Decision details

John Hooton, Interim Chief Executive, LB Barnet presented the five partnership themes set out in the report:

Entrepreneurial Barnet –

Developing skills programmes and links with major employers. 

Addressing local skills gaps in the NHS and social care to reduce high reliance on agency and locum staff 

Supporting apprenticeships in Barnet including with the council, partners and major employers in the borough  

Community Participation –

Enabling community engagement and involvement to reduce reliance on statutory services

Use of Assets –

Exploring co-location of services across agencies to rationalise assets

Partnership working to overcome estates issues

Smart Cities –

Investment in innovation, technology and digital

Arts and Culture –

Development of a local arts and culture strategy

In relation to Entrepreneurial Barnet it was suggested that consideration should be given to micro businesses and self-employed as these were a key component of Barnet’s economy.  It was noted that small businesses wanted to be engaged and included in the community and it was requested that the strategy consider and include this.  Responding to a question, the Chairman confirmed that Entrepreneurial Barnet included micro businesses within the term ‘small business’ and that the council would respond to the Government’s Industrial Strategy consultation.

In relation to Smart Cities, a Board Member requested that partners consider how agencies could share data and intelligence to improve coordination.  It was highlighted that the provision of superfast broadband would be essential.  The Chairman advised the Board that there were on-going issues in the borough relating to engagement with BT Openreach.

In relation to Community Participation, the sustainability elements were welcomed and it was suggested that there should be links to parks and open spaces in the borough.

In relation to the Use of Assets, it was noted that health had been encouraging the co-location of voluntary sector services and that this supported increased participation and engagement with these services.

In relation to Arts and Culture, it was highlighted that there should be a recognition that creative industries were big employers and it was requested that the strategy focus on employment in the arts and culture as well as cultural places and spaces.  The importance of being clear which creative industries were important to Barnet, and why, was noted.

RESOLVED that the five themes for partnership working be agreed and that they should form the basis of future agenda planning.