This week in Derbyshire:

Council Approves Updated DBS Checks Policy, Teachers to be Re-checked Every Three Years

The Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee met on Monday 13 April 2026 and approved an updated Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks Policy. A key change is that centrally employed teachers will now be re-checked every three years. The committee also ratified the Soulbury Pay Agreement for 2025/2026 and approved revised Pay and Appraisal Policies for teachers employed directly by the Local Authority, not attached to specific schools. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Enhanced DBS Checks for Safer Safeguarding

The updated DBS Checks Policy introduces clearer definitions of regulated activity and expands on the types of DBS checks available. Crucially, it now includes provisions for individuals who have spent time outside the UK, those starting employment before a satisfactory DBS check is received, and importantly, regular re-checks.

The decision to implement triennial re-checks for centrally employed teachers is a significant step in strengthening safeguarding measures. This ensures that individuals working with children and vulnerable adults are regularly assessed, providing an additional layer of protection. This policy update aims to align with best practices in safeguarding and ensure the council continues to meet its duties under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

Teachers' Pay and Appraisal Policies: Performance and Fairness

Revised Pay and Appraisal Policies for teachers employed directly by the Local Authority have been approved. These policies, superseding the 2024 versions, continue to incorporate performance-related pay, a point that had previously led to deferrals.

Key changes to the Teachers' Pay Policy for 2025 include:

• A nationally agreed Teachers' Pay Award of a 4% uplift to all pay and allowance ranges, effective from 1 September 2025. This is in addition to a 5.5% uplift agreed from 1 September 2024.
• Clarification on Teaching & Learning Responsibility (TLR) allowance payments. From 1 September 2025, the council can determine the value of new TLR1 and TLR2 payments based on the proportion of the TLR the teacher is undertaking. This offers greater flexibility and ensures payments are more accurately aligned with responsibilities.

The Teachers' Appraisal Policy for 2025 has been updated to ensure it is robust while avoiding an increase in workload for teachers and managers. It incorporates recommendations from the DfE's Making Data Work report and includes a flowchart to assist service leads in addressing performance concerns.

Soulbury Pay Agreement Ratified

The committee also ratified the Soulbury Pay Agreement for 2025/2026, which includes a 3.2% increase on all pay points and allowances. Employees covered by this agreement had already received backdated pay in March 2026. This agreement impacts a range of educational professionals, including advisory, lecturing, and inspection staff.

This week in Derbyshire:

Glossop Recycling Centre Faces Potential Closure: A Cost-Saving Measure with Community Impact

The Derbyshire County Council Cabinet met on Thursday, 9 April 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the potential closure of the Glossop Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). This decision, if approved, could lead to significant changes in waste disposal for residents in the Glossop area and is being considered as a measure to address the council's budget deficit. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Glossop HWRC: The Least Used, Most Expensive?

The report presented to the Cabinet highlighted that Glossop HWRC is the least-used facility in the county. It handles significantly lower waste volumes and receives fewer visits from Derbyshire residents compared to other sites. Furthermore, the centre requires substantial capital investment of approximately £0.5 million for essential works to remain operational. Financially, it is the least efficient within the network.

Closing the Glossop HWRC is being considered as a way to deliver a fixed annual saving of £0.360 million, making it one of the few remaining options capable of contributing meaningfully to the Council's required savings target for the 2026-27 budget.

Public Consultation: Your Voice Matters

To ensure a fair and transparent decision, a 12-week public consultation is proposed. This will gather views on the potential closure and its impacts, including:

• Travel and Convenience: How will residents access alternative recycling facilities?
• Equity: Will the closure disproportionately affect certain groups?
• Environmental Effects: What are the broader environmental implications?

Alternative cost-saving options, such as reduced opening hours or days, or the implementation of booking systems, will also be tested for acceptability. However, these options do not deliver savings comparable to closure.

The council has a statutory duty under Section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to make available places where residents can deposit household waste free of charge. While individual sites may be closed, the council must continue to meet these requirements across the network as a whole.

What This Means for You

For residents in the Glossop area, the potential closure could mean longer travel distances to dispose of household waste. This may be particularly challenging for those without private transport or with mobility issues. The council is seeking to understand these impacts through the consultation to ensure that any final decision is made with a clear, evidence-based understanding of usage patterns, potential consequences, and community priorities.

Digital Transformation: Council Embraces Cloud Migration for Efficiency and Security

The Cabinet also received an update on the Council's Cloud Strategy and Cloud Migration Programme. This ambitious initiative aims to transition the Council from its current on-premises digital infrastructure to a cloud-first approach over five years, supporting the Council Plan up to 2029-30. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Why Move to the Cloud?

