• Agenda

Minutes of Meeting of the Community Safety, Public Engagement and Equalities Committee held in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 13 June 2013, at 10.00 a.m.

Present

Mr D Millar, Mr A Baxter, Ms J Campbell, Ms J Douglas, Mr A Duffy, Mr G Farlow (substitute), Mr M Finlayson, Mr H Fraser, Mrs D MacKay (substitute), Mrs A MacLean, Ms L Munro, Ms G Ross, Mr G Ross, Mr R Saxon, Dr A Sinclair, Ms J Slater, Dr D Alston

Non-Members also present:

Mr B Clark, Mr D Fallows, Mr R Laird, Mr A MacLeod, Mr F Parr

Officials in attendance:

Ms M Morris, Assistant Chief Executive
Mr H Fraser, Director of Education, Culture and Sport Services
Mr N Gillies, Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services
Ms C McDiarmid, Head of Policy and Performance, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr W Gilfillan, Corporate Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr J Bruce, Elections Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr A McCann, Economy and Regeneration Manager, Planning and Development Service
Mr G Robb, Trading Standards Manager, TECS
Mr D Norrie, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Manager, TECS
Mr D Goldie, Head of Housing
Ms C Thain, Housing Policy Officer
Mr G Fyfe, Public Relations Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms R MacKinnon, Equal Opportunities Officer, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms E Johnston, Strategic Performance Manager, Chief Executive’s Office
Mrs R Moir, Principal Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Ms L Lee, Committee Administrator, Chief Executive’s Office
Mr S Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Chief Executive’s Office

Also in attendance:

Superintendent Stephen MacKay, Police Scotland, Highland
Mr S Hay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Local Senior Officer for the Highland Area
Mr R Iffla, Board Member, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board
Dr M E M Foxley, Board Member, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board
Mr G Smith, Employment Liaison Officer, Momentum Scotland Ltd (Item 16)

(As an observer)
Mr A Drever, Orkney Islands Council

An asterisk in the margin denotes a recommendation to the Council.  All decisions with no marking in the margin are delegated to the Committee.

Mr D Millar in the Chair

1.  Apologies for Absence
Liesgeulan

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Mr I Renwick and Mr R Saxon.

2.  Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

The Committee NOTED the following declarations of interest:

• Items 11 and 12: Ms J Douglas (Non-Financial)
• Item 17: Mrs A MacLean (Non-Financial)

Community Safety
Com-pàirt Phoblach

3.  Continuous Improvement of the Committee
Leasachadh Leantainneach na Comataidh

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-17-13 (45kb pdf) dated 4 June 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive providing feedback on the most recent survey of Members on the operation of the Committee and updates on the actions in the improvement plan for the Committee. The report also advised that the Committee arrangements in Highland were regarded nationally as good practice, both by the Scottish Government’s pathfinder project and also in terms of the early review of engagement undertaken by the inspection bodies for the Police and Fire & Rescue Services.  Ongoing actions for improvement were linked to the review of community planning currently underway and the review of Area Committees to be reported to the Council in June 2013.  The Appendix to the Report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate for Scotland, as referred to in the circulated report, was tabled.

The Head of Policy and Performance summarised the main points of the report and highlighted that progress was being made with setting up a Highlands and Islands network of Local Authorities for sharing ideas and good practice relating to scrutiny of Police and Fire & Rescue Services.

In response to concerns raised relating to the respective remits of the Committee and the proposed Area Committees, in particular the potential for duplication, the Chairman advised that, should the Council approve the establishment of Area Committees at its June meeting, the opportunity to input to Police and Fire & Rescue Local Plans at a local level would be enhanced; where decisions were required, Area Committees would make recommendations which would then come to this Committee for ratification.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i.  the changes made in the operation of the Committee to date;
ii. that the Committee’s arrangements were regarded nationally as good practice,
    both by the Scottish Government’s Pathfinder Project and from the early review
    of engagement with national services by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of
    Constabulary for Scotland, supported by Her Majesty’s Fire Service
    Inspectorate for Scotland;
iii. that further reports would be brought to Members on the new inspection
    planned for early 2014 on the development of local police and local fire and
    rescue plans, and the arrangements for local scrutiny and Member
    engagement;
iv. that a Member visit to Scottish Fire and Rescue operational facilities would be
    arranged, to take place on a date close to the September meeting of the
    Committee;
v. the progress being made with the Committee’s improvement plan, and that
    further work to support the actions was underway through the community
    planning review, the review of Area Committees and the Single Outcome
    Agreement, all to be reported to the Council; and
vi. that assurance had been received from the national boards for Police and Fire &
    Rescue that any changes made nationally to the style of performance reports
    submitted locally would take into account the information requested by
    Members, to enable local scrutiny.

