The Corporate Parenting Panel is scheduled to discuss the recognition of care experience as a protected characteristic in Hull, alongside reviewing several annual reports concerning fostering, kinship care, independent visitors, and compliments and complaints. The panel will also consider its work programme for the upcoming year.

Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic in Hull

The panel is set to consider the findings of engagement with care leavers regarding the potential recognition of care experience as a protected characteristic within Hull. This discussion will include an accompanying Equality Impact Analysis and the implications of adopting such an approach locally. The report notes that many respondents have experienced stigma and discrimination associated with being care experienced, and there is clear support for this recognition among those who expressed a view. However, practical considerations regarding implementation, accountability, disclosure, and the absence of national legislative recognition under the Equality Act 2010 are also highlighted. The report presents two options for consideration: strengthening the local offer and corporate parenting arrangements without pursuing local recognition at this time, or developing a proposal for the council to recognise care experience as a protected characteristic.

Hull Fostering Annual Report (1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026)

The panel will review the annual report for Hull Fostering. This report details the operational year for the fostering service, likely covering aspects such as foster carer recruitment and retention, placement sufficiency, support for foster carers, and the overall effectiveness of fostering arrangements for children looked after.

Hull Kinship Local Offer

The panel is scheduled to consider the Hull Kinship Local Offer. This document is intended to outline the support available to children living in kinship care arrangements and to the family members or friends who care for them. It will likely detail the services, financial assistance, and other forms of support provided to kinship carers and the children they care for.

Hull Independent Visitors Annual Report (April 2025 - March 2026)

The annual report for the Hull Independent Visitors Service is also scheduled for consideration. This service recruits and trains volunteers to provide independent support and befriending to children and young people looked after by the council. The report will likely detail the service's activities, the number of children supported, volunteer recruitment and retention, and the impact of the service.

Compliments and Complaints from Children Looked After and Care Leavers Annual Report (April 2025 - March 2026)

The panel will review the annual report on compliments and complaints received from children looked after and care leavers. This report will provide insight into the experiences of young people within the care system, highlighting areas of satisfaction and concern. It will likely detail themes of complaints, resolution rates, and any learning identified to improve services.

Independent Reviewing Service for Children Looked After Annual Report (2025/26)

The annual report from the Independent Reviewing Service for Children Looked After will be presented. Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) play a crucial role in overseeing the care plans for children looked after, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard. This report will likely cover the service's performance, the timeliness and quality of reviews, and the impact of IROs on children's care journeys.

One Adoption North and Humber Annual Report (1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026)

The panel will consider the annual report from One Adoption North and Humber. This regional adoption agency provides adoption services across several local authorities, including Hull. The report will likely detail adoption activity, including the number of children placed for adoption, adopter recruitment, and adoption support services.

Work Programme

Finally, the panel will consider and agree its work programme for the upcoming period. This will involve identifying key topics and areas of focus for future meetings to ensure the panel effectively scrutinises and supports the council's corporate parenting responsibilities.