Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 17, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 13.1 The Director of commissioning introduced the report which outlined a proposal for the Sheffield City Council allocation of funding to commission Sheffield Parent Carer Forum for a five-year term 2026 – 2031.   The Senior Joint Transformation Manager also gave a presentation to the cttee which included information on why a parent and carer form is needed, connection, social media presence, empowering parents and carers, contribution towards city goals, proposed commission, financials and options considered.     13.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Committee Policy Committee:   a)    agrees the SCC allocation of funding to commission Sheffield Parent Carer Forum for a five-year term 2026 – 2031.   An additional limb to be added to the recommendation was proposed by Cllr Dale, seconded by Cllr Mallinson and agreed by the cttee that;   b) any significant changes to the delivery of the service and any updates on the delivery of the Parent Carer Forum should be reported back to members as an update/note.     13.3 Reasons for Decision     13.3.1 Committee is asked to agree the SCC allocation of funding to commission Sheffield Parent Carer Forum for a five-year term 2026 – 2031.     13.3.2 This commission will enable ongoing meaningful co-production and involvement of parents and carers in our city in the development of SEND services.     13.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     13.4.1 Decommission SCC could make a decision to not have a parent carer forum and therefore allow the existing contract to lapse. Benefits: Cost saving. Risks: the LA is currently working within a SEND Priority Improvement Plan following an unsatisfactory SEND inspection. This option would risk improvements not being developed with families and would see the LA fail in its responsibility to have a PCF. This option would pose significant risk.   We do not recommend this option.     13.4.2 Commission at a lower value Benefits: some cost saving. Risks: the SPCF is a voluntary sector provider and provides good value for money in its ability to provide a proactive and creative service within a reasonable budget. As a voluntary sector organisation, they are also able, with our investment, to fundraise for small grants that bring more money and capacity into the local area.   At a lower value, we would see the functions and abilities of the PCF shrink and therefore providing a lower impact in terms of reach to families, representation, volunteer involvement and peer support.   We do not recommend this option.