4.  Fire and Rescue Service Quarterly Performance Report incorporating Safer Fire Fighter Programme and Sustainable Stations Update
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil na Seirbheis Smàlaidh agus Teasairginn a’ ceangal a-steach Prògram Neach-smàlaidh nas Sàbhailte agus Cunntas as Ùr mu Stèiseanan Seasmhach

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-18-13 (97kb pdf) dated 4 June 2013 by the Local Senior Officer for Fire and Rescue, providing details of Fire and Rescue performance across a range of Intervention, Prevention and Protection activities.  It also provided updates on progress with Station Sustainability and the Safer Fire-Fighter Programme, as had been requested by Members of the Highland and Islands Fire Board at its final meeting of 1 March 2013.  The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Draft Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) for Highland had been circulated separately.

The Local Senior Officer drew attention to the main points in the report and the draft QPR.  Where targets had not been fully met, he explained the reasons for this and advised what action was being taken.  He also gave an assurance that there would be full consultation on the Local Fire and Rescue Plan over the coming months.

Members thanked all those involved for their efforts over the previous year to improve the performance of the Service, including the Peer Support Team, staff, the Trades Unions, and officers from other Fire and Rescue Services.  Current progress, including the recruitment successes at Tongue, was welcomed, and the Service was commended for its actions in relation to the spate of wildfires in April and the recent fire at a House in Multiple Occupation in Dingwall.

Members scrutinised the report and draft QPR in detail.  In response to questions, the Local Senior Officer provided an explanation of various figures, and advised that: there would be follow-up activity in relation to legislative safety inspections of hotels; preventative and protection work on Eigg and at Knoydart continued; vacancies were being filled initially through the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Transfer and Matching process, with all gaps to be filled in line with the national structure; vulnerable people were identified through partnership working and local knowledge; and Home Fire Safety Visits took account of trends in types of fire.  He undertook to provide figures in future broken down to reflect gender factors also.

The Committee welcomed Dr M Foxley and Mr R Iffla, members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board, to the meeting.  Dr Foxley provided information from the Board, including that further reductions in revenue expenditure were expected for the coming three years, although there would be a moderate increase in the capital budget.  It was recognised that the vehicle fleet in the Highlands and Islands required upgrading.  The budget for training would not be cut, but the potential to achieve savings through rationalisation of workshops and control centres was being actively investigated.  The largest threat to small units was the availability of trained crew – employing female fire-fighters could be of benefit in this regard and the Board was looking at ways to recruit more female staff, perhaps by assisting with child care.  As well as emphasising the Board’s commitment to increasing the number of female staff, Mr Iffla stressed that it was the Board’s intention to be visible and accessible, and to attest that Local Authorities were scrutinising and challenging the Service.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the contents of the report and its appendices, the terms of the Draft Quarterly Performance Report, and the information and responses given.

5.  Police Reports
Aithisgean Poilis

i. Highland Performance Paper
Pàipear air Dèanadas na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-19-13 (1287kb pdf) dated 31 May 2013 by the Local Commander for Police providing an update to Committee Members on the progress with reference to the objectives outlined in the Highland 2013/14 Policing Plan.

In speaking to the circulated report, Supt S MacKay further updated some of the performance figures given, in particular those categorised as “red” as at the date of report finalisation, the year-to-date figure for Class 2 offences having since risen from 47.1% to 70.3%.   He also confirmed that Member involvement would be sought in the preparation of the Local Policing Plan 2014-17.

