outset, placements are appropriate to need. Page 48
Page 49
27 (Article 3, 4, 12, 18, 25, 28 (2), 37 (9a)) 8. All Early Years Establishments have copies of the 7 Golden Rules of Participation. (Articles 2, 3, 12) Cluster 6. Basic Health and Welfare 1. Welfare Benefits in Argyll and Bute have developed a system of automated benefits that identifies those who should be receiving free school meals and school clothing grants and ensures that they get these. (Articles 24, 27) 2. Period Poverty: Prior to the covid19 pandemic period products were freely available in schools for pupils who needed them, there was a Lead Officer on this on behalf of Education, but implementation and budget was managed by each head teacher locally. Also prior to covid19, the Council’s Commercial Manager was rolling out the community aspect of this, including provision to young people (and all others) out with schools. The aim was to help improve the reach of reusable products and, as part of that, immediately prior to the pandemic, arrangements had been made for supplies to go to Kintyre Youth Café and Girl Guiding in Helensburgh who were both keen to trial reusable period products for their young people (along with regular supplies). Monies had been earmarked to improve supplies of reusable products. Following the pandemic, the operation was moved online, with pupils and people in communities able to order their own supplies directly from Hey Girls using online form. The online order enables individuals to order standard supplies as well as reusable products to best suit their needs. In addition the website was updated to reflect these changes, and merged all of the information across both projects into one, for consistency: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sanitaryprovision Statutory changes are coming into effect for provision and we will continue to keep abreast of these. This approach will continue for the foreseeable future, but products remain available in schools. (Articles 6, 24, 27) 3. School Nursing Services: "School Nursing services are committed to delivering a service to Argyll and Bute's children and young people focusing on prevention, early intervention and support for our most vulnerable. The overarching focus for School Nursing is outlined in the Scottish Government's document, the key priorities sit under the headings Vulnerable children and families, mental health and wellbeing and risk taking behaviours. School Nursing teams are working in partnership with multi-agency colleagues in order to Page 49
Page 50
28 prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences and where they have occurred mitigating their short term and long term effects." https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/corporate- report/2018/09/school-nursing-role-integrated-community-nursing-teams-school- nursing-priority/documents/00540611-pdf/00540611- pdf/govscot%3Adocument/00540611.pdf (Articles 24, 25) 4. The Housing Consortium recognises the need to support children and their families affected by homelessness and particular barriers. Argyll and Bute was one of the first Council’s to sign up to The Make a Stand Pledge which has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women's Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. By signing up to the Pledge, Argyll and Bute Council has committed to providing specific support for people experiencing domestic abuse. Recent changes to the Housing Policy mean that women fleeing domestic violence do not have to register as homeless but can be put onto general housing waiting list and the housing associations are prioritising domestic abuse cases for housing. (Articles 4, 18, 27, 39) 5. Argyll & Bute, Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2020/21 - 2024/25. Impact Assessments were carried out on Equalities; Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency; Health Inequalities; Child Poverty; Homelessness; Gypsy/Travelers; and Rural & Island impacts. There is a commitment to provide housing that will enable people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible where they are older or affected by disability. In addition the LHS specifies a minimum target of 10% of new build should be purpose designed as specialist provision to suit households with medium to high level particular needs (Articles 4, 18, 27, 39) 6. The Council has developed a more cohesive partnership with the Integrated Health & Social Care body to ensure that the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) process is fully aligned with the health and social care integration agenda and other relevant plans such as the “Keys to Life” strategy for persons with learning disabilities, the Integrated Children’s Services Plan, the refreshed national housing strategy for Older Persons published in August 2018, “Age, Home and Community: the next phase”; and the Fairer Scotland for Disabled People strategy published by the Scottish Government in 2016; among others. (Articles 4, 18, 27, 39) Page 50
Page 51
29 7. Argyll and Bute Council fully supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to improve the lives of our Gypsy/Traveller communities; and continues to work in partnership with Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), who own and manage the two official, operational, Travelling Person sites in Argyll and Bute, and other stakeholders to drive forward positive improvements for this client group. (Articles 4, 24, 27) 8. Fuel Poverty is recognised as a major issue in Argyll and Bute, the Council works with ALIenergy (fuel poverty charity) and a range of Advice Services to make improvement in this area. (Articles 4, 24, 27) 9. A Community Food Forum has been created which brings together food banks and other food organisations which provide food and other resources when families are in crisis. (Articles 4, 24, 27) 10. Helping children and young people through transitions in their lives is recognised as key to health and wellbeing. This includes in education, through to training, employment and further education. Also with regards to moving on from care and where they may become involved in the Justice system. This will be a key element in the Youth Justice Strategy which is currently being developed. (Articles 4, 5, 6, 18, 24, 27, 37, 39) 11. Educational Psychology has developed a resource called Our Children, Their Mental Health. https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/our-children-their-mental-health To support schools and other staff working with children and young people in addressing mental health wellbeing needs. (Articles 2, 4, 12, 39) Page 51
Page 52
30 12. The extension of Early Learning and Childcare LC hours to 1140 has continued on target during the covid19 crisis. (Articles 2, 4, 12) 13. Argyll and Bute Council continues to develop strategies both in Education and in the Community to ensure that Scottish Government funding to end period poverty, through the Access to Free Period Product Initiative, has maximum impact. (Articles 6, 24, 27 (1-3)) Cluster 7. Education, Leisure and Culture 1. Argyll and Bute provides education that achieves results for its children and young people that are above the national average in terms of qualifications achieved. Nomis, official labour market figures show that between Jan.2109 – Dec.2019 Argyll and Bute’s population scored more highly in terms of qualifications then both the Scottish and UK average in most respects. Argyll and Bute Level Argyll and Bute % Scotland % Great Britain % NVQ4 and Above 22,300 44.6 45.3 40.3 NVQ3 and Above 31,300 62.6 60.8 58.5 NVQ2 and Above 39,300 78.6 75.6 75.6 NVQ1 and Above 44,400 88.8 83.5 85.6 Other Qualifications 2,00 4.0 6.7 6.7 No Qualifications 3,600 7.2 9.8 7.7 (Articles 4, 28 29, 31) 2. Argyll and Bute is a mixture of town, villages and remote and island places. We provide a high number of small primary schools to meet this need. Also two School Hostels (Dunoon and Oban) in order to facilitate the education and welfare of children and young people from remote and island places. (Articles 4, 28, 29, 31) Page 52
Page 53
31 3. Live Argyll works to provide children and young people with sports and leisure activities that allow them to participate in a wide range of activities. This includes activities that are specifically aimed at facilitating the involvement of children and young people with disabilities. Another barrier can be poverty which can cause social exclusion. Live Argyll endeavours to counteract this by providing sports equipment, low cost activities, arrangements to assist with transport and activities conducted as locally as possible. (Articles 2, 4, 6, 23, 28, 29, 31) 4. Argyll and Bute Education Services have established an LGBTQ+ Network comprising education staff, children and young people and partner agencies such as the NHS, Police Scotland, SDS (careers), CLD and third sector agencies such as MAYDS to provide support to schools, student groups and individual children and young people, to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and to provide training, resources and support in social and emotional wellbeing. Funding has been achieved through Awards For All for outreach work and guidance is available to the group through Stonewall Scotland’s Champions scheme, of which Argyll and Bute is a member. (Articles 28, 29, 30, 31) 5. Argyll and Bute seeks to provide outdoor nursery provision, for example the Silver Birch Outdoor Nursery, planned to open in August 2020. Stramash also operates an outdoor in the Oban area. (Articles 18, 27, 28, 29, 31) 6. A number of measures are in place in our schools to ensure that discrimination does not take place. For example policy states that a young person in care cannot be excluded without notification to the Head of Children and Families Social Work Services and discussion taking place. There is an anti-bullying programme in place in all schools. (Articles 4, 3, 12, 18, 28, 29) 7. The 3 assets approach is in place in Early Years. https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ab/public/sali/uploads/sites/1389/2016/12/0416010 0/ELC-Three-Assets-May-2019.pdf (Articles 3, 12, 28, 29) Cluster 8. Special Protection Measures 1. On the Isle of Bute the Syrian Resettlement Team works in a multiagency way to support Syrian children and families; the team includes Social Care, Health and third Page 53
Page 54
32 sector partners like The Bute Advice Centre. Clear success of the resettlement programme on Bute for many children and young people. (Articles 4, 22, 24, 27, 28, 39) 2. Schools in Argyll and Bute provide Interpreters and other support services where required by Migrants and asylum seekers. (Articles 4, 12, 17, 18, 22, 27) 3. ADP services run programmes and one to one support for children, young people and their families who are experiencing drug misuse issues. This is also recognised as a child protection issue and guidance is in place, see Practitioners guide to working with Children and young people affected by parental substance misuse (GOPR Protocol). Practitioners guide to working with Children and young people affected by parental substance misuse (GOPR Protocol ) (Articles 4, 12, 18, 33, 24, 39) 4. Argyll and Bute has a child sexual exploitation strategy and key workers in child protection, children’s services, education and residential care have received training in this area. See Multi Agency Practice Guidance Child Sexual Exploitation Multi Agency Practice Guidance Child Sexual Exploitation (Articles 4, 18, 33, 34, 37, 39) 5. An Early Effective Intervention (EEI) system is in place in order to divert children and Young people from involvement in the justice system. (Articles 4, 18, 33, 34, 37, 40) 6. A Community Justice Implementation Group is in place to ensure best possible outcomes for children, young people and adults involved with the justice system or who have parents who are involved. (Articles 4, 18, 33, 34, 37, 40) 7. Reviews in custody for young people take place and the Practice Guidance: Custody of Children and Young People Convicted on Indictment under Section 205(2) or Section 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, are adhered to. (Articles 4, 18, 37, 40) 8. We have a strong GIRFEC practice model. The GIRFEC Collective Leadership Programme is in place in Argyll and Bute. (Articles 4, 5, 12, 17, 18, 33, 34, 37, 39) Page 54
