The Corporate Parenting Committee of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 16 April 2024 to discuss updates on youth engagement programmes, the implementation of the Lifelong Links initiative, and the Southwark Homes for Southwark Children programme. The committee also reviewed its work plan for the upcoming year.

Speakerbox Verbal Update

The committee received a verbal update from Speakerbox, a youth engagement group, which reported a 55% increase in engagement compared to the previous year. Young people involved in Speakerbox have participated in various activities, including delivering training, co-facilitating events, attending consultations, and contributing to a cookbook for care-experienced young people. The LEAP leadership programme has also seen Speakerbox members attend its initial phase, focusing on developing leadership skills, building relationships, problem-solving, and boosting confidence. A theatre production, The Big Theatre Production, in partnership with London Bubble Theatre and Southwark Stands Together against Racism, was also highlighted, involving 10 young people.

Positive outcomes for young people participating in Speakerbox over the past 10 months include the development of new skills, feeling heard through direct advocacy, having a secure base with consistent adults, increased confidence in public speaking, improved understanding of their rights, enhanced emotional well-being, and better aspirations and career paths.

Looking ahead to 2024-25, Speakerbox aims to rebrand and develop its website, attend a residential programme, engage in campaigning, work with human resources on a development programme for young people in recruitment, and launch a podcast led by care leavers.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the mental health pressures faced by young people, particularly under-13s, and the impact of social media. The importance of positive role models, consistency, and building trust was emphasised. A suggestion was made for a default job position within Southwark Council to be offered to care leavers, drawing a parallel to how family businesses support their children. The committee noted that discussions with human resources regarding employment and training opportunities for young people and care leavers would continue. Councillor Jasmine Ali will also discuss the venue for the annual care celebration event with the council's director of planning and growth.

Lifelong Links Implementation

The committee received a brief report on the implementation of the Lifelong Links programme. This initiative, part of the Department for Education's family finding, befriending, and mentoring programmes, aims to support children in the care of the council and care leavers. Issues of communication were discussed, with a flagship launch event planned to promote the programme and raise awareness, ensuring all members of the Corporate Parenting Committee are invited. Examples were shared of children and young people tracing family members, with a note on the importance of data protection and safety considerations. The positive impact of friends and family on a young person's life was acknowledged, and Speakerbox will be involved in recruitment and consultations for the programme.

The committee resolved to note the Lifelong Links programme and its implementation, as well as the inclusion of individuals with lived experience of social work in its rollout.

Southwark Homes for Southwark Children Programme Update

Michael Crowe, Service Development Manager, presented an update on the Southwark Homes for Southwark Children programme. Discussions covered the safeguarding of children in homes, with a report on the quality assurance framework to be submitted to the Cabinet and the Corporate Parenting Committee. Layers of regulation and assurance for children's homes were confirmed. The committee also discussed the acknowledgement of foster carers and their role, noting that measures are in place to recognise their work, and a foster carers' ball will be held in October.

The committee resolved to note the update on the programme of improvement work for services to looked-after children and care leavers, the progress of this work, and that the quality assurance requested by Cabinet will also be submitted to the Corporate Parenting Committee.

Corporate Parenting Committee Work Plan 2024-25

The committee reviewed its work plan for 2024-25. The plan will be considered further at the next committee meeting in July, once the membership for the municipal year is confirmed. Items scheduled for future meetings include further updates from Speakerbox, the Lifelong Links Charter for employment, and the Southwark Homes Programme.