Agenda item - Formal Public Involvement

There is one public question, from Mr Adrian Hart (copy attached).

26.1    There was a public question from Mr Adrian Hart. Mr Hart asked:

For several years, a very serious schools safeguarding matter raised by parents has been rebuffed by BHCC. I refer to my question at Full Council 20/07/23 but `also to the parents trying desperately to alert BHCC to the plight of their children who are typically autistic, female and same sex attracted (you will be aware of this case - see [1]). These pupils represent a subset of the group who have been 'affirmed' at school (i.e. henceforth, the child identifies as the opposite sex and the school participates with the process of ‘socially transition’). The logical next step for these pupils has been to seek puberty blockers and/or proceed along a medical pathway to transition. While it has been argued that the latest version of the ‘Toolkit’ guidance adheres to legal safeguarding requirements, will the Chair meet with PSHE Brighton parents and listen to their truly shocking accounts?     

26.2    The Chair responded:

As you will be aware it is not appropriate for the Board to consider or comment upon individual cases. Equally, it is not a function of the Board to examine your perception of decisions made by medical practitioners or schools. The role of the Chair is to chair the meetings where decisions are made by Board members; it does not extend to nor would it be within the proper functions of the role for the Chair to meet with individuals outside of the Board meetings to discuss issues specific to them. Any individual wishing to raise an issue or complaint can utilise the Council’s complaints processes, NHS Sussex ICB complaints process or the Health and Social Care Ombudsman. 

26.3    Mr Hart asked a supplementary question, enquiring whether the Board agreed with the findings of the Cass Review.

26.4    The Chair told Mr Hart that a written response to his supplementary question would be provided following the meeting.