Page 55
33 Key Actions Going Forward Action Plan / Strategy linked to Who action is carried out by How impact has / will be assessed Timescale for action Ensure that Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessments are carried out, where relevant, in relation to new policies, plans and strategies. Children’s Rights Plan 2020 – 2023; Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 – 2023; Fairer Scotland Duty: Equality Act 2010. Island Scotland Act 2018 Council and partners. Review of numbers and impacts of CRWA’s on an annual basis. Feedback from the children / young people and the public on published assessments. Annually in December Young Peoples Advisory Group is created. It will work to ensure that children and young people are actively engaged and involved in the development of future services. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Argyll & Bute’s Children Strategic Group Group is formed; feedback from children and young people; Individual service planning reflects actions arising from feedback from children and young people 2023 The multi-agency focus across schools and communities for children and young people will ensure maximum impact in key areas such as; good mental health and wellbeing, personal skills, leadership, team Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Education; HSCP; Third Sector; SDS. Feedback from children and young people. Improvements noted in the key areas noted. By 01/12/202 2 Page 55
Page 56
34 building and communication. Ensure that young people are able to have their voices heard at Integration Joint Board and Community Planning Partnership through the involvement of representatives such as School Pupil Councils, MSYPs and Youth Forums Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 HSCP; Education. Argyll and Bute Council. Evidence of key issues being discussed at School Pupil Councils etc. Evidence of IJB engaging with children and young people and listening to their views. Findings from the SALSUS Survey will ensure partners respond to the voices of children and young people By 01/12/202 1 Multi-agency awareness training with regards to understanding and applying the UNCRC Children’s Rights Plan Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 HSCP; Education; Third Sector; SCRA; Argyll and Bute Council staff and elected members Evidence of training having taken place for key staff groups / Councillors / Panel Members etc. Commenc ed by 01/12/202 1 The findings of the Independent Care Review are taken forward within a multiagency approach. The findings of the Independent Care Review are embedded in practice across the partnership Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Multi- agency led by Children Strategic Group The lives of care experienced children are improved. Evidenced by the Five foundations of the promise being kept. Also feedback from children and young people. By 01/12/202 2 Develop a multiagency Youth Argyll and Bute Youth Multi- agency but Youth Justice National By Page 56
Page 57
35 Justice Strategy that meets the needs of children and young people and takes account of their views. Justice Strategy 2020 – 2023. National standards for Scotland’s Youth Justice Services 2002. led by Head of Justice Services. Standards are met; Feedback from children and young people. 01/07/202 1 Children and Families Transformation Board to ensure that consultation with children and young people is considered in relation to every project. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Head of Children’s Services. Project Initiation Documents / Business case / Engagement Specifications reflect that consultation has been considered / taken place. 01/01202 1 Ensure that children and young people are taught about their rights and the broader human rights agenda in Schools. Look at the number and level of RRS and how this grows year on year. Education Service Plan 2017 - 2020 Head of Education Service Evidence of teaching and information sharing. Feedback from children and young people. From 1/09/2020 Look at supporting children with a parent in custody. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Community Justice Implementat ion Group. Agreed multi- agency guidelines. Feedback from parents and children. By December 2020 Further develop the automated benefits approach, ensuring that more children receive free school meals and uniform grants. Benefits Team Benefits Manager Percentage increase year on year of families receiving these benefits. Ongoing Ensure that the Local Child Poverty Action Argyll and Bute Local Lead for Child Report is accepted by November 2020 Page 57
Page 58
36 Report reflects the rights of children, as specified in the UNCRC. Child Poverty Action Report 2019 Poverty Action Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council. Feedback from children and young people (reviewed annually). Look at what facilities and opportunities exist to encourage the health and wellbeing of children and young people, for example free sports passes / Live Argyll / Libraries etc. Ensure equal access to these. Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020 - 2023 Head of Children’s Services Feedback from children and young people. Evidence of usage. April 2021 Page 58
Page 59
37 Addendum 1 Key Documents and Plans: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. https://downloads.unicef.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2010/05/UNCRC_united_nations_convention_on_the_rights_of_the _child.pdf?_ga=2.174658018.1999023234.1593702630-61273816.1593702630 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; in child friendly language https://sites.unicef.org/rightsite/files/uncrcchilldfriendlylanguage.pdf Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2014/8/contents/enacted SHANARRI Practitioner Resources https://www.gov.scot/publications/shanarri/ Argyll and Bute; Corporate Plan; 2018 - 2022 http://intranet.argyll- bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/corporate_plan_2018_181119_v2.pdf Argyll and Bute’s Children and Young People’s Services Plan 2017 – 2020 https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cyspsm_from_site.pdf Argyll and Bute’s Children and Young People’s Service Plan 2020-2023 Argyll and Bute: Education Annual Plan 2019/20 and 2018/19 Progress Report https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s140351/Education%20Annual%20Plan%20and %20Progress%20Report%20201920.pdf Argyll and Bute Corporate Parenting Plan; April 2018 – March 2021 Page 59
Page 60
38 https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/cpp_v3_screen_version_1.pdf Argyll and Bute Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2019/20 - 2023/24 https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s133067/ABC%20SHIP%202019.20- 23.24%20approved%20draft%2023.10.18.pdf Page 60
Page 61
39 Addendum 2 History of Human Rights Legislation The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the foundation for international human rights law. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948 to provide common human rights standards for all peoples and nations in a post-war world. From this arose nine core international human rights instruments or treaties, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).The UNCRC duplicates some of the rights found in other international instruments. This is because the UNCRC affirms and articulates the significance of these rights for children and young people. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child monitors the implementation of the UNCRC. The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) -drafted by the Council of Europe in 1950 and in force from 1953 -was the first regional agreement for the protection of human rights. The primary focus of the ECHR is on political and civil rights. This is complemented by the European Social Charter which sets out economic, social and cultural rights -what the Council of Europe calls ‘the rights of every day’, many of which are of importance to children and young people, including the right to housing, health, education, and legal and social protection. The ECHR has been incorporated into UK domestic law through the Human Rights Act (HRA) 1998.It has been applied in a series of legal cases affecting children and young people, a growing number of which refer to Articles of the UNCRC. There is a reporting cycle for Scottish commitments to the various UN and European human rights monitoring Committees (as part of the UK-wide reports). To inform our human rights approaches, we can seek advice from two public bodies based in Scotland: 1. The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) works on legal, policy and practice issues that affect people’s human rights in Scotland. 2. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Scotland works closely with the SHRC. (Introducing CRWA; Scottish Government; Feb.2019) All children have the same human rights as adults but only the UNCRC articulates these rights within the framework of children’s lives and experiences. All Scottish Ministers have a duty to: Keep under consideration whether there are any steps which they could take to give better or further effect to the requirements of the UNCRC; and, if they consider it appropriate, to take those steps under s.1(1) of the 2014 Act. Take such account as they consider appropriate of any relevant views of children of which they are aware under s.1 (2) of the 2014 Act. Promote public awareness and understanding of the rights of children under s.1 (3) of the 2014 Act. Public bodies such as Local Authorities and Health Boards have a duty to: Page 61
Page 62
40 Report back every three years on the steps each has taken to secure better or further effect of UNCRC requirements under s.2 and Schedule 1 of the 2014 Act. Eight child wellbeing indicators set out in s.96 of the 2014 Act – Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included (sometimes known by the acronym SHANARRI) – support the implementation of children’s rights in practice. (Getting it Right in Policy and Legislation; Children’s Rights Legislation in Scotland, a Quick Reference Guide. The Scottish Government; Feb.2019.) Page 62
Page 63
Getting Ready for UNCRC Incorporation Framework A Practical Resource for Local Authorities in Scotland to prepare for UNCRC Incorporation Autumn 2022 Page 63
Page 64
