Minutes:
Speakerbox made a presentation to the committee identifying a number of key issues including:
· Documented increased engagement (more than doubled). Various initiatives have helped including Whatsapp to engage young people
· Recruitment. Step up social work programme, Life Long links and Catch 22 participation worker
· Work being undertaken to assist with making a complaint
· Provided a video campaign update
· Bridging the gap - Speakerbox video campaign about relationship with their social workers
· Video campaign launch.
A representative from Speakerbox talked about his personal experience and the support and guidance received from Speakerbox which has assisted in bringing him back to London to continue his studies at college. He felt that Speakerbox went beyond what was required, providing a supportive environment for young people.
Issues arising from presentation:
· Following on from the success for the Whatsapp whether work could be undertaken to make the processing for submitting complaints more ‘digital’
· Look at voice of families/carers and how visible in training and work with students
· Confirmed Speakerbox website work done (officer to send link to Councillor Kath Whittam)
· The chair confirmed that the committee were always happy to meet with Speakerbox and hear their feedback.