In response to Member questions, Supt Mackay confirmed that:

• access to sniffer dogs continued to be available on a local needs basis
• complaints of antisocial behaviour (item 7 below refers) were monitored and could be escalated to a more senior response if required; it was important to engage early where possible
• increased levels of proactivity were planned in relation to road safety / driver behaviour issues; a dedicated Road Safety officer would continue to work with local authority colleagues; the effectiveness of the Driving Ambition programme targeted at young people was fully recognised and supported
• the use of search powers required to be reasonable and proportionate; officers tended to operate outside rather than inside licensed premises, where possible
• the Division was committed to local engagement and in particular to attendance at Community Council and Ward Forum meetings.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i.  the progress made against the objectives set within the Highland Local Policing
    Plan 2013-2014;
ii. the intention to conduct a number of Ward workshops / meetings in Highland
    during September and October 2013 to develop the next iteration of the Local
    and Ward Policing Plans; and
iii. that a report on Road Safety would be brought to a future meeting.

ii. Police Scotland – Update
Poilis na h-Alba – Cunntas as Ùr

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-20-13 (24kb pdf) dated 31 May 2013 by the Local Commander for Police providing an update on Police Scotland and its support to Highland and the Highland and Islands Division.

During discussion, concern was expressed as to the effectiveness of the implementation of the new national “101” single non-emergency number, in particular given reports / experience of delays in answering calls and apparent operator lack of knowledge / understanding of local geography and interests.  In response to a question, it was confirmed that the separate, specific UK-wide “Crimestoppers” number, designed for passing on information anonymously, remained in use.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i.  the terms of the report;
ii. that a report on progress with the implementation of the “101” non-emergency
    number would be brought to the next meeting; and
iii. that an update on Voluntary Redundancy issues would be brought to a future
    meeting.

6.  Scottish Ambulance Service Quarterly Performance Report
Aithisg Dèanadais Ràitheil Seirbheis Charbadan-eiridinn na h-Alba

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-21-13 (39kb pdf) dated June 2013 by the Scottish Ambulance Service providing an update on performance in Highland.

Apologies having been received from Mr G MacLeod of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), due to unforeseen work commitments, the Committee NOTED that:

i.  the report content would be carried forward to the Committee’s next meeting;
    and
ii. in the meantime, any urgent questions could be taken to the Head of Policy and
    Performance, who would forward these to the SAS.

The Committee also AGREED to request of SAS that any technical terms, categories, abbreviations etc. used in their report be clarified in plain language.

7.  Partnership Report - Annual Report on Antisocial Behaviour
Aithisg Chom-pàirteachais – Aithisg Bhliadhnail mu Dhol-a-mach Mì-shòisealta

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-22-13 (75kb pdf) dated 3 June 2013 by the Depute Chief Executive / Director of Housing and Property providing an update in relation to the Highland Antisocial Behaviour Strategy and a summary of activity across partner agencies who had responsibilities for managing specific issues relating to antisocial behaviour.  The report also set out priorities for the year ahead.

In speaking to the report, the Head of Housing emphasised the importance of achieving the right balance between enforcement and prevention when dealing with antisocial behaviour and highlighted that, whilst low level incidents were dealt with through single agencies, a multi-agency response was required for more serious and complex cases.

During discussion, Members expressed concern that in some areas antisocial behaviour had become an issue in allocating Council housing and that the Council’s approach to dealing with the issue required further consideration.  Additional information was requested on the role of the Police Scotland Antisocial Behaviour Liaison Officer and the effectiveness of the final outcomes of police enquires.

In response to Member questions / concerns, the Head of Housing clarified that:

• the function of Antisocial Behaviour Partnership Groups, within which the Housing and Property Service played a key role, was to assess the legal options available in relation to serious and complex cases of antisocial behaviour and to agree the appropriate action to take
• serious and complex cases of antisocial behaviour generally incorporated a number of complicated issues, which could include tenancy matters, drug and alcohol misuse and wider family problems
• the Head of Housing could discuss Member concerns relating to antisocial behaviour issues which it appeared were not being addressed
• further  changes to legislation relating to antisocial behaviour that would provide greater powers to local authorities were currently being considered
• the Police Scotland Antisocial Behaviour Liaison Officer post was part-funded by the Council and provided a useful role in gathering intelligence and sharing information with the Council and Antisocial Behaviour Partnership Groups; however, the remit of this role would be appraised over the course of the year.