1 Getting Ready for UNCRC Incorporation A step by step guide for Local Authorities in Scotland 1. Introduction The desire to ensure that children and young people in Scotland reach their potential is at the heart of many of the services delivered by local authorities and their partners in Scotland. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international human rights treaty that grants all children and young people a comprehensive set of rights. In Scotland work is underway to incorporate the UNCRC into the Scottish legal framework through the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill . When this is finalised, it will require public bodies to act compatibly with the UNCRC requirements in devolved areas and will also mean that children and young people are able to hold duty bearers such as local authorities and health boards to account .This framework is a step by step guide to help local authorities to prepare for when the UNCRC becomes part of Scots law. You can read more about the Project and the support available here: https://www.improvementservice.org.uk/products-and-services/consultancy-and- support/uncrc-implementation-project 2. Embedding Children’s Rights The UNCRC provides a rights-based framework to uphold the rights of children and take their views into account in decisions that affect them including policy, practice and budget making decisions. This extends beyond the traditional areas of education and children’s services and into areas such as housing, transport and the environment. It also extends to those services being delivered by organisations who are commissioned or procured by a duty bearer e.g. the Council or Health Board. To fully embed children’s rights into the core of planning and service delivery requires leadership and a coordinated approach across services and partners and a commitment to meaningful empowerment and participation of children and young people. The UNCRC includes 4 general principles and these form the basis of a provide a framework to ensure that children’s rights approach is taken to all decisions that affect children and young people including policy, practice and budget making decision. These principles underly all articles in the UNCRC and are fundamental to all of the rights outlined in the UNCRC. The prinicples are: o Non-discrimination (Article 2) o Best interest of the child (Article 3) o Right to life survival and development (Article 6) o Right to be heard (Article 12) To learn more about the UNCRC and the UNCRC Incorporation Bill, please visit https://www.gov.scot/policies/human-rights/childrens-rights/ Page 64
Page 65
2 3. How to use this resource to support your work to embed children’s rights? The Observatory of Children’s Human Rights Scotland (in partnership with Public Health Scotland and Matter of Focus) undertook a collaborative, evidence- based process to create a Theory of Change for implementing the Bill in Scotland. The Theory of Change explores what is needed to realise children’s rights, in all settings and for all children and young people. This kind of large-scale change is often thought of as ‘system change’. To support such change, we need to: Reach out to people’s hearts and minds so that they really want to do this; Work with people, not on them, so they feel they own this work; Provide leadership around the values and principles of this work; Create environments that help individuals put into practice the changes we want to see; Listen at all levels in the system and share responsibility across sectors. The Theory of Change focuses on four key areas where changes need to happen to ensure children can realise their rights in Scotland. For each of these four change processes, the Theory of Change has outcome maps that lay out the drivers and actors for change. The four change processes are : Policy - policy adaptation, coordination, administrative integration and budgetary consideration. Capacity - building cross-sector capacity and capability to integrate rights-based ways of working. Culture - changing attitudes, norms, values and everyday actions. Empowerment - ensuring a system of information, advocacy, complaints, redress and effective remedy for children and young people This resource takes forward the Theory of Change and outlines a a number of key steps that will enable local authorities and their partners to demonstrate their commitment to children’s human rights and further embed children’s human rights across their organisation including their values and organisational culture. Each step represents a key aspect of work to embed children’s rights. Each organisation will be at different points in their journey and this approach allows you to look across your practice and identify where you need to focus your activity or resources to allow you to be ready for when the UNCRC becomes part of Scots law. The Improvement Service’s UNCRC Implementation Project provides practical resources and support to local authorities to take children’s rights forward meaningfully within their organisation. Page 65
Page 66
3 This framework can be used: o As a light touch self assessment framework that can help you to assess where you are currently at in your approach to embedding children’s rights o To develop an action plan to develop or progress your work on children’s rights, recognising that each organisation will be at different stages of their approach o To access existing resources and information that can support the development of different elements/ pillars of work o To engage with colleagues across the organisation or with partners on this agenda and to identify where shared approaches will be beneficial o To identify what resources, skills and knowledge exist across the orgsnisation that can support this work Further resources, information and guides are available to support your work on the Knowledge Hub site. Please join the group to access information or get in touch with us to discuss this. 4. Help and Support to Use the Resource The Improvement Service can support you to use this framework in a way that suits your organisation and stage in your approach to the UNCRC. Please get in touch with us to discuss the support you need. We can also sign post you to other organisations who have resources, skills and knowledge to support your work. Contact: Rebecca Spillane, UNCRC Implementation Manager Email: Rebecca.spillane@improvementservice.org.uk Phone: 079 17677124 Twitter@beckyporty Page 66
Page 67
4 The Framework: Key Steps to take to Get Ready for UNCRC Incorporation Key Steps Key Considerations Evidence / Examples of Practice Future Action Required 1. Leadership and Corporate Commitment o Leaders at all levels can confidently speak about the importance of children’s human rights and can convey this message to others in a way that us meaningful o Corporate and Strategic level plans make explicit commitment to children’s human rights, including the participation of children and young people in decision making e.g. the Council Plan, Local Outcome Improvement Plan, Children’s Services Plan o Corporate commitments are embedded into service level priorities, budgeting and planning at all levels of the organisation o Strategic partnerships e.g. Community Planning Partnerships, continue this commitment into a shared vision and purpose o You have a plan which outlines your commitment to children’s rights, and the actions that you are taking to progress these (with particular emphasis on areas where children’s rights are not being realised). Page 67
Page 68
5 2. Participation of Children and Young People o Children and Young people have a voice and meaningful participation in decisions that affect their lives, directly and indirectly, including in policy-making, budgetary decision-making, and in reviewing your processes and practices. o There is a range of ways for all children and young people to meaningfully participate and barriers to participation are identified and removed. o You build relationships with children and young people in ways that allow them to feel comfortable sharing their views and ideas e.g. youth groups o You provide feedback to children and young people and staff on the outputs and impact of children’s involvement (both what changes happen as a result of their involvement and what doesn’t change and the reasons why). 3. Empowerment of Children and Young People o You regularly review and remove any barriers that children and young people may face when trying to participate / engage with services Page 68
Page 69
6 o All children, young people and their parents/ carers have access to independent advocacy and accessible advice to support them in their understanding of their rights 4. Child Friendly Complaints Proceedure o A child friendly complaints procedure is in place, regularly reviewed and is working well for children and families o Complaints and feedback are constructively receieved and reviewed to inform future improvement in processes, services and participation o Your approach to complaints on the basis of children’s rights is consistent with other local authority areas in Scotland 5. Training and Awareness Raising o Children, young people and their parents/ carershave the opportunity to learn about their rights and how they should be upheld o You support local communities to understand children’s rights o You support colleagues at all levels of your organisation to understand children’s rights, their responsibility to protect and advance children’s rights and how to adopt and model a children’s rights-based approach through Page 69
Page 70
7 their work. 6. Improving Practice- Tools and Resources to support your work o You make use of tools that can support you to advance children’s rights and support colleagues to use them to review policy and practice and adopt a children’s rights- based approach o You regularly review your exisiting policies and procedures to ensure that they are compliant with the UNCRC and you are identifying and removing barriers to children fulfilling their rights 7. Publishing Child Friendly Information o You publish information in child friendly ways including your Children’s Rights Report o You provide children with accessible information on how to provide feedback about services and access redress in case of issues 8. Measuring Progress o You collect disaggregated information about children and young people that can help to inform your understanding on how well rights are being upheld and inform your approach and action o You have a clear set of indicators which can help you to monitor how you are protecting and progressing children’s rights and adapt your plan as needed Page 70
Page 71
8 o You are aware of those who are most at risk of their rights being breached 9. Children’s Rights Budgeting o You can demonstrate that you have taken children’s rights into account when making decisions about the allocation of budgets/ resources across the organisation e.g a children’s rights and wellbeing impact assessment is completed o The process of budget development includes transparency and the participation of children and young people o Explicit budget lines can be identified which specifically support children’s rights e.g. tackling child poverty or inequality 10. Accountability and Reporting on Children’s Rights o You understand how well your organisation is doing to protect and advance children’s rights. This includes understanding what activities are underway and what action is needed to further advance this work. o You are fulfilling your duty under the 2014/ 202x Act to report on how you are progressing and sercuring the advancement of childrens rights. Page 71
Page 72
9 11. Non Discrimination / Rights at Risk o The organisation has an explicit commitment to equality of opportunity and a proactive approach to tackling inequality on the grounds of race, religion, age, disability, gender, marital status or sexual orientation. o Every child is treated fairly and protected from discrimination o Children and young people who need additional support to overcome barriers or difficulties are proactively identified and can access this, including inclusive communication practice. Page 72