The move to the cloud is driven by several critical factors:

• Data Centre Closure: The Council Hall datacentre needs to be decanted due to the closure of Shand House and aging infrastructure.
• Risk Mitigation: The current on-premises setup faces risks of hardware obsolescence, single points of failure, inadequate disaster recovery, and resource and skills constraints.
• Enhanced Security: Migrating to a cloud platform like Microsoft Azure is intended to strengthen cyber security.

What's Being Migrated?

The project, now focused on the Platforms and Infrastructure Cloud Migration Project, involves migrating approximately 200 digital systems and their associated data from the County Hall datacentre to Microsoft Azure Cloud. This is a significant undertaking designed to prevent outages and data loss.

Investment in the Future

The report sought approval for the use of capital funds (£0.95m) to procure a cloud implementation partner. This investment is crucial for progressing to the implementation and migration stage and for approving Microsoft Azure as the cloud hosting partner. This move is expected to lead to greater efficiency and resilience in the council's digital services.

Investing in Our Youngest: £4.3 Million for Early Years Development

Derbyshire's commitment to giving every child the best start in life received a significant boost with the presentation of the Best Start in Life Local Plan and the acceptance of £4.329 million in government funding for Best Start Family Hubs. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

A Vision for Early Years

The Best Start in Life Local Plan outlines Derbyshire's vision to support every child from conception to the end of reception year to achieve their full potential. The plan identifies four key priorities:

• Improving Access to Early Years Provision: Ensuring high-quality childcare and education is available to all.
• Developing Best Start Family Hubs: Creating a network of hubs to coordinate services for families.
• System-Wide Early Years Strategy: Implementing a cohesive approach to early years education.
• Increasing Support for Parents: Providing resources and guidance to parents.

Funding for Family Hubs

The £4.329 million in government funding will be used over three years to support the implementation of this plan. This includes:

• Best Start Family Hubs: Establishing and running these vital community resources.
• Parenting Support: Offering programmes and advice to parents.
• Home Learning Environment Support: Helping families create supportive environments for children's development.
• Capital Investments: Funding necessary infrastructure and resources.

This initiative is crucial for helping Derbyshire achieve its local statutory targets for children achieving a Good Level of Development (GLD) by 2028, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for disadvantaged children.

Other Matters

Section 106 Funds Allocated to Schools

The Cabinet was informed of recent Section 106 developer contributions, totalling £258,902.42, which will be allocated to school projects. These contributions are designed to mitigate the impact of new housing developments, such as increasing school capacity. A further £133,278.69 will be used to repay the Children's Services Capital budget. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Property Asset Management Strategy Approved

The Property Asset Management Strategy 2026–2029 was approved. This strategy guides the council's management of its extensive property estate, aiming for optimisation, affordability, and alignment with service delivery needs. The council manages over 4,000 assets with a book value of approximately £2.56 billion. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Capital Budget Monitoring Update

An update was provided on the Capital Programme spend and forecast outturn for the 2025-26 financial year. The overall capital programme for 2025-26 was £94.456 million, with a projected underspend of £10.002 million over the life of the monitored projects. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

This week in Derbyshire:

Council Approves Controversial Pipeline Opposition, Sparks Debate on Local Democracy

Derbyshire County Council's full Council meeting on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, saw a heated debate and ultimately a decision to oppose the Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline. This decision, driven by significant resident concerns over safety and environmental impact, highlights the complex balance local government strikes between industrial development, environmental policy, and community well-being. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Safety First: Residents' Fears Over CO2 Pipeline

The motion to oppose the Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline, moved by Councillor Ruth George, Leader of the Derbyshire Independent Group, centred on serious safety concerns. Councillor George cited a tragic incident in Mississippi where a pipeline rupture led to widespread hospitalisations due to carbon dioxide displacing oxygen. She warned that the pipeline's proposed route through unstable hillsides and close to communities like Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge poses a significant risk. Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant at anything greater that 4% of the air mass than it can kill, she stated, emphasizing that the dense gas flows downhill, posing a direct threat to low-lying communities.

The council heard that the Health and Safety Executive's research into carbon dioxide pipelines in hilly terrains will not be completed until 2028, yet construction is planned to begin before crucial safety regulations are in place. This lack of established safety frameworks for such a project in challenging terrain was a major point of contention. Councillor Melandra Smith, Chairman of People Scrutiny Committee, echoed these concerns, stating the project appears to be driven by policy pressure, an expansion of what some might call green tape rather than genuine need.

