Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 3, 2026

Purpose: In October 2023 the County Council agreed a motion to treat care experience as a protected characteristic. In order to translate that commitment into action it is proposed to implement a new Strategy - Ending Discrimination for People with Care Experience in West Sussex Strategy 2026 – 2031.   The aim of the strategy is to ensure the County Council reflects care experience in decision making, in developing new policies and practice and helps drive an improved understanding of care experience amongst partners and the public. The Strategy will also set out how the needs of Care Leavers and Care Experienced individuals will be met and provides a framework for the future planning, commissioning and provision of services to improve outcomes.   The Cabinet will be asked to endorse adoption of the Ending Discrimination for People with Care Experience in West Sussex Strategy 2026 – 2031.

Content: Following consideration of the report the Cabinet resolved: To approve the adoption of the Ending Discrimination for People with Care Experience in West Sussex Strategy 2026 – 2031, including the five year implementation plan to treat care leavers and care experienced people as a protected characteristic. The call-in deadline is 12 February 2026.