Page 73
10 Resources to Support Your Work Many of the Resources Noted Below are available on the Knowledge Hub site – sign up via this link: https://khub.net/web/childrens-human-rights-in- scotland-uncrc Key Steps Resources Available to Support Your Work Leadership and Corporate Commitment United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child implementation: introductory guidance https://www.gov.scot/publications/implementing-united-nations-convention-rights-child-introductory- guidance/documents/ Theory of Change – full report https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/cys-theory-of-change-full- report-june-2022.pdf and summary https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/cys-theory-of-change- summary-june-2022.pdf Theory of Change for Making Children’s Rights Real in Scotland; Evidence Paper no. 1 – Policy https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/cys-theory-of-change-ev-paper-no-1-policy.pdf Scottish Government approach to Children’s Human Rights https://www.gov.scot/policies/human-rights/childrens-rights/ Elected Member Briefing – available from Summer 2022 Watch Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson talk about why the UNCRC is important https://www.cypcs.org.uk/rights/uncrc/ Scottish Government (2021), Children’s Rights and the UNCRC in Scotland: An Introduction, https://www.gov.scot/publications/implementing-united-nations-convention-rights-child-introductory-guidance/documents/ Participation of Children and Young People Children in Scotland: Meaningful Participation of Children and Young People https://childreninscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CiS-Participation-2019.pdf Page 73
Page 74
11 Children’s Parliament Investigates:Professionals Make Rights Real https://www.childrensparliament.org.uk/professionals-make-rights-real/ Rights Right Now Report 2022 https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/media/3092/rrn19052022.pdf Lundy Model of Child Participation https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/lundy_model_of_participation.pdf General Comment 12 (2000) The Right of the Child to Be Heard https://www.refworld.org/docid/4ae562c52.html Golden Rules for Participation : Children and Young People’s Commissioner https://www.cypcs.org.uk/get-help/teachers/golden-rules/ Empowerment of Children and Young People Dignity in School Hub Resources https://dignityinschool.childrensparliament.org.uk/ Chapter 6 Together’s State of Children’s Rights Report https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/media/2204/socrr-22_final.pdf Reach – resources for young people to help them understand their right to be included, listened to and involved in decisions about support for learning https://reach.scot/ My Rights, My Say – resources for young people aged 12- 15 and resources for teachers to help young people access their rights https://myrightsmysay.scot/ Theory of Change for Making Children’s Rights Real in Scotland; Evidence Paper no. 4 – Empowerment https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/cys-theory-of-change-ev-paper-no-4-empowerment.pdf Page 74
Page 75
12 Child Friendly Complaints Proceedure The Scottish Public Services Ombusdman is working on guidance for a child friendly complaints procedure. Timeline to be confirmed. Unicef Child Friendly Complaint Mechanisms https://www.unicef.org/eca/sites/unicef.org.eca/files/2019- 02/NHRI_ComplaintMechanisms.pdf Chapter 5 Together’s State of Children’s Rights Report (page 120) https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/media/2204/socrr-22_final.pdf Training and Awareness Raising Resources for Schools and School Communities https://education.gov.scot/improvement/learning-resources/recognising-and-realising-childrens-rights/ Children’s Parliament Resources https://www.childrensparliament.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Childrens-Parliament-Rights-bases-approach- leaflet2019.pdf Theory of Change for Making Children’s Rights Real in Scotland; Evidence Paper no. 2 – Capacity https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/cys-theory-of-change-ev-paper-no-2-capacity.pdf Theory of Change for Making Children’s Rights Real in Scotland Evidence Paper no. 3 – Culture https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/cys-theory-of-change-ev-paper-no-3-culture.pdf Improving Practice- Tools and Resources to support your work PANEL Principles https://www.scottishhumanrights.com/projects-and-programmes/human-rights-based- approach/#:~:text=The%20Panel%20Principles&text=These%20are%3A%20Participation%2C%20Accountability%2C ,%2DDiscrimination%2C%20Empowerment%20and%20Legality. Fair Process: https://eqhria.scottishhumanrights.com/eqhriatrainingfair.html Children’s Rights Wellbeing Assessment : https://www.gov.scot/publications/childrens-rights-wellbeing-impact- Page 75
Page 76
13 assessment-guidance/ Chapter 8 Together’s State of Children’s Rights Report https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/media/2204/socrr-22_final.pdf Scottish Observatory of Children’s Rights: https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/mh-cys-observatory-cria-practice-note-2021.pdf Publishing Child Friendly Information Save the Children: How to Write a Child Friendly Document https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/pdf/How-to-write-a-child-friendly-document.pdf/ Chapter 3 Together’s State of Children’s Rights Report 2022 https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/media/2204/socrr-22_final.pdf Creating Child Friendly Versions of Written Documents https://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforChildrensRights/CCRFilestore/Filetoupload,1269252,en.pdf Measuring Progress SHANNARI Indicators https://www.gov.scot/policies/girfec/wellbeing-indicators-shanarri/ Equality and Human Rights Commission – further links https://eqhria.scottishhumanrights.com/eqhriaresindicators.html Children’s Rights Budgeting Chapter 7 Together’s State of Children’s Rights Report 2022 https://www.togetherscotland.org.uk/media/2204/socrr-22_final.pdf Children in Scotland: Children’s Wellbeing Budgets 2020 https://childreninscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Childrens-Wellbeing-Budgets-Interim-Report-Dec2020- Gecko-2.2.pdf UNICEF Public Finance for Children https://www.unicef.org/social-policy/public-finance Page 76
Page 77
14 Accountability and Reporting on Children’s Rights Statutory Guidance on the UNCRC Incorporation Bill will be published by the Scottish Government once the legislation has received Royal Assent. The Children and Families Act 2014 Guidance is still applicable and outlines how to report on the UNCRC in your organisation. https://www.gov.scot/publications/children-young-people-scotland-act-2014-national-guidance-part-12/ Non Discrimination Children and Young People’s Commissioner Advice on Article 2 https://www.cypcs.org.uk/rights/uncrc/articles/article-2/ Equality and Human Rights – Equality Impact Assessment https://eqhria.scottishhumanrights.com/index.html Page 77
Page 78
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 79
UNCRC Programme Update Page 79
Page 80
Welcome to the first Children’s Rights Unit update of 2023. In this update we share progress of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, celebrate the Scottish Government’s progress towards promoting and fulfilling children’s rights and recap on all the World Children’s Day activity. Also, we have provided a reminder on children’s right’s reporting duties for the 2020-2023 cycle (reports due as soon as practicable after 31 March 2023). Finally, we have included information and links to two new resources on children’s right’s, one for parents and one for Elected Members. If you have any questions about the newsletter content, themes you would like covered in future issues or content you would like to contribute to highlight how your organisation is preparing for the duties in the UNCRC Bill, please drop us an email at UNCRCIncorporation@gov.scot Update on the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill (“the UNCRC Bill” or “the Bill”) The Scottish Government remains absolutely committed to incorporating the UNCRC into Scots law, as far as that is possible within devolved competence, and to doing that as soon as practicable. Preparations for Reconsideration Stage are well underway. This includes engagement with UK Government (UKG) officials on proposed amendments to bring the Bill within legislative competence. Discussions with UKG officials currently focuses on what the Supreme Court judgement means for the application of the UNCRC compatibility duty when a public authority is acting under powers conferred by UK Acts in devolved areas. We are exploring options and Parliament will be updated on what this means for the provisions in the Bill after these have been carefully considered. Welcome Page 80
Page 81
Update on Children’s Rights Reporting for Listed Authorities Reporting for the period 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2020 The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (“the 2014 Act”) Part 1, Section 2 places a reporting duty on listed Public Authorities (including all local authorities and health boards) in relation to the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Listed authorities are required to report every three years on the steps they have taken in that period to secure better or further effect within their areas of responsibility of the UNCRC requirements. The first report under this legislation was due as soon as practicable after 31 March 2020. However, Part 3 of schedule 6 of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 allowed listed authorities to delay the fulfilment of this reporting duty when this would impede upon work done to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. Listed authorities who had made use of these provisions should be aware these have now expired. Outstanding reports for the period 1 April 2017 – 31st March 2020 continue to be due as soon as is practicable. Thank you to the listed public authorities that have published their report for the 2017-2020 period. There is no requirement to share these reports with the Scottish Government. However, we welcome links to published reports from those who would like to share them for learning purposes. Page 81
Page 82
Reporting for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023 The reporting requirements under the 2014 Act will remain and listed public authorities should continue to prepare to publish a Report covering the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023, as soon as practicable from the end of the reporting period in accordance with the 2014 Act. Listed authorities can satisfy the duty to publish a report in such a manner as they consider appropriate – for example, through the preparation of a specific report, or by including relevant information in another report. Two or more listed authorities, to which this duty applies, can also satisfy this duty through the preparation and publication of a joined report. This provision was included in the legislation to facilitate maximisation of resources and avoid duplication of effort and could include a range of arrangements. Below we have listed all the Scottish Government resources that support children’s rights reporting under the 2014 legislation to help you prepare your reports: 1. Guidance on Part 1, Section 2 (Duties of Public Authorities in relation to the UNCRC) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 2. UNCRC Introductory guidance 3. Introduction to children's rights: training tool 4. Participation - Decision making: children and young people's participation We are also organising an online event to support the next reporting cycle and share learning and good practice from 2017-2020. If you are interested in attending this event, please use the following sign-up link. If you would like to support with preparing an outstanding 2017-2020 report, please email us at the UNCRC mailbox address UNCRCIncorporation@gov.scot Update on Children’s Rights Reporting for Listed Authorities Page 82