Supt S MacKay provided further detail on the final outcome of police enquires, during which he advised that, in addition to reporting to the Procurator Fiscal, the service provided information to Antisocial Behaviour Partnership Groups based on data collated from its own procedures, as well as from information shared at Community Council and Ward Forum meetings.

In response to further questions, the Head of Housing gave an undertaking to investigate the reasons as to why an Antisocial Behaviour Partnership Group had not been established in Skye and to look into the establishment of a Junior Community Warden Scheme in Dalneigh, Inverness.

In concluding discussion, the Chairman made an additional recommendation to the Committee that Housing Service representatives be available to attend Ward Forums to inform members and listen to concerns at a local level.

The Committee AGREED:

i.  to support the approach taken to antisocial behaviour;
ii. the following priorities for the year ahead:

• reviewing the current strategy to take account of the Local Policing Plan, Local Fire and Rescue Plan and priorities identified from the Community Safety Strategic Assessment
• continuing to develop approaches to partnership working to prevent and respond to antisocial behaviour
• reducing the impact of antisocial behaviour in the Highlands through a range of partnership activities; and

iii. that Housing Service representatives be available to attend Ward Forum
    meetings where invited.

The Committee also NOTED that any Member concerns relating to antisocial behaviour issues which it appeared were not being addressed should be brought to the attention of the Head of Housing.

8.  Cold Call Control Zone Initiative
Iomairt Smachd air Gairmean Margaideachd gun Rabhadh

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-23-13 (31kb pdf) dated 30 May 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services updating Members on the outcome of the evaluation of the first four months of operation of the Cold Call Control Zone (CCCZ) initiative, which had been piloted in the Wimberley Way area of Inverness.

In speaking to the report, the Trading Standards Manager highlighted the positive results of the pilot CCCZ initiative and advised that residents felt more confident within their area and better informed about doorstep crime.  The recommendations arising from the evaluation report were highlighted and Members were advised that, whilst there was demand for the initiative to be rolled out in other areas, the challenge going forward would be to secure resources to establish future schemes.  An application to the Strategic Change and Development Fund had been suggested by officials as a potential way of obtaining funding.

In response to a question, Members were advised that an evaluation of the current case-load was in progress and, once finalised, would help provide further information on which areas in particular were being targeted for cold-calling.

The Committee NOTED the conclusions and recommendations of the evaluation report; and AGREED:

i.  in principle, to the future establishment of more Cold Call Control Zones; and
ii. that where the community demand existed, Trading Standards actively seek
    additional funding to facilitate the establishment of more Cold Call Control
    Zones.

The Committee also NOTED that a report providing information on the demand for and the resource implications of rolling out further Cold Call Control Zone schemes would be submitted to a future meeting.

9.  Emergency Planning
Dealbhadh Èiginn

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-24-13 (37kb pdf) dated 30 May 2013 by the Director of Transport, Environmental and Community Services (TECS) on the approach taken by the Council to fulfilling its duties under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA) and the Contingency Planning (Scotland) Regulations 2005 to maintain an Emergency Plan (473kb pdf).  The report had been written with direct input from Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

The Committee APPROVED the approach taken by the Council to fulfilling its duties under this legislation to maintain an Emergency Plan.

10.  Safe Highlanders 2013
Gàidheil Shàbhailte 2013

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-25-13 (30kb pdf) dated 27 May 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive providing Members with an update on the delivery of the 2013 Safe Highlanders event in Inverness, held on 8-17 May 2013.  The report also highlighted that further satellite events achieved geographical coverage of the Highlands and that a full evaluation of the Inverness event was underway.

In speaking to the report, the Strategic Performance Manager advised that Safe Highlanders was a nationally recognised project targeting Primary 7 pupils on community safety and crime prevention issues through a “learning by doing” approach.  In addition to the Inverness event, of which the Council was the lead partner, there were four other satellite events led by Police Scotland covering the rest of the Highlands.  Whilst there were still a number of events to take place, current data showed that 87% of Primary 7 pupils in Highland had already participated in the current year.  Resource materials were available through the Council’s website for teachers and any pupils unable to attend.

