Residential Care Cross-Border Regulations Guidance Working Group: terms of reference

Purpose

The purpose of the Residential Care Cross-Border Regulations Guidance Short Life Working Group is to develop practice guidance to support Scottish partners and placing local authorities to adhere to the new duties set out in our cross-border regulations when these come in to force. 

Objectives 

The group will:

• work collaboratively to produce guidance that clearly sets out what is required to adhere to the new cross-border regulations. It will include best practice examples to support Scottish partners and placing local authorities
• ensure the guidance is accessible and meaningful to all parties who are involved in cross-border placements
• support work to disseminate the guidance and raise awareness with wider stakeholders and partners when this is published

Membership 

Members of the SLWG have specific expertise in supporting children living in residential care. Some organisations and individuals work directly with children living in, or have previously lived in, residential care in Scotland. This expertise allows members to represent the interests and views of their organisation and/or children and young people themselves. This will ensure that the voices of children and young people are considered throughout the drafting of the guidance.

The working group will be led by the Scottish Government (SG) and chaired by Stacey Lindsay, Senior Policy Manager, Children’s Residential Care Unit. Membership will include representatives from relevant stakeholders across sectors, including (but not limited to), this list of members.

Other individuals and organisations may be consulted on relevant issues if agreed by the SLWG. Such individuals and organisations may be invited to attend meetings as and when appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to, internal Scottish Government teams and other key partners.

Frequency of meetings 

The working group will operate for a period of six months from its first meeting. 

Initially, the group will meet at least once per month, with dates and times to be confirmed.  However, the frequency of meetings will be kept under review. Additional meetings or sub-group sessions may be scheduled as required. 

Deliverables 

The SLWG will oversee the development of practice guidance to support Scottish partners and placing local authorities to adhere to the new duties set out in our cross-border regulations when these come into force. It is intended that the regulations will come into force in February 20206. The guidance, and any supporting materials, will be published at the same time. 

Roles and responsibilities

• Chair (Stacey Lindsay, SG): To provide strategic oversight, facilitate discussion, and ensure timely progress
• Scottish Government: To co-ordinate and support the group’s work, including minute taking and project management
• members: To actively participate, contribute expertise, and engage in the co-design process

Decision-making 

The group will aim to work by consensus. Where consensus cannot be reached, the Chair will facilitate further discussion and seek a resolution aligned with the group’s core principles and objectives. 

Review 

The terms of reference may be reviewed and amended at any time during the duration of the group’s activities. Revision(s) should be requested by written communication and will be considered by the Chair.