Members considerred the identification of any declarations of interest, matters of urgency or items that would require th exclusion of the press and public due to the disclosure of exempt information.

Resolved that:

a)    no declarations of interest were made by individual Memebrs in relation to any item of business on the Agenda;

b)    no additional items of business were determined by the Chair to be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)    no items of business rewuired the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 14^th January 2019 and the 9^th September 2020.

Resolved that the minutes of the last meetings held on 14 January 2021 and 9^th September 2021 were agreed as an accurater record.

To consider a presentation on Youth Engagement at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.

Members considered a presentation from Karen Metcalfe, Suzy Tosi-Nile and Tony Canavan on youth engagement.

Karen Metcalf gave a presentation which focused on utilising a trauma informed approach when working with young people, the effect of Covid on children’s mental health and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.

Members were advised that officers in these roles were provided support to help them de-stress. Members were also asked to provide feedback on the Authority’s relationship code, which was used across youth engagement.

Suzy Tosi-Nile provided a presentation on the Fire Cadets, Beacon Programme and Healing Together Programme. The successful outcomes of each project were highlighted as well as the funding framework and student referral process for each. It was noted that Halewood Academy were interested in starting a Fire Cadet Programme and that would mean each of the districts were represented.

With regards to Beacon, the Head of the Violence Reduction Partnership had recently been quoted as saying that it was ‘their flagship project’ and the feedback from schools had been outstanding. As a result, John Moore University were creating an impact report on the project, which once released would be shared with Members.

Councillor Finneran asked how the projects catered for children with disabilities and it was explained that the sessions were designed to be practical and easily understood. The use of pictures and visual learning also helped children to communicate and learn as part of the programme. It was noted that the children were able to use flashcards depicting different emotions to help them communicate in an inclusive way.

The Members received a presentation on the Princes Trust and were advised that the course had been adapted during the pandemic to ensure it could still be delivered. An outline of the course programme was provided with a focus on work placements and community fundraising.

Feedback collated from 60 participants suggested that 74% of students felt an increase in confidence after taking part.

The Members noted the significance of the training and the positive impact it had on young people’s lives. The Authority’s role in helping to build strong communities was commended and Members were reminded that they are able to attend the Princes Trust Award Ceremony.

Resolved that Members note the contents of the presentation. 

To consider the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan and identify any additional agenda items that the Members may wish to review.

Members were asked to consider the forward work plan and to advise Democratic Services of any further areas of scrutiny they wish to explore. It was noted that an updated version of the forward work plan to reflect suggestions made by Members at a recent station visit would be circulated in due course.

RESOLVED that an updated version of the plan be circulated to Members.