The objectives of Safe Highlanders were highlighted and included a range of practical exercises around themes such as road, water and fire safety, which also raised awareness of other personal risks, such as drugs and putting personal information on the internet.  The report outlined the partners involved in contributing to the success of the events and highlighted the continued media interest.  Resources continued to be a challenge and partners were working to ensure that the events were sustainable in the long-term.

During discussion, Members expressed their thanks to the partners and volunteers responsible for helping to make the events a success and emphasised the importance of continuing the project in the future.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i.  the purpose of the event, the high numbers attending and the contributions from
    partners and business;
ii. the additional external interest from local media; and
iii. that the evaluation of the event would be circulated to Members for information.

Public Engagement
Com-pàirt Phoblach

11.  Service Presentation - Approach to Engagement
Taisbeanadh Seirbheis – Dòigh-obrach a thaobh Com-pàirteachas

Declaration of Interest: Ms J Douglas declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Highlife Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

The Director of Education, Culture and Sport (ECS) gave a presentation to the Committee on his Service’s approach to community engagement, during which he outlined the methods, tools and techniques used, highlighting how these accorded with the Scottish Community Development Centre’s ten national standards for community engagement, which largely fell into three broad categories: Framework for Engagement (delivery standards), Maximising Participation (reaching out), and Making the Most of People’s Contribution.

The Director reminded Members of his Service’s specific responsibilities against the various themes within the Council’s Programme, in particular its lead responsibility for the theme “Children and Young People”, and also its role in relation to Health and Social Care, Gaelic, Community Learning and cultural activities within the themes “Caring Communities”, “Empowering Communities” and “Strong & Safe Communities”.  The ECS Service engaged with young people and with parents on a range of issues, and also with the wider community in relation to both current and future education provision.

In relation to young people, the Director drew attention to a range of Youth Voice engagement mechanisms, many in partnership with High Life Highland, such as local Youth Forums, Pupil Councils and the Scottish Youth Parliament.  He cited examples of initiatives / consultations involving various partner agencies, including Police Scotland, the University of the Highlands and Islands and the Highland Drug and Alcohol Partnership, and highlighted the role of local consultation on a number of curriculum issues.

In relation to parents, the Director underlined the provisions of the Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 and the role of Parent Forums and Parent Councils, including their contribution to surveys, consultations, questionnaires, self-evaluation processes, external inspections, etc.

In relation to the wider community, the Service had well-established and well-regarded procedures for engaging on future education provision, taking into account the requirements of the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010 for a statutory consultation to be carried out in advance of any changes to education provision involving school closures.  This Council undertook extensive community engagement in advance of the statutory process and its approach had been recognised as a model of good practice in a recently-published report by the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education.

In concluding his presentation, the Director suggested that the Curriculum for Excellence involved a cultural change and a swing towards participation by all parties on an equal basis, involving shared ownership and a transfer of power to parents/carers and communities, including through the establishment of a Community Learning and Development Plan. 

During discussion, Members commented on the need to engage with and enthuse the different interest groups, whilst recognising that some parents might not wish to engage proactively.  It was also suggested that ways should be sought to draw on the ideas and expertise of other groups and individuals within the community who might have something to offer that could enhance the education experience.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED the methods of consultation used by the Education, Culture and Sport Service, as outlined.

12.  Improving Voter Turn-out – Update on the Action Plan
A’ Leasachadh na tha a’ Nochdadh de Luchd-bhòtaidh – Cunntas as Ùr mun Phlana-gnìomha

Declaration of Interest: Ms J Douglas declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Highlife Highland but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-26-13 (159kb pdf) dated 4 June 2013 by the Chief Executive providing Members with an update of the actions proposed to encourage participation in elections, particularly for young people.  The report drew attention to the recent Hansard Society Audit of Political Engagement; investigations being carried out by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Regeneration Committee; the Scottish Independence Franchise Bill; and the role of the Electoral Commission.  The report also highlighted, within Highland, the proposal to hold a mock European Parliamentary Election in a secondary school in 2014; proposals emerging from discussions with Highland Youth Voice and the University of the Highland and Islands (UHI) Student Council respectively; the role of school / UHI Democracy Ambassadors; the low turn-out in the recent Caithness landward by-election; and a research project to be undertaken by the Head of Policy and Performance into understanding the dynamics of political engagement in rural communities.

