Agenda and minutes

To note the attendance at this meeting of any Substitute Members, in accordance with paragraph 12.7 of the Harrow Partnership Governance Handbook.

AGREED:  To

(1)               note the attendance at this meeting of the following substitute Members:-

(2)               note the apologies received.

(if any).

AGREED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members.

That the minutes of the Board Meeting held on 27 June 2013, having been circulated, be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

AGREED: That the minutes of the Board meeting held on 27 June 2013 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources, Harrow Council.

The Board received a report which provided information on a new draft Commission and Funding Code and part of the Harrow Compact.

An officer explained that the Commissioning and Funding Code had involved work with the voluntary and community sector representatives and the Procurement Team within the Council.

AGREED: That the Commissioning and Funding Code be approved as part of the updated Compact.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources, Harrow Council.

An officer introduced the report and explained that it set out recommendations to disband the Harrow Partnership Board. Discussions had taken place with a number of Members of the Board to seek their views and discuss the positives and negatives of disbanding the Board.

Additionally representatives from the Voluntary and Community Sector had commented that they wished to receive assurances that they would continue to be bale to meet with the Chief Executive and Leader of Harrow Council that they would continue to be able to utilise rooms in the Civic Centre and have formal voting rights at the Health and Wellbeing Board.

The Leader of the Council responded that these requests would all be honoured with the exception of the formal voting rights at the Health and Wellbeing Board, which needed to be investigated further as Full Council approval was required.

AGREED: That the Board no longer meets with effect from the end of this meeting.

Report of the Corporate Director of Resources, Harrow Council.

The Board received a verbal update on the activity of the Harrow Chief Executives (HCE) since the last Board meeting.

An officer reported that the last meeting had focused on safeguarding issues and that an action plan had been developed to improve safeguarding across the borough.

The HCE had also discussed the future of the Harrow Partnership Board, the Compact and received information regarding Community Budgets.

The HCE had also focused on support for businesses within Harrow to succeed and prosper and to improve their survival rates.

During the discussion on this item, Members of the Board raised a number of queries which were responded to as follows:

• The HCE could consider expanding its membership if it was felt necessary. It was important to note that there were also other groups such as Safer House and the Health and Wellbeing Board which included representatives from a number of different groups;

• There was a new Portfolio Holder in the Council responsible who would focus on businesses within the borough. This would have a beneficial impact on businesses within Harrow;

• The Leader of the Council would be chairing the meetings of Safer Harrow and the Health and Wellbeing Board in the future;

• A proposal that the re-launch of Enterprise in Harrow also reflects the skills element was a good suggestion.

A Member of the Board commented that it would be helpful to have any proposals on any expansion relating to the HCE and information on the role of Safer Harrow and the Health and Wellbeing Board circulated in due course. The Board Member also thanked officers for their work and assistance relating to the Board.

AGREED: That the verbal update be noted.