Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Childrens, Education, Skills and Early Help.

That the Aspire Annual Report and Statement of Purpose be approved.

In the absence of the portfolio holder, Cllr A Parry presented the Aspire Adoption Annual report.  The report provided a summary of the comprehensive self-evaluation of the Aspire Regional Adoption Agency.

The Corporate Director for Care and Protection outlined the specifics of the report and key activity details were also shared with members. He reported that there had been a few changes within Aspire, including the permanent appointment of Mr Allan Charlton to the post of Service Manager.

In response to a question, the Service Manager for Aspire advised that there had been a decrease in enquiries for adoption nationally, potentially due to the “cost of living crisis” although this was now beginning to recover.

It was proposed by Cllr A Parry seconded by Cllr J Haynes

Decision

That the Aspire Annual Report and Statement of Purpose be approved.

Reason for the decision

That Cabinet was satisfied that Aspire Statement of Purpose accurately describes the activities that the agency discharges on behalf of Dorset Council and the Annual Report satisfies the report that these activities were discharged to a high standard in the reporting year.