To seek comments from the Committee on the arrangements for the establishment of a Central East Regional Adoption Agency.

The Practice Manager within the Adoption and Permanence team delivered a presentation which set out the Council’s approach to formulating a regional adoption agency (RAA) which was expected to be live by April 2019. Locally the scope included Central Bedfordshire Council as the lead Authority, in partnership with Milton Keynes Council. It was envisaged other Councils would join the RAA in the future, provided that their vision and values aligned with those of the Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Councils.

In light of the presentation Members discussed the following in summary:-

That the close working relationship between Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council would continue.

That the Government was satisfied that the current model incorporating Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Council could operate effectively.

Concerns around the timeline for delivery and that future projects be brought before the Committee at an earlier stage in their development.

Concerns regarding the future of the RAA’s governance structure due to natural changes in officer responsibilities and roles.

The importance of ensuring that the quality of provision not be diluted when other Councils joined the RAA in the future.

NOTED the arrangements to date for the establishment of a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) and RECOMMENDED:-

1.    That the Executive continue to monitor those Local Authorities wishing to join the RAA in the future.

2.    That additional detail in relation to the governance structure of the RAA be delivered to the Executive.