In relation to the Mock Election proposal, the report pointed out that holding this in Spring 2014, to align with the European Parliamentary Election, would clash with the school examinations period, and suggested that the Mock Election be deferred until November 2014, at which time all pupils would be better placed to participate and also the Council’s Elections team would have more capacity to assist.  During discussion, however, a number of Members expressed disappointment as to the proposed delay, which would take the Mock Election beyond the date of the Scottish Referendum as well as the European Election, and urged that a date be found early enough not to clash with the examination period; it was considered important that advantage be taken of the wider pre-election / Referendum political environment as a meaningful backdrop to the Mock Election process.  There was also confidence that a successful balance could be achieved that would avoid any suggestion of political bias or indoctrination in the associated teaching process.

On the wider issues raised, comments included:

• all elected Members and political parties had a responsibility to encourage engagement in the democratic process
• recognition was needed that much electoral apathy was attributable to loss of faith in representative democracy, particularly given the various recent financial and other scandals that had received extensive media coverage
• acknowledgement was also needed of the correlation between low voter turn-out and areas of social deprivationmany rural Council wards were too large to promote a sense of local accountability and engagement among potential voters
• it was important to seek ways to reach young people who were not already politically engaged.

Responses given included: drawing attention to the preparation of a Democracy Pack for schools; highlighting efforts to encourage young people to confirm their electoral registration; and an assurance that the success of other initiatives across Scotland was being monitored.

After discussion, the Committee NOTED:

i.  the initiatives being carried out in partnership with Highlife Highland, Highland
    Youth Voice and UHI; and
ii. that the Committee’s strong recommendation that a Mock Election in a
    Secondary School be arranged in late Spring 2014, rather than November
    2014, would be referred back to the Democracy in Schools Working Group for
    reconsideration and discussion with the Education, Culture and Sport Service,
    and would thereafter be taken forward if possible, bearing in mind that
    additional resources would not be available and that the priority would
    necessarily be to meet statutory requirements relating to the European
    Elections and the Scottish Referendum.

The Committee also AGREED in principle that a representative group of young people be invited to a post-Committee seminar, with a view to promoting increased understanding between young people and Members on their respective views and experience of the democratic process.

13.  Plain English Campaign – Corporate Membership
Iomairt na Beurla Soilleir – Ballrachd Chorporra

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-27-13 (36kb pdf) dated 31 May 2013 by the Chief Executive relating to the Council’s commitment to provide information to the public “…in clear language, to Plain English Campaign’s ‘Crystal Mark’ standard”.  This aim was set out in the ‘Programme for The Highland Council’ in the section ‘Working together to empower our communities’.  The circulated report asked Members to approve the Council’s application for corporate membership of Plain English Campaign.

During discussion, Members generally welcomed this initiative.  Responses to questions raised included:

• it was anticipated that around 100 staff might receive the relevant training
• as the nature of Council correspondence with the public varied so widely, it was unlikely that a single model template for letters could be produced; however, the training to be provided should in itself lead to clearer correspondence
• the initial subscription fee would be £2,000; further costs would include training fees and charges for case-by-case editing of any specific documents submitted by the Council for comment.

After discussion, the Committee AGREED that the Public Relations Office apply for single-department corporate membership of Plain English Campaign on behalf of all Council services and NOTED that:

i.  the Public Relations team would identify those members of staff who would
    most benefit from Plain English training and then organise a local training
    session; they would also aim to extend training using online courses; and
ii. the Public Relations Manager would report back to the Committee on the
    progress of Plain English across the Council, including provision of information
    on the costs involved in its delivery.

14.  Minutes - Highland Public Services Partnership Performance Board 
Geàrr-chunntas – Bòrd Com-pàirteachas Seirbheisean Poblach na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated and were NOTED minutes of meeting of the Highland Public Services Partnership Performance Board held on 29 November 2012 (33kb pdf). 

Equalities
Co-ionannachdan

15.  Actions Arising from the Meeting with Disabled Access Panels in March 2013
Gnìomhan ag Èirigh bho Choinneamh le Pannalan Slighe do Chiorramaich sa Mhàrt 2013

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-28-13 (46kb pdf) dated 4 June 2013 by the Head of Policy and Performance highlighting the issues raised in the meeting with some of the Disability Access Panels in Highland which had taken place after the meeting of this Committee on 21 March 2013.

