Agenda item

Presented By Director Resilient Communities.  (Copies attached.)

(a)        Community Plan 2023/33

(b)        Future Governance

(c)        Performance Management Framework

3.1     There had been circulated copies of a report on the CPP Improvement Plan presented by Director Resilient Communities.  The report set out the work undertaken through the CPP Improvement Plan to present a new Community Plan (Local Outcome Improvement Plan - LOIP) and Performance Management Framework and updated progress in the review of the Community Planning Partnership’s governance arrangements.  Members were reminded of the three key areas: 1. Prioritise – to refresh the LOIP to account for significant changes in the operating landscape post-pandemic; 2. Governance – to review the current Community Panning Partnership structures and processes; and 3. Performance – ensure the Partnership’s long-term outcomes were supported by a performance framework to measure short- and medium-term progress.  In relation to development of the new Community Plan, potential priorities were identified from plans/strategies currently in place across the CPP that had been developed following public consultation.  Commonalities were mapped and data had been gathered from a refreshed SBC Strategic Assessment and the Health and Social Care Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.  Areas for improvement had been identified across a wide range of outcomes.  Following public consultation and discussion with other stakeholders and by the Joint Programme Board, the number of outcomes had reduced from 16 to 11 and theme names were changed to better reflect their focus.

3.2     Appendix 1 of the pack detailed the Community Plan which now contained eleven outcomes under four themes: Poverty; Learning, skills & economy; Good health & wellbeing; and Place, community & connectivity.  With reference to paragraph 8.2 of the Minute of 9 March 2023, it had been agreed that the Health & Social Care Strategic Framework was to steer the work of the ‘Good health and wellbeing’ theme, though due to the cross-cutting nature of health and wellbeing, the objectives appeared across more than one theme. The new Community Plan also included the cross-cutting issue of ‘A resilient and net zero Scottish Borders by 2045’ which was to highlight the importance of addressing the climate change agenda across all themes.  Incorporated into the Community Plan also were four values: People focused; Inclusive; Innovative; and Sustainable – underpinned by a commitment to both community engagement & empowerment and prevention & early intervention.  The Community Plan did not detail targets and measures; these were to be included in the delivery plan along with the actions.  The Plan was to be reviewed twice during its statutory 10-year period to ensure relevance.  In relation to the Future Governance arrangements, further work was to be carried out before the next meeting of the CPSB when an update was to be provided. 

3.3     There followed a brief discussion during which members gave feedback on the four themes of the Community Plan. Generally, there was praise for the one-page format which detailed the four themes and fundamental values.  Concern was expressed about the lack of reference to older people specifically, despite it being included in progress reports to date.  It was reported that the evidence base already available was to be used to effectively inform the delivery plan for each theme and ensure appropriately targeted support and action for each demographic going forward.  With regards to ‘Good health and wellbeing’ it was noted that there was no mention of prevention of ill-health which had been included as an outcome in Theme 3 previously.  In response, Ms Craig reported that during later discussions the issue of prevention was considered applicable to all four themes but its reintroduction could be discussed if requested.  In response to a question about success criteria and performance assessment, it was confirmed that a significant amount of work was to be done on this once the themes had been approved.  Though the focus on health inequality and domestic abuse was welcomed, it was acknowledged that this might add to existing workforce challenges and improved health outcomes would not necessarily follow.  In response to a question about work being done to address the demographic balance of the Borders, it was confirmed that further discussion with SOSE was expected in order to investigate links with the REP Green, Fair and Flourishing outcomes.  In relation to the cross-cutting theme of Net Zero it was suggested that sustainability be considered not only environmentally but also financially, with its definition to include reference to resource challenges.

3.4     PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

There had been circulated copies of a report by Clare Malster, the purpose of which was to inform members of the framework for Performance Management for the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership (CPP).  The document outlined the responsibilities and accountability for performance management by partner organisations and the integration of these arrangements through the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP), known as the Community Plan.  The framework was to ensure a continuous cycle of improvement.   Figure 1 illustrated ‘The Improvement Cycle’ based around the ‘Plan, Do, Review, Revise’ model of continuous improvement.  The Performance Reporting Cycle table outlined how the Community Plan and associated plans were to follow the Improvement Cycle for its reporting. The report detailed the reporting governance arrangements provided by the Strategic Board.  The CPP was to report quarterly on its Key Performance Indicators to the Strategic Board on progress towards the achievement of Community Plan outcomes and communicate this via the website.  Informal progress updates were to be delivered via Networks, social media and the website.   Qualitative measures would also be included.  In addition, an annual report was to be produced for the community and the Scottish Government.  The 2023/33 Community Plan was to be reviewed at least twice in its 10-year period along with the regular review of partner plans and strategies, alongside an annual self-assessment exercise.

DECISION

AGREED to the recommendations contained in the report as follows:

(a)        approved the Community Plan 2023/2033;

(b)        approved the revised Community Planning Partnership vision;

(c)        noted the progress on developing a new governance structure; and

(d)        approved the Performance Monitoring Framework.