Page 83
Parents, Carers, and Family Members UNCRC booklet World Children’s Day saw the launch of a new and much anticipated booklet for parents, carers, and family members. The booklet was developed in partnership with the Scottish Government’s UNCRC Parents’ Network. The key messages were identified following engagement with stakeholders and consideration of findings from the Scottish Parents’ Survey. Further research was conducted to gauge what parents already knew and identify gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Families were also consulted on how they wanted to receive information and the style and tone of booklet content. Designed to introduce and explain the UNCRC and convey broad universal messages, the booklet adopts a warm and reassuring tone and can be accessed on the Parent Club website. Support for Elected Members The Improvement Service UNCRC Implementation Project supports local authorities to meet the requirements of the UNCRC Bill. As part of this work, the Improvement Service worked with Together Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights, the Children’s Parliament and Education Scotland to develop a web-based resource for Elected Members to support them to understand and progress children’s rights. The guide provides a range of information on the UNCRC and children’s rights in Scotland as well as some specific guidance on what role Elected Members can play in safeguarding and advancing children’s rights at the local level. In October, the Improvement Service delivered an online seminar for Elected Members where they discussed key children’s rights issues at a local level. For example, the right to play, safety issues around school playgrounds and how they can support further work on children’s rights. The Improvement Service will offer similar webinars in the new year and continue to offer support on the UNCRC to local Elected Members across Scotland. New Resources Page 83
Page 84
For further information on available support and resources, please, contact Rebecca Spillane (Rebecca.Spillane@improvementservice.org.uk), UNCRC Implementation Project Manager and (Felicia.Szloboda@improvementservice.org.uk), Child Poverty and UNCRC Project Officer. Round up of World Children’s Day activity. To celebrate World Children’s Day on the 20th of November last year, the Children’s Right’s Unit published a report that sets out the many ways in which we are already delivering children’s rights across a wide range of policy areas in Scotland. In the week running up to World Children’s Day we published a daily blog on the Scottish Government’s Participation Blog site. Over the week we highlighted the diverse ways that the voices of young people are now shaping and influencing our work. The series culminated in a letter to children and young people from the Minister for Children and Young People, Clare Haughey MSP. The purpose of the letter was to emphasise the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to children’s rights. In addition, it tells children and young people about the progress the Scottish Government are making to deliver their rights. It also thanks children and young people for the role they play in making human rights real in Scotland. We also created a space where young people themselves could ask some tricky questions about their rights and get a response from an expert. This work was led by young people from Young Scot and resulted in a weeklong social media campaign to raise awareness of the UNCRC. Campaign content went out on key social media platforms identified by young people including TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. The project has achieved high reach with posts achieving over 36,000 followers and 779,000 likes. We would like to thank the young people involved and Young Scot for their creative vision and insight into how best we can communicate with young people. World Children’s Day Activity Felicia Szloboda Page 84
Page 85
CPP Financial Inclusion Highlight Report Name of Document: Highlight Report - Financial Inclusion Highlight Report Overall Project Status GREEN Author: Fergus Walker Description of Content: To 28 February 2023 Distribution: Community Planning Partnership Headlines CRISIS GRANTS In the period 1 April 2022 to 28 February 2023 there was 1,447 applications received in SWF for Crisis Grant support. 784 awards have been made to the value of £71,560. This is a 12% increase in applications for the same period last year and a 28% increase in spend. Applications for support have been higher in the last 3 months in particular compared to last year and we expect this to continue over the coming winter months. In January 23 we received 192 applications for crisis support which is the highest number we have had. COMMUNITY CARE GRANTS In the period 1 April 2022 to 28 February 23 there was 854 applications for Community Care Grants. With 403 awards made to the value of £503,871. For the same period last year we had received 812 applications and the value of awards was £435,978. Applications and spend have increased from the same time last year which was not unexpected. At the end of December there are 52 CCG’s outstanding. Scottish Government have advised that the Council received £458,338 of funding for SWF in 2022/2023. Projected spend of £627,740 by yearend will be £191,763 over the programme funding for the year. This will be covered by earmarked reserves. The government are providing £5 million of additional funding nationally to cover increasing costs in relation to both SWF and DHP. DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS (DHP) As at 28 February 2023 our spent and committed amount on the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) fund is £766,756. We are continuing to work through a backlog but should remain within our allocated budget for 2022/23. Initial DHP funding allocation for 2022/23 in Argyll and Bute is £961,012. Scottish Government has announced funding of £853,827 for bedroom tax and £107,185 relating to other DHP’s. ARGYLL AND BUTE FLEXIBLE FOOD and FUEL FUND (ABFFFF) As at 31 January 23 the project, has supported 1,658 households who are suffering from food and fuel insecurities in Argyll and Bute, with a combined client gain of £2,381,461 which is an average gain of Page 85 Agenda Item 4c
Page 86
CPP Financial Inclusion Highlight Report £1,436 per household. The project has attracted funding of £204,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for each of the next two financial years and we have identified the funds to make up the shortfall to allow the project to continue for at least the next two years. The biggest support has been in disability related benefits PIP/DLA that have gone unclaimed. With UC, HB, DHP and Scottish Government Grants making up a significant amount. Everyone seen by an Adviser at BAC is offered a referral to Alienergy. They have supported clients in Debt Relief, Fuel Vouchers, Appliances and Efficiency Measures. Case Study Client N is a young single woman, estranged from her father with little support from her mother who has addiction problems. The client had no budgeting skills, spending her benefits as soon as they reached her bank account. Support was given to increase her income and advice on budgeting to ensure that the last week of the month she still had power in her gas and electric meters, food in the cupboard and access to the internet. The client became very low when she was unable to contact friends using her phone, ensuring she had access to her phone for the majority of her socialising was incredibly important for her mental health. The client is now more focused on the future and has set up a course of study. SCHOOL CLOTHING BANKS The project is now live in the Kintyre area, Dunoon and Cowal, Bute and Oban Lorn and the Islands. Work continues to introduce the project in Mid Argyll and the Islands. Website is now live with links to order forms for the above areas. The link to the page is below. School uniform scheme (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Funding is available to We hope to have the project complete by end of the current school year.] Further funds are available from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to enhance and embed the project in all areas from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2025 to create a real impact on the Council’s climate change plans. SCOTLAND LOVES LOCAL CARDS As part of our Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund (LACER) Scotland Loves Local cards of £120 are being issued to 6,658 qualifying households in Argyll & Bute in receipt of Council Tax Reduction (CTR). The beauty of these cards is that it ensures that the money is spent locally thereby giving our local economy a boost, £798,960 will be spent. The cards were issued in late November and as at 14th February 2023 85.2% have been activated with £680,280 spent in the local area. SUPPORT FOR COST OF LIVING ON ISLANDS The Scottish Government has given the Council £197,000 to support people on the islands. The money will be used to; o Issue circa 1,300 SLL cards to islanders in receipt of CTR o Top up payments to pupils in receipt of FSM by £1.60 per day to allow them to purchase snacks during the day. o Issue grant payments of £5,000 to each of 4 island based foodbank organisations. The additional SLL Islander card was issued on 24th February to 1244 islanders. Giving extra support to both householders and local businesses. Page 86
Page 87
CPP Financial Inclusion Highlight Report DATA MATCHING Good progress being made on data matching. Currently using Council Tax arrears data, Council Tax Reduction data and Scottish Welfare Fund data as a proxy for unmet cost of living needs (see FIAG demo). We have spoken to other Scottish LAs and we are looking to expand the dataset before finalising an MVP (Minimum Viable Product). Then return to speak to Welfare Rights organisations, Education, Social Services etc to discuss some cases and consider some targeted interventions to provide more support possibly through the schools. At present we can see areas with lots of Council Tax recovery activity, Scottish Welfare Fund claim levels and CTR. We can spot some gaps in CTR and we are looking to widen that view to enhance to level of support that could be provided. Current Issues/Risks (in your area and across partners) Current Initiatives/developments (in your area and across partners) Horizon scanning (e.g. future legislative changes / opportunities or developments) Possible partnership working with the Poverty Alliance on the rural poverty premium Key actions – 3 month horizon Continue to monitor progress with AB FFFF and other schemes. Monitor DHP and CCG spend against budget. Continue progressing our School Clothing Banks project. FERGUS WALKER 27 February 2023 CURRENT ISSUES / RISKS ID Description Prob Imp Action / Progress /Timeline Trend 1 ID Description Action / Progress /Timeline 1 School Clothing Banks Complete by June 2023 Page 87
Page 88
This page is intentionally left blank
Page 89