In response to a question, the Equal Opportunities Officer confirmed that guidance on the colour of street furniture for the benefit of those with sight impairment emphasised the importance of contrast between colours, rather than specifying particular shades.

The Committee NOTED:

i.  the issues raised in the meeting with four Disability Access Panels; and
ii. the actions proposed by Services in response, as set out in the Appendix to the
    report.

16.  Supporting People with Disabilities into Employment
A’ Toirt Taic do Dhaoine le Ciorraman gus Cosnadh Fhaighinn

There had been circulated Report No. cpe-29-13 (31kb pdf) dated 3 June 2013 by the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Planning and Development setting out the support that was available to help people with disabilities to secure and retain employment.  The report outlined what the Council itself was doing and provided context to a presentation given to the Committee on behalf of Momentum Scotland Ltd.

In relation to the Council’s actions, the report outlined the steps taken within the Council’s own recruitment process and the support it offered to relevant employees once in post.  It also outlined support offered by the Council to third party businesses through its wage subsidy scheme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

The report also drew attention to a number of Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) initiatives, including the Work Choice Programme, designed to help those with disabilities find and sustain employment of 16 or more hours per week, and for which Momentum Scotland Ltd, a not-for-profit charitable organisation, was the provider for Highland.

Mr G Smith of Momentum Scotland Ltd enlarged on its services, explaining that most clients were referred to it by Job Centres for specialist support, having been deemed to meet the eligibility criteria set.  Clients followed a three-step programme:

• support for up to 6 months to prepare the client for work, involving an initial assessment and design of a personalised plan setting out clearly measurable and regularly reviewed goals and outcomes, and weekly meetings of some 2-2.5 hours per week, with the client evidencing at least 8 hours per week of job-related activity, such as training or job search
• provision of in-work support to help to stay in work, e.g. working with the employer on making appropriate workplace adjustments
• longer-term monitoring of progress with a view to reaching client self-sufficiency and eventual withdrawal of support.

Overall, Momentum Scotland aimed to provide a supportive environment and also to assist where required with establishing links to other agencies / services such as benefits advice, particularly given the complexity of changes in this field and the resulting lack of knowledge / understanding.

In response to questions, it was emphasised that, while some clients might have mental health problems due to a military background, or, in a growing number of cases, have failed Atos disability benefits eligibility assessments, Momentum Scotland Ltd had no control over what cases it took on, as its workload came from referrals, primarily from the DWP.

The Assistant Chief Executive confirmed a number of relevant Council strategies in relation to its own employment opportunities, including arrangements for Occupation Health support and provisions for Early Retirement.  She undertook to provide information to Councillor A MacLean on take-up of the e-learning staff training module “Understanding Disability” and reminded Members that information on sickness absence statistics was reported to the Finance, Housing and Resources Committee.

After discussion, the Committee thanked Mr Smith for his contribution and NOTED the content of the report and presentation.

17.  Violence Against Women Strategy Group - Minutes
Buidheann Ro-innleachd Fòirneart An Aghaidh Bhoireannach – Geàrr-
chunntas

Declaration of Interest: Mrs A MacLean declared a non-financial interest in this item as a Director of Ross-shire Women’s Aid but, having applied the test outlined in Paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct, concluded that her interest did not preclude her involvement in the discussion.

The Minutes of the Violence Against Women Strategy Group held on 12 March 2013 (30kb pdf) had been circulated and were NOTED.

18.  Exclusion of the Public
Às-dùnadh a’Phobaill

The Committee AGREED to resolve that, under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 7 of the Act.

19.  Memorandum of Understanding between Meygen and The Highland Council
Meòrachan Tuigse eadar Meygen agus Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There had been circulated to Members only Report No. CPE30/13 dated 5 June 2013 by the Corporate Manager.

*Having considered the terms of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding, the Committee AGREED to recommend its approval at the next Highland Council meeting on 27 June 2013.

The meeting ended at 3.30 p.m., having adjourned for lunch between 1.25 p.m. and 2.00 p.m.