Industry's Defence: Jobs and Economic Vitality

Opposing the motion, Councillor Griffiths argued that the UK cement industry is in decline due to high import levels and that carbon capture technology is essential for its survival, supporting jobs in the High Peak and Staffordshire areas. He claimed carbon capture would reduce CO2 emissions by 95% and that engineering standards for such pipelines are robust. Councillor Wayne Major stressed the importance of the minerals industry to Derbyshire's economy, warning that opposing the project would be seen as turning their back on this vital sector.

The Outcome: A Council United in Opposition

Despite arguments for the economic benefits and technological advancements, the motion to oppose the Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline was carried. This decision reflects a strong local mandate to prioritise resident safety and environmental concerns over national industrial policy when perceived risks are high. The debate also touched upon the financial viability of carbon capture, with questions raised about the billions of pounds of public money potentially being invested in a project that could be seen as a costly, long-term solution rather than addressing emissions at their source.

Council Approves Member Allowance Scheme Changes Amidst Controversy

In a move that sparked significant debate, the Derbyshire County Council also approved changes to its member allowance scheme for 2026-27. The Independent Remuneration Panel had recommended keeping allowances largely unchanged, but the council's Leader, Councillor Alan Graves, proposed a cost-neutral alternative. This included freezing the basic allowance and, controversially, reducing the Special Responsibility Allowance for the Leader of the main opposition group. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

An Attack on Democracy : Opposition Leader's Allowance Cut

The proposed reduction in the opposition leader's allowance from 45% to 30% of the Leader of the Council's allowance drew sharp criticism. Councillor Alex Dale, Leader of the Conservative Group, declared it an attack on the opposition, which is an attack on democracy itself. Many councillors argued that this move was petty and spiteful, targeting an individual rather than addressing systemic issues. Councillor Dale stated, If you think that I'm not holding to account now, boy, will I be more robust in my opposition in the future.

Reallocating Savings: Community Leadership Fund Boosted

The savings generated from the reduced opposition leader's allowance, along with the unapplied staff pay award increase, will be transferred to the Member Community Leadership Scheme budget. Councillor Graves argued this approach ensures all Councillors benefit, and most importantly, that residents across our divisions receive additional support. This move aims to channel funds towards local projects and community initiatives, a stated priority for the council.

Procedural Concerns and a Divided Council

The debate was marked by concerns over the late circulation of the proposed changes, with some councillors feeling ambushed. An amendment to vote on individual points of the motion was lost, as was a further amendment to remove the reduction in the opposition leader's allowance. The final motion was approved after a recorded vote, highlighting a divided council on the fairness and appropriateness of the decision.

Health Services Focus: Integrated Care and Mental Wellbeing

The Health Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss integrated neighbourhood health services, palliative care, and the impact of screen time on young people's mental health. The committee also received an update on public views regarding smoking. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Neighbourhood Health: Bringing Care Closer to Home

The committee received an update on the development of neighbourhood health services, a key part of the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Strategy. The aim is to shift healthcare delivery closer to communities, with a focus on joint commissioning and shared outcomes. This initiative is particularly important for vulnerable groups who may find it difficult to access traditional healthcare settings. The report highlighted the Team Up model as a successful example of integrated care for individuals with complex needs.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Strategic Approach

Work is underway to develop and deliver the Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) Palliative End of Life Care (PEoLC) Strategy. This strategy aligns with national aims to provide care outside of hospitals and into communities. Key developments include a system-wide data dashboard, the adoption of Digital ReSPECT, and a comprehensive training plan for healthcare staff. A joint Health Needs Assessment is planned to address health inequalities and variations in service provision, which is crucial for ensuring equitable access to care for all.

Screen Time and Youth Mental Health: A Growing Concern

The committee reviewed evidence on the effects of screen time on children and young people's mental health. While acknowledging benefits like maintaining friendships, the report highlighted risks such as sedentary lifestyles and exposure to online harms like cyberbullying. Findings from national bodies suggest a link between screen time and mental health problems, with potential harms outweighing benefits for very young children. Local actions include work by the Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership on online safety and a Whole School Approach to promote positive mental wellbeing and media literacy.

Smoking Cessation: Listening to Local Voices

Healthwatch Derbyshire presented findings on public views regarding smoking. A key takeaway was the limited awareness of the Smokefree Derby and Derbyshire initiative and its associated stop smoking services. Many smokers expressed a desire to quit, with GPs and the NHS website being trusted sources of information. The report noted the increasing importance of mental health as a motivation for quitting smoking. Barriers to accessing support, such as fear of judgement and the need for flexible options, were also identified.