Community Wealth Building – progress update 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide the CPP Management Committee with an update of some of the work contributing to the development of Community Wealth Building approaches in Argyll and Bute. Some of the recommendations are repeated from the paper tabled in December 2022 with changes noted below. 2.0 Recommendations The CPP Management Committee are asked to: Recognise the role of statutory members of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership as Anchor institutions1. Recognise the role of the third sector as anchor institutions as set out in the new EDAS CWB guide2 - NEW To discuss the tabled commitment to CWB from Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership. To agree to set up an Expert Advisory Panel for Argyll and Bute. Proposals tabled for discussion. Note that the TSI board has agreed funds to support the delivery of a report mapping existing strategies, identifying opportunities and modelling a food market hub social enterprise. The Argyll and Bute CWB Learning Action Group, agreed at the last CPP, will oversee the delivery of the report and report back into the CPP. 3.0 Background and context The five principles of Community Wealth Building have been developed by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies3 over a number of decades through work with anchor institutions across the UK and the World. These are:- Plural ownership of the economy. Making financial power work for local places. Fair employment and just labour markets. Progressive procurement of goods and services. Socially productive use of land and property. 1 https://cles.org.uk/what-is-community-wealth-building/what-is-an-anchor-institution/ 2 https://edas.org.uk/community-wealth-building-guide/ 3 https://cles.org.uk/what-is-community-wealth-building/the-principles-of-community-wealth-building/ Management Committee Date: 23 March 2023 Page 89 Agenda Item 4d
Page 90
Anchor institutions are identified as statutory and third sector bodies which can influence ‘economic engines’: The term is used to refer to organisations which: Have an important presence in a place, usually through a combination of: being largescale employers, the largest purchasers of goods and services in the locality, controlling large areas of land and/or having relatively fixed assets. Are tied to a particular place by their mission, histories, physical assets and local relationships. Examples include local authorities, NHS trusts, universities, trade unions, large local businesses, the combined activities of the community and voluntary sector and housing associations. The Scottish Government has published a consultation paper on Community Wealth Building legislation4 with a closing date of 25th April 2023. Over the past year, a small coalition of local partners on behalf of the CPP have been exploring what Community Wealth Building might mean for Argyll and Bute and how we can integrate this approach with existing best practice, strategies and our assets as a geographical entity. There are many linkages with existing strategies and approaches including the pursuit of a Wellbeing Economy. 4.0 Detail 4.1 Engagement activity Discussions have been had with two key figures in the Community Wealth Building space who both now live in Argyll and Bute – Phil Prentice of Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Neil McInroy formerly CEO of CLES and the Democracy Collaborative who is now advising the Scottish Government on CWB. Both have agreed to discuss further advisory involvement as appropriate and indeed they are already active on a number of projects locally in a voluntary capacity. Research companies have also been approached to discuss the shape of the research as outlined in 4.2 below. 4.2 Mapping Exercise and next steps Further discussions have taken place around how to structure the mapping exercise and given the extent of projects in a number of sectoral areas it makes sense to split the research project into a number of interlinked phases. 4 https://consult.gov.scot/economic-development/community-wealth-building- consultation/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20CWB%20is%20focused,CWB%20during%20this%20Parliame ntary%20session. Page 90
Page 91
The mapping exercise is in effect an audit of existing practice where actors in Argyll and Bute already support the five pillars of Community Wealth Building. This audit and mapping exercise will then identify gaps and opportunities for further action and research. So whilst food and energy are two areas that have been proposed as areas ideal for Community Wealth Building activity this should be derived from the mapping exercise and subsequent analysis. The brief has therefore been split into separate lots as follows:- Lot one – an audit of existing best practice and a mapping exercise against each of the five pillars. For instance how are we all using land and assets, how do we procure and commission services and are we collectively applying fair work principles as employers and commissioners of services? This will include stakeholder consultation and will also inform lot three. Lot two – identification of case studies that may be replicable across Argyll and Bute and identification of opportunities that are relevant to our locality and strategic aims as a CPP linked to our new LOIP objectives. Lot three – development of a CWB strategy and action plan Lots four and five – the aim here is to develop two business cases and models for two areas of activity to propel our actions forward. This had been previously proposed as exploring a business model for Community Energy and also a food hub. This still might be the case but the direction of focus should emanate from the audit and mapping exercise and this will also ensure there is no duplication of effort by analysing closely existing strategies and activity. For instance the local authority is already engaged in food supply chain mapping and proposals for a food distribution hub have already been developed. The above will be published as a tender exercise in the week commencing 20th March 2023 with the following proposed milestones:- Tenders returned – end April 2023 Preferred bidder selected and brief reviewed and finalized – end May 2023 Audit and mapping exercise commences July 2023 Report back to CPP end Q3 2023 As previously mentioned a cross CPP working group will oversee and drive this work. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications Community Wealth Building has significant cross cutting implications for a wide range of strategies including the forthcoming Local Outcome Improvement Plan and the new Argyll and Bute Economic Strategy expected in 2023 Consultations, Previous considerations Resources TSI board has agreed to fund a mapping and opportunities analysis. Prevention Equalities CWB has at its core fair employment, just labour markets and making financial power work for local places. This is conducive to supporting the Fairer Scotland Duty as well as Equality Act responsibilities for those with protected characteristics. Page 91
Page 92
Takki Sulaiman For more information, please contact: Takki Sulaiman, Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface takkisulaiman@argylltsi.org.uk Nicola Reaney, Administrative Officer, Community Planning Nicola.Reaney@argyll-bute.gov.uk Links CWB legislation consultation closing 25th April 2023 – https://consult.gov.scot/economic-development/community-wealth-building- consultation/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20CWB%20is%20focused,CWB%20during%2 0this%20Parliamentary%20session. EDAS guide to CWB January 2023 - https://edas.org.uk/community-wealth-building- guide/ CLES November 2022 publication on interviews with UK local authorities re: CWB and five areas for action:- https://cles.org.uk/publications/a-light-in-the-dark/ North Ayrshire Community Planning partnership, CWB Plan http://northayrshire.community/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/CWB-Powerpoint- Template-NAC-strategy-update-for-CPP-Board-Sept-2020.pdf The role of the NHS as an anchor institution – The Health Foundation https://www.health.org.uk/publications/reports/building-healthier-communities-role- of-nhs-as-anchor-institution Example CPP CWB mapping and action plan Outer Hebrides March 2021 - https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/media/17452/S%2019B%20-%20Appendix%20- %20Community%20Wealth%20Building%20in%20the%20Outer%20Hebrides%20Acti on%20Plan.pdf Page 92
Page 93
Volunteering in Argyll and Bute – update 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide the CPP Management Committee with an overview of the development to date of a strategic approach to the support and development of a volunteering strategy and plan in Argyll and Bute. The report proposes to update the 2020 local volunteering framework and develop a new local plan learning from work during the pandemic and making adaptations to address challenges arising from the cost-of-living crisis. 2.0 Recommendations The CPP Management Committee are asked to: Note that a local Strategic Volunteering Framework was presented to CPP in March 20201 which arose out of the 2019 CLD inspection and the Scottish Government’s Volunteering for All 2019 national framework2. To note the publication of Scotland’s volunteering action plan3 and the request to CPPs to develop local strategies and plans supported by the TSI and the local authority. To agree that the 2020 local framework be updated in the light of new circumstances and to produce a new local plan which will support the priorities of the new LOIP. To note interim measures taken by the TSI and CPP members to support volunteering. 3.0 Background and context Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan, published in 2022, has four specific end goals. These are:- Increase volunteering participation by focusing on non-volunteers and lapsed volunteers, and especially those who'll gain most benefit. Widen access to volunteering by understanding and reducing the barriers to participation and supporting community-based, 'place-making' activities. Listen to volunteers by ensuring that the volunteer 'voice' is heard and that volunteers help make the decisions that affect them. 1 https://www.argylltsi.org/uploads/1/2/3/3/123356694/volunteering_strategy.pdf 2 https://www.gov.scot/publications/volunteering-national-framework/ 3 https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-volunteering-action- plan/#:~:text=Scotland's%20volunteering%20action%20plan%20aims,and%20its%20impact%20on%20s ociety. Management Committee Date: 23 March 2023 Page 93 Agenda Item 4f
Page 94
