The Board Member for Young People, Schools and Skills introduced the report.  The Youth Ambition Manager and Active Communities Manager were present to answer the Committee’s questions.

In discussion the Committee noted that a new female member of staff had been appointed to a permanent post in the Youth Ambition team to focus on work with disadvantaged young women.  The gender balance amongst casual staff had also been addressed and the programme now included more activities that should appeal to young women such as such as games, arts and crafts, as well as competitive sports.  Officers were confident that participation amongst young women would continue to increase.

The Committee noted concern about the availability of mental health support services for young people in schools and elsewhere, and an increase in referrals to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).  Youth Ambition team was targeting mental health and well-being and building capacity in that area.  Session leaders were able to signpost young people to support.

The Committee NOTED the contents of the report and made the following observations:

1.    That the Scrutiny Committee welcomed and supported the prioritisation of mental health issues in the Youth Ambition Strategy.

2.    Officers should be mindful of the risks of reinforcing stereotypes when developing / supporting particular projects.

3.    Officers should explore additional ways to evaluate the projects (e.g. outcomes, long term targets, impacts on school attendance and attainment, take up levels from the target groups and sustained involvement).

4.    Councillors should be provided with regular information on the number and range of projects and participation levels within their Wards.

5.    That more details and data on inclusivity should be provided to all councillors.

6.    That the presentation of the social return on investment in Appendix 1 was confusing and should be revised in future documents.

7.    Officers should circulate details of the existing Youth Ambition Strategy.

8.    That officers should circulate details on the Bungee app including about the number of downloads, value for money and why the Bungee app is not integrated with the main Oxford City Council app.

The Committee confirmed that it would wish to pre-scrutinise the revised Youth Ambition Strategy at a future meeting.