Other Matters

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Deprivation and Obesity

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to discuss a new Neighbourhood Health Model, the English Indices of Deprivation 2025, and strategies for oral health and obesity. The review of deprivation data is critical for understanding and addressing health inequalities across Derbyshire. The board also received updates on the Joined Up Care Derbyshire Obesity Sprint and the Derbyshire Better Care Fund. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

This week in Derbyshire:

• The Audit Committee was scheduled to discuss risk management, financial regulations, and the council's tax strategy.
• The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss anti-social behaviour, victim support, and temporary chief officer arrangements.
• The Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education was scheduled to review its draft annual report and the breakdown of Religious Studies teaching hours in schools.

Audit Committee - Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Audit Committee of Derbyshire County Council was scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to oversee the council's financial health and risk management. The committee's agenda included a comprehensive review of risk management frameworks within Adult Social Care & Health, the council's strategic risk register, and performance and budget monitoring for the 2025-26 financial year. Discussions were also planned on updated Financial Regulations, Accounting Policies, and the Council's Tax Strategy.

A key focus was the risk management arrangements within the Adult Social Care & Health (ASCH) department. The committee was to receive an overview of how principal risks are managed, with a specific mention of the risk concerning the Safeguarding of Adults at Risk on the strategic risk register. The report detailed the assessment history, current severity, and mitigation strategies for this risk, with input expected from Simon Stevens, Executive Director of Adult Social Care & Health, and Ellie Houlston, Director of Public Health.

The Strategic Risk Register for 2025-26 (Quarter 3) was also a significant item. This report provides an overview of the most significant risks facing the council, including financial instability, contract management failures, potential unlawful actions, and disruptions from Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The register indicated that 14 risks were currently exceeding their target levels, suggesting that risk management controls were not fully effective.

Performance and budget monitoring for the 2025-26 financial year, as of Quarter 3, was also on the agenda. The council was forecasting a net overspend of £0.505m, primarily due to demand and cost pressures in Children's and Adults Social Care services. The report detailed progress on various outcomes, including foster carer recruitment and SEND provision, alongside challenges such as the SEND assessment team's backlog.

The committee was also asked to approve proposed amendments to the Council's Financial Regulations, which are reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with legislation and the Council's Constitution. Changes included provisions for authorising exceptions for interim executive directors and updated guidance on severance payments. Furthermore, amendments to the Council's Accounting Policies for 2025-26 and proposed policies for 2026-27 were to be discussed, reflecting updates to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The committee was also to be advised of the latest review and update of the Council's Tax Strategy, which outlines the council's approach to tax risk management and compliance. Finally, proposed meeting dates and agenda items for the 2026-27 municipal year were to be considered.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel convened on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to discuss key priorities related to community safety and victim support. The agenda included updates on initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and enhance community safety, as well as progress in supporting and safeguarding victims of crime. The panel also received information regarding arrangements for the temporary chief officer team within Derbyshire Constabulary.

A significant focus was the update on the Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) strategic priority of 'Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Community Safety'. This included details of the Derbyshire ASB Hotspot Programme, which uses government funding to reduce repeat demand and improve public trust. The programme has reportedly led to a 13% reduction in ASB in hotspot areas. The Immediate Justice (IJ) Programme, which provides swift consequences for lower-level ASB, was also highlighted, with a significant proportion of referred individuals completing their activity and not reoffending. The panel was also informed about proposed national legislative changes, including the Crime and Policing Bill 2025, which aims to strengthen tools for tackling ASB.

The panel also received an update on the PCC's strategic priority of 'Supporting Victims and Safeguarding'. This covered the work of Derbyshire Victim Services (DVS), which provides support for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, with specialist pathways for domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking. The report referenced the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which elevates victim rights to a statutory requirement.

Information was also provided on the interim chief officer arrangements for Derbyshire Constabulary following the retirement of Chief Constable Rachel Swann. Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly was set to assume the role of Acting Chief Constable, with other Assistant Chief Constables also taking on temporary higher roles to ensure continuity.

The panel also addressed member questions, including one concerning the PCC's view on proposals for the potential disposal of Derbyshire Constabulary and the impact on local accountability. The response indicated that details were still emerging, with the PCC awaiting the outcome of an independent review and noting that proposed changes to force boundaries were planned for the next Parliament.

Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education - Monday 16 March 2026

The Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE) was scheduled to meet on Monday, 16 March 2026, to review its draft annual report and discuss the allocation of Religious Studies teaching hours in Derbyshire secondary schools. The committee was also due to confirm the minutes from its previous meeting held on 10 November 2025.

The draft Derbyshire SACRE Annual Report was a key item, expected to summarise the committee's activities and findings over the past year. The committee was also to examine the breakdown of Religious Studies teaching hours across secondary schools in Derbyshire, which would likely involve an analysis of time allocation and any observed trends. The confirmation of the non-exempt minutes from the previous meeting and any matters arising from those minutes were also standard procedures for the meeting. The meeting was scheduled to take place at County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AG.¹