Provide great experiences whereby volunteers feel supported, valued and recognised for their contribution. Volunteering by its very nature is particularly difficult to map partly because a great deal of volunteering is informal in nature and as such is difficult to capture, measure and evaluate. However, there are clear themes demonstrating that the pandemic resulted in a massive increase in informal volunteering4 but that these volunteers have been hard to keep hold of as they returned to work post-pandemic. There is also concern within the third sector about the potential for job substitution as public sector cuts begin to take effect across the UK. The implications for volunteering of the cost-of-living crisis are important to acknowledge particularly in terms of encouraging new volunteers from a wider range of backgrounds and experiences. 4.0 Detail 4.1 Volunteering conference 9th December 2022, Volunteering survey and health check A volunteer conference was held in December 2022 and was attended by over 55 Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs), local partners and stakeholders with presentations from Volunteer Scotland and a volunteering provider with expertise in supporting volunteers through trauma. Key findings from the volunteer survey are below:- Many VIOs are struggling to recruit to volunteering roles Volunteers are fatigued There was support for a single volunteering system to take the administrative burden out of managing and onboarding volunteers There was some support for exploring a local/regional incentive scheme similar to the bluelight scheme for health and social care workers There is a limited culture in Argyll and Bute about claiming volunteer expenses Most volunteers were female and of an older demographic The cost-of-living crisis has not had a huge impact on volunteers who responded but it has had an impact on their organisations and their families. It should be noted that the sample size was small but supports feedback received at the conference and national research5. A fuller report will be made available on the TSI website (www.argylltsi.gov.uk) and will be published on 22nd March 2023. Attendees were keen to meet twice a year to share experiences, knowledge and skills. 4 https://scvo.scot/policy/research/evidence-library/2022-scottish-household-survey-2020-results- volunteer-scotland-summary-analysis 5 https://www.volunteerscotland.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Quarterly-bulletin-1.pdf Page 94
Page 95
4.2 A local volunteering strategy and plan Given the changed landscape since the publication of the local 2020 Volunteering Strategy and Framework it is suggested that a coalition of interested partners work to produce a local action plan to support volunteering locally as envisioned in the national plan. The TSI will work together with the local authority’s Community Development Team as well as through the Community Learning and Development Partnership, the NHS and the wider third and social enterprise sector. The aim being to develop a new strategy and plan for Q3/Q4 2023. 4.3 Current activity Organisations and localities are in the meantime managing as best they can and an excellent example of local coordination took place in Helensburgh in February 2023 organised by the local secondary school and community council. A volunteer fair was held and was well attended by organisations to aid the cross pollination of surplus volunteers with unfilled roles. It is suggested that the local CLLD partnerships explore whether such a model could be replicated in their localities. In addition, the TSI is exploring a volunteer support package for Volunteer Involving Organisations (not dissimilar to Employee Assistance Programmes) and is working to encourage uptake of the Team Kinetic volunteer management platform and is in active discussions with large users of volunteers to migrate to the system. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications A new local strategy would seek to support the priorities of the new LOIP. Consultations, Previous considerations Volunteer conference December 2022 and ongoing work as a new plan is developed. Resources The council, LiveArgyll and the TSI have existing resources able to support the promotion of volunteering Prevention Equalities The cost of living crisis presents a challenge in being able to encourage a wide age and socio-economic demographic to enjoy volunteering opportunities. A new local plan will seek to address this. Takki Sulaiman For more information, please contact: Takki Sulaiman, Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface takkisulaiman@argylltsi.org.uk Nicola Reaney, Administrative Officer, Community Planning Nicola.Reaney@argyll-bute.gov.uk Links Argyll and Bute Volunteer Strategy and Framework 2020 – https://www.argylltsi.org/uploads/1/2/3/3/123356694/volunteering_strategy.pdf Page 95
Page 96
Scotland’s National Volunteer Framework 2019- https://www.gov.scot/publications/volunteering-national-framework/ Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan 2022 – https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-volunteering-action- plan/#:~:text=Scotland's%20volunteering%20action%20plan%20aims,and%20its%20i mpact%20on%20society. Page 96
Page 97
Response ID ANON-VPK3-S9FG-W Submitted to Community Planning - call for views Submitted on 2023-01-13 16:18:53 About you 1 Please read the privacy notice below and tick the box below to show that you understand how the data you provide will be used as set out in the policy. I have read and understood how the personal data I provide will be used. 2 How your response will be published I would like my response to be published in its entirety 3 What is your name? Name: Rona Gold 4 What is your email address? Email: rona.gold@argyll-bute.gov.uk 5 Are you responding as an individual or on behalf of an organisation? Organisation Organisation details 6 Name of organisation Name of organisation: Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership 7 Information about your organisation Please add information about your organisation in the box below: Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for Argyll and Bute. This reply has been prepared by the Communities and Partnership Manager, employed by the Council, who's remit is to manage the Community Planning Partnership for Argyll & Bute Council area. Consultation (page 1 of 3) 8 What action has been taken at a local level to improve community participation and collaboration between partners since the requirements of the 2015 Act came into force? Can you provide examples of success? Please provide your views: Actions to improve community participation: 1. Improving Community Participation in the formal structures/ governance of the Community Planning Partnership - Encouragement of community organisations to attend and contribute to the four area community planning groups (local community planning meetings). This is supported by Community Development Officers and has resulted in improved community attendance and participation in local community planning and collaboration on local community planning matters with partners who also attend and contribute to those local forums. - Support and encouragement to enable members of the community to chair the local area community planning groups. This has resulted in the uptake of the chair position of area community planning groups by community members including young people. This has provided opportunity for improving community empowerment. - chairs of the area community planning groups sit on the Management Board (Community Planning overall governance board). This has improved community participation from the local community planning groups within strategic discussions and collaboration with partners on improving outcomes. Successes from this include influencing decisions on trialing digital hubs in remote rural locations and establishing a climate change working group, webpage and resources to fund joint work on climate change. 2. Improving community participation in shaping work of Community Planning Page 97 Agenda Item 6a
Page 98
- Alongside improvements to community participation and collaboration with partners within the formal governance of Community Planning we have also improved informal community participation to shape work of the partnership for example: - Undertaken regular engagement with communities across Argyll & Bute using the Place Standard tool. Doing this on a bi-annual basis we have improved the participation of communities in our engagement and this has successfully enabled us to understand community needs and shape work on outcomes. Further, we have engaged regularly with community organisations on Covid-19 impacts and from this we have collaborated on a series of projects to mitigate impacts. 3. Improving collaboration between partners - design of the Community Planning Management Board: The Management Board functions in a purposeful way to encourage engagement and collaboration of its community members and partners. The chair encourages questions, debate and scrutiny at meetings. - Development Days for the Management Board are held annually and these serve to help build relationships and trust to enable collaborative working between partners. They offer time to reflect on key issues and to 'team build' as a partnership. - Given the points above, the success is in the work of the Management Board and its members (community members and partners) to collaborate on improving outcomes and they are achieving this through the following successful examples: -------- a working group on climate change in which resources have been collated to enable the production of a webpage and resource to produce a climate change strategy for the partnership. -------- successful influencing of funds to be given to the partnership to promote awareness of digital opportunities and improve skills in community. --------- successful delivery of poverty awareness training across the community planning partnership. ---------- collaboration on the design of engagement has improved participation of young people. ----------- increased number of young firefighters programmes across the area due to the collaboration of partners following a presentation on an initial pilot success. ----------- collaborative approach to community wealth building with third sector, HIE and Council following initial collaborative discussions at Community Planning Management Committee to shape this. -----------successful project to trial a triage project for mental health crisis support in remote communities. ----------- successful water safety partnership project; then rolled out nationally ----------- road safety collaborative to help prevent road fatalities ---------- successful collaborative approach to preventing digital fraud and scams through the partnership funding and collaborating on a joint project to issue call blockers to vulnerable households and promote digital safety. This project had benefits of over £1million estimated preventative costs from an investment of aprox £30,000. The above is an example of some of the successes. Our annual reports provide more detail, and further examples, since 2015. 9 What progress has your CPP made in tackling inequalities since the 2015 Act? How are you responding to the current cost-of-living crisis? Please provide your views: 1. We have made progress in improving the equality of opportunity to participate in community planning by: - encouraging young people to attend community planning forums and meetings by working with Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament and with local youth workers. This has resulted in MSYPs being active members of the Community Planning Management Board and positive feedback of feeling heard and empowered. - supporting understanding of non-partners who sit on Community Planning Management Board to understand the agenda items and therefore have better equality of opportunity to participate in meetings. We do this by holding pre meetings to go through the agenda. This improvement is a direct result of feedback from young people and community members to the CPP. 2. We are addressing inequalities within improvement of outcomes through: - engagement with 'less heard', to understand the impacts of covid-19 by undertaking focus groups facilitated by community development trained officers the outcomes of which partners deliver to meet needs identified. - 'Building Back Better' programme of partnership work has been informed by engagement with less heard voices and with community organisations and partners representing those most in need in communities. - Work of the Community Planning Partnership to address digital inequalities includes: project on understanding access to digital training and support across the area; and development of digital hub pilot projects on islands to address digital inequality in remote rural locations. - Work of Community Planning Partnership to address financial inequalities and cost of living crisis includes: poverty awareness training across the CPP, promotion of cost of living support which includes innovative partnership between Council, Community Food Forum, Bute Advice Centre and ALIenergy. The Fund provides a one-off cash payment to families on low incomes to help with food and fuel. Claimants are offered a second cash payment if they have engaged with support agencies, the Bute Advice Centre and ALIEnergy, in financial management. The project achieved national acclaim in October 2021 for Excellence in Innovation from the Institute of Revenue Rating and Valuation. Applicants to the project, through different routes, have received a total of £2 million they could otherwise have missed out on. Page 98
