The Chair will announce details of the arrangements in case of fire or other events that might require the meeting room or building’s evacuation.

The Chairman reminded Members of the action to be taken in an emergency.

To receive (if any)

Apologies were received for the absence of Councillors Robby Misir and Lamb.

Members are invited to disclose any interests in any of the items on the agenda at this point of the meeting.  Members may still declare an interest in an item at any time prior to the consideration of the matter.

There were no disclosures of interests.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 15^th July 2025 and authorise the Chair to sign them.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th July were agreed as a correct record and were signed by the Chairman.

The Committee received the updated Corporate Parenting Strategy.

Members noted it was a wholly co?designed document developed with children in care and care?experienced young people through multiple focus groups. The strategy aligned with statutory duties under the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and set out a pledge structured around W.I.S.T; Well, Inspired, Safe, Heard, Treated fairly. Officers explained it formed the thematic basis for the Corporate Parenting Panel which meets six times per year. Members praised the co?design approach, however, a drafting point was raised to clarify references to sub?groups in the published version. An easy?read, child?friendly design was noted as forthcoming which members praised also.

The Committee endorsed the strategy and recommended approval by Cabinet.

The Committee was presented with a review of foster carer allowances.

Members noted the document compared Havering against neighbouring boroughs and the national minimum expectation, noting a national shortage of foster carers, cost?of?living pressures, and the need to strengthen in?house provision to reduce reliance on residential settings and independent fostering agencies. Officers addressed a previous imbalance in rates, particularly for 16–17?year?olds, and linked it to sufficiency planning and recruitment targets. Officers described participation in the DfE/ North East London fostering recruitment hub and the Mockingbird support model. The Committee discussed annual up?rating practices, finance growth assumptions for the next year, competition from IFAs’ marketing, and the ongoing judicial review of foster carers’ employment status.

The Committee recommended that as part of the annual review, Cabinet should recognise the National Minimum Allowance as the floor (starting point) in any allowances discussion. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Subject to the above recommendation, the Committee endorsed the policy and recommended approval by Cabinet.

The Committee received the Vulnerable Person Policy for Council Tenants.

Officers explained it was required by the Regulator of Social Housing, framed by consumer standards and building?safety duties. The policy defined vulnerability and set out mechanisms for identifying, recording, and using vulnerability data to tailor services across households, not just the named tenant. Delivery elements included mandatory safeguarding and identification training for staff, role adaptation for Intensive Housing Needs and Holding Officers, clear processes on data maintenance, and practical reasonable service adjustments, for example, waiting longer at the door, pre?visit calls and alternative communication methods including requirements for contractors to comply also. Members queried resourcing and assurance to which officers confirmed continuous demand?and?supply reviews would take place alongside cross?council collaboration and a communications plan to raise awareness and facilitate access.

The Committee endorsed the policy and recommended approval by Cabinet.

The Committee received the proposed Employment Charter.

Members noted that it was an aspirational, strategic framework to reduce employment inequality for autistic people and people with learning disabilities. Officers highlighted the significant employment gap, at only roughly 4.8% of people with learning disabilities in paid work across England, and the Council’s intent to lead by example within the constraints of the current finances. Officers explained they sought to embed the Charter within HR recruitment and selection policies. Members asked about join?up with schools, adult colleges, apprenticeships and internships to which officers confirmed there would be Children’s Services representation along with a focus on transition to adulthood, employment, and travel training. Members requested a tightening of language, specifically around references to “positive discrimination” and “continuous assessment”, to ensure legal robustness and equity in resourcing. Officers agreed to review wording with Legal and HR and return the revised text to the Chair for sign?off prior to Cabinet submission.

Subject to the agreed wording changes the Committee endorsed the Charter and recommended approval by Cabinet.