Local Offer Steering Group (April 2024)

Here's a summary of the Local Offer Steering Group meeting held on April 16, 2024:

Attendees and Apologies:Online: Katie Shed (standing in for John Kelly), Lucy Watts, Lorraine Flute, Rachel Akers, Beckey Roberts.In-person at One Angel Square: Kathy Forsdyke, Jo Bradley, Nicola Stevens, Zoe Thompson, Julia Smith, Anne Wakeling.Apologies: Sharon Blount, Liz Sagi, Susan Kean.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Matters Arising:No issues raised from the last meeting.
2. Phase Two Developments:Trial of Mielesearch add-on for the search directory; feedback requested.Improved search fields, branded short list function, and enhanced filtering.Ongoing work on postcode search functionality.
3.  Web traffic Google Analytics:Increase in web traffic noted following the January and February 2024 publicity launch. Significant rise in site followers compared to the same period in 2023.
4. Social Media:Facebook and Instagram follower growth; Twitter (X) underperforming.Decision made to potentially cease Twitter account, with traffic redirected to other platforms.Consideration of using the corporate LinkedIn account.
5. Quantifiable Feedback:Monthly "You said, we did" updates published on the Local Offer website.Partners to be asked for content contributions.
6.  WEST SEND News:Schedule and content requests for the e-magazine and termly published magazine.Regular "Meet the Team" articles planned, with contributions from various services.
7. New Registration Applications:Process for handling new applications and transparency in decision-making.Public format explaining registration decisions shared for feedback.
8. Annual Audit:Ongoing audit to update and cleanse the database.Significant improvements made to data quality and search results.
9. Annual Report:Final report for the 2022-2023 academic year circulated and to be sent to the SEND Improvement Board.
10. Any Other Business:Discussion on creating a glossary of frequently used terms.WNC Local Offer Search Directory ranked second in national digital accessibility testing.Co-production charter added to new registration forms. New training tile added to the Local Offer.Jo Bradley volunteered as the new chairperson for the Steering Group.
11. Next Meeting:Scheduled for June 11, 2024, at 9:30 AM at One Angel Square, with the next on October 15, 2024.