Page 99
- Work of the Community Planning Partnership to address financial inequalities and the current cost-of-living crisis includes meeting with OFCOM and promoting through partners social tariffs for digital access/ broadband. - Work of Community Planning Partnership to address health inequalities includes a pilot project in Dunoon (Shaping Places for Wellbeing) with partners, community groups, the Improvement Service and Public Health Scotland. This collaborative partnership group is looking at place based approach to improving health inequalities. 10 To what extent has your CPP adopted a preventative approach in seeking to tackle inequalities? Can you provide examples of success? Please provide your views: The Community Planning Partnership is participating in a preventative approach to tackling inequalities through its participation in 'Shaping Places for Wellbeing: Dunoon'. This is a pilot project to look at the systems of collaborative working needed to prevent and reduce health inequalities. This project is a partnership with the Improvement Service, Public Health Scotland and community planning partners. In addressing covid-19 and cost of living impacts the Community Planning Partnership identified risks of increasing inequality particularly around financial income and digital inclusion. The partnership took a preventative approach to addressing these by developing innovative projects to increase income in a sustainable way for households through incentivising access to quality advice on financial management and energy. Applicants to the project have received a total of £2 million they could otherwise have missed out on. The partnership also implemented a successful project to prevent digital scamming and fraud, and as a result prevent financial harm and mental health impacts. Analysis of the project is that it achieved over £1m in preventative spend. 11 How have Local Outcomes Improvement Plans and locality plans reduced inequalities? Can you provide examples? Please provide your views: The priorities within the plans, and the actions to improve these, are based on data, partner knowledge and community engagement. This approach ensures that the actions meet the needs arising and address the pertinent areas of inequality - either strategically or locally - depending on whether it is the LOIP or locality plan. The LOIP is reviewed annually in an annual report and monitored quarterly in meetings. This approach enables partners to monitor and support delivery of the actions to reduce inequalities. The locality plans are monitored and supported at the area community planning groups by membership of these groups which is partners and community organisations. This local accountability helps to ensure that the actions taking place are addressing local inequalities specific to that locality. When the community planning partnership undertakes engagement to inform its plans the protected characteristics, as set out in the Equality Act 2010, are monitored and targeted approaches are taken to ensure there is a breadth of community voice participating/ having the opportunity to participate. The local outcomes improvement plan and the locality plans have reduced inequalities through the multiple projects that have been undertaken by the project over the years since 2015. Many of these projects have been referenced in our response to the previous questions and include addressing equality of opportunity to participate in community planning, addressing inequality of access to financial income and to digital. The inequality of access to services in remote rural communities has also been a success of the partnership through for example its partnership work to trial a mental health triage project for those in mental health crisis in remote locations, and the partnership work to pilot digital hubs in islands. Consultation continued (page 2 of 3) 12 What are the challenges faced by CPPs to the effective planning and delivery of their outcomes? How has the Act changed how community planning partners deliver their services? Please provide your views: One of the main challenges to effective planning is the lack of data at an appropriate scale and to a level of detail so as to understand how the data relates to the protected characteristics of the Equality Act. Having quality data to inform how life is being experienced in a place, based on protected characteristics, would enable an approach to addressing inequalities to be data led and informed. This requires nationally led data sets to be of a suitable quality. Another challenge faced by CPPs to effectively plan is the use of the term 'community planning' in multiple national policies that continue to be produced. The use of community planning within policy often places a statutory requirement for community planning to have a role within that policy area. This adds to the remit of the Community Planning Partnership outwith the statutory requirements as set out in Part 2 of the Act. This can be confusing for effective governance, and impact planning and delivery as it places extra work alongside the work of the partnership on delivering the Outcome Improvement Plan and locality plans. It can also undermine the requirement for plans to be based on community and local needs when individual subject matter policies define what priorities should be for community planning. The Act has changed the breadth of partners involved in community planning and took the emphasis away from community planning being the sole responsibility of local government to it being the responsibility of the partners set out in Schedule 1 of Part 2 of the Act. Many partners have embraced this statutory duty, committed to meetings, to shaping and delivering actions and to aligning their plans with the strategic priorities of the Local Outcome Improvements Plan. Partners have also embraced engaging and collaborating in local community planning and locality plans (known in Argyll & Bute as locality plans). Statutory partners have also led community planning through roles as chair of Management Board, leading improvement plans and leading collaborative working groups to improve outcomes. Page 99
Page 100
13 What role did your CPP have in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic? What has the legacy of the pandemic been to approaches to community planning? Please provide your views: The Community Planning Partnership continued to meet during the response to the pandemic to share information on the various partnership actions taking place and consider any resource sharing requirements to meet priorities. The main role the Community Planning Partnership had was as the overall strategic forum for understanding and responding to the needs arising from communities as a result of covid-19 and the corresponding cost of living crisis. The CPP supported the workstreams of Building Back Better (which included digital inclusion, financial inclusion, mental health, young people, volunteering and community wellbeing) to grow and to be fully resourced so as to be successful in meeting the needs. It is not what the legacy of the pandemic has been to community planning but rather what the legacy of good community planning has been to the response to the pandemic. To clarify this, the response to the pandemic in Argyll and Bute CPP was an excellent partnership response due to the relationships that had been built through a conscious effort to build a collaborative, dynamic and 'team' of Community Planning Partnership Management Committee members, and the work of building good relationships with communities through community development approaches. What the pandemic, and ongoing programme of actions to address need, shows is that there needs to be flexibility within 10 year plans focused on long-term outcomes to include capacity for needs arising and to adjust to these. What remains from the pandemic in our Community Planning Partnership is an openness for 'cross-cutting issues' of importance to our partnership working and improving lives in communities to be included in the work planning and for priorities to adjust accordingly where needed. 14 Does the existing guidance for Community Planning Partnerships need to be updated? Please provide your views: Not to our knowledge at this point in time although consideration may want to be given to an increase in the partners referenced as statutory within Schedule 1. 15 How does community planning align with other strategies and planning requirements? Please provide your views: In Argyll and Bute the Outcome Improvement Plan is viewed as the overarching plan for the area and others strategies and plans are to take recognition of the priorities identified in the LOIP. There is ongoing liaison with organisations and community groups in the area producing plans and strategies to discuss any cross -over or to share data where this is of relevance. The area-wide engagement undertaken by community planning has its results shared and published so that they are available to be of use to community groups preparing locality plans, local place plans or other action plans, and also for partners to use in their strategic planning. This is an example of best value and best use of resources. Consultation continued (page 3 of 3) 16 Do partners in your CPP contribute resources to enable the delivery of outcomes? Please provide your views: Yes. This has been both in forms of staff resources and financial resources. 17 Has inclusion as a planning partner changed the way your organisation works, spends its budget and makes decisions? Please provide your views: Yes, the Community Planning Management Board is the forum where discussion takes place on strategic matters of importance to the area that needs partnership working or working together to resolve in relation to the LOIP and any cross cutting themes arising as important to the partnership. This means that many matters of importance are shared and many asks to support collaborative work are put forward. The way in which the Board works together - through honesty, trust, willingness to work 'as a team' and willingness to lead and collaborate mean that resourcing actions is a constant subject matter at the CPP Management Board. This has resulted in collaborative financial spend and resources working together on important projects for the area. 18 Does the statutory membership of Community Planning Partnerships need revisiting? Please provide your views: It may be beneficial to do this. Page 100