The People Scrutiny Committee's agenda included discussions on future options for the Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) and a redesign of the Children's Services home to school transport policy. The meeting also planned to cover a review of the Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board's annual report and the committee's work programme.

Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES) Future Options

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the consultation feedback on future options for delivering the Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service (DACES). The consultation, which ran from December 2025 to February 2026, aimed to gather public and stakeholder input on how to increase participation in learning and improve outcomes, ensuring the service is responsive, inclusive, and impactful for Derbyshire residents, particularly those most in need.

The feedback summary indicated that 72% of respondents were aware of local adult learning opportunities, with 81% of those having participated previously. The primary motivations for learning were identified as gaining new skills and qualifications for work and progression, followed by improvements in confidence, independence, self-esteem, wellbeing, enjoyment, and social connection.

Respondents prioritised basic skills (English, maths, digital), vocational routes (such as care, construction, hospitality), and employability skills. Health and wellbeing, digital assistance, clear progression routes, and learning support were also highlighted as important for retention and achievement. In areas of high deprivation, creative and confidence-building courses were valued.

Regarding delivery locations, existing adult education centres, community venues, and libraries were preferred. However, the importance of safety, facilities, and accessibility was stressed, with over 80% of non-users expressing a desire for outreach services. In-person delivery was the clear preference, with blended learning (a mix of in-person and online) being a strong alternative. In deprived areas, one-to-one support and group workshops were ranked higher.

Practical preferences included learning on Mondays to Thursdays, primarily in the afternoons and early evenings. Most respondents were willing to travel between 2–5 miles, with a further group willing to travel up to 10 miles.

The main barriers to participation were perceived to be cost, lack of awareness, and a limited course range, with transport and caring commitments also cited. In deprived areas, confidence was identified as a key barrier. The report suggested that to support inclusive growth in Derbyshire, pathways into work should be maintained through basic skills, employability programmes, vocational training, and clear progression routes. Tailored wellbeing, confidence-building, and independent-living programmes should be protected to reduce isolation and build stronger communities. Strengthening reasonable adjustments and inclusive learning environments was also recommended to encourage participation, especially in deprived and rural areas. The report also highlighted the need to maintain a physical footprint supported by community hubs and outreach in deprived communities to minimise financial, caring, and travel barriers.

Potential risks identified included a reputational risk if service changes were perceived to impact quality or access, a dip in performance during transition, and a widening of inequalities in deprived or rural areas if local provision changed. Cost pressures were also noted as a potential barrier for low-income learners.

Children's Services Home to School Transport Policy Redesign

The committee was scheduled to consider a redesign of the Children's Services home to school transport policy. Derbyshire County Council operates 1,140 transport routes daily for 10,000 children. The review followed updated government guidance and included a 10-week public consultation with families, schools, Parent Carer Forums, and cross-border authorities.

Proposed changes included revised charges to align with benchmarks, the introduction of pickup points to reduce door-to-door transport, and the implementation of personal travel budgets and enhanced independent travel training for SEND pupils. Personal travel budgets would offer families funding to choose suitable transport, while independent travel training would equip young people with SEND skills for safe and confident independent travel, promoting independence and inclusion. Assessments would be made on individual child needs before a transport offer was made.

Concerns were raised regarding an increase in the price of the spare seats policy, from £480 to £570 annually. Officers confirmed that Derbyshire County Council's costs remained below neighbouring authorities, and low-income families would still receive a discount. The cost of the service had not been reviewed for some time. It was highlighted that the redesign aimed to review services rather than remove them. The bidding system for home to school transport contracts was also under review as part of the redesign, and liaison with the East Midlands Combined County Authority on bus services was suggested.

Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board's Annual Report 2024-2025

The committee was scheduled to receive details on the Derbyshire Safeguarding Adults Board's (DSAB) annual report for 2024-2025. The DSAB partnership aims to support and enable people in Derbyshire to make choices to stay safe and live free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

Key priorities and achievements for the period included prevention, performance and quality assurance, and making safeguarding personal. The board fed into several committees and boards across Derby and Derbyshire local authorities, with its core business group working closely with three working groups and seven subgroups. Notable accomplishments within the 2024-2025 period included the launch of an electronic referral form in July 2024, the production of a newsletter for tradespeople in July 2024, and the launch of a self-neglect toolkit in November 2024.

The report also detailed how the partnership ensured successful multi-agency working, with contacts at relevant authorities being at director levels. The partnership aimed to maintain contact with those doing the day-to-day work, and practitioners were involved with procurement and kept in regular communication. Committee members were asked for support in engaging the public to report concerns and for professionals to refer to the services provided, as well as to keep safeguarding on the agenda within their communities. Concerns were raised about scams targeting vulnerable individuals, and it was agreed that officers would present further details on scam prevention work to the committee.

Public Questions

The committee was scheduled to receive public questions, with a maximum of 30 minutes allocated for this item. The procedure for submitting questions, including deadlines and scope, was outlined in the agenda documents.

Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to discuss its work programme, with an opportunity for members to ask questions or make comments. An error within the work programme document, concerning the incorrect listing of a portfolio holder for a topic, was noted and agreed to be updated after the meeting.