Issue - meetings

The Board is asked to review the business protocol, membership and terms of reference and amend as appropriate.

The Board considered the business protocol, membership and terms of reference, a copy of which had been circulated and which appears as Appendix ‘A’ to these minutes in the Minute Book.

The Chairman highlighted the need to consider how the Board could best undertake its business following the move back to face to face meetings.  She indicated that the input from Members and the flexibility that was allowed by holding meetings virtually was welcome and saved considerable time and provided an opportunity to bring a number of partners together.

The Deputy Head of Democratic Services in presenting the paper indicated that it provided any opportunity to review the Board’s practices but equally to consider the membership and make any changes as appropriate.  As previously raised by the Chairman there was an opportunity to look at the quorum of the Board.  A suggested proposal was to have a quorum of seven members of the Board to include one Councillor, one NHS representative and the Director of Public Health.  A Councillor asked when any proposed changes would be effective.  The Board was advised that it was anticipated that any proposed changes could be implemented quickly but the Deputy Head of Democratic Services reported that she would check on any further approvals that were required. The Chairman suggested that substitutes be used as appropriate eg for the Director of Public Health.

RESOLVED that the Business protocol, membership and terms of reference be agreed subject to the proposed change to the quorum as detailed above and the arrangements for substitute members.

Voting: Agreed

Jan Thurgood, Corporate Director BCP Council asked that the Board note that in respect of agenda item 14 there would be discussions on other independent chairs having observer status which would have an impact on the protocol.