The Governance Committee of Havering Council met on Friday 22 May 2026. The meeting was scheduled to include guidance for complainants and a review of a stage three children's complaint.

Guidance Notes for Complainants

The meeting was scheduled to consider guidance notes for complainants, which were attached to the agenda. These notes are intended to provide information and guidance regarding the procedure at hearings. They outline the process for complainants attending hearings in person, including who may accompany them and the role of representatives. The guidance also details the procedure at the hearing itself, explaining that the process is inquisitorial, meaning the panel will ask questions. It clarifies that complainants do not need to engage a solicitor, as the panel's purpose is to consider the complaint and work towards a resolution. The notes also explain the potential outcomes of the panel's review, which can include dismissing or upholding the complaint wholly or in part, and the subsequent steps for reporting the panel's recommendations to the local authority and the complainant.

Stage Three Children's Complaint Review Panel Report

A report concerning a stage three children's complaint was scheduled for review. This item, identified as (HAV650746), was prepared by Zena Smith, Head of Committee and Election Services. The report pack indicates that the panel's role is to review what has gone before and make recommendations to Children's Services regarding the action required to address the complaint. The panel's remit is restricted to reviewing existing information and cannot conduct its own enquiries or consider matters not present in the Stage Two Report. The report pack details the process following the panel's decision, including the compilation of a written report with a summary of representations and the panel's recommendations. This report is to be sent to the local authority and the complainant within five working days of the meeting. The local authority is then required to respond within fifteen working days, outlining how it will address the recommendations and what actions it proposes.

The meeting was also scheduled to address the exclusion of the public from certain agenda items, should it be deemed necessary due to the disclosure of exempt information under the Local Government Act 1972.^[1]