Isle of Wight Council criticised over improvement board secrecy

Summarised from Isle of Wight County Press's report · Updated 5 Nov, 18:10 · Archive

Isle of Wight Council faces criticism for restricting access to meetings of its new improvement board.

The Isle of Wight Council has faced criticism for how it established and operates a new improvement board intended to provide oversight and expert advice to the authority. Cllr Chris Jarman, who leads the All for Islanders group, said board meetings are attended by a 'very few pre-selected Isle of Wight councillors only' and that there was no vote of elected representatives to appoint the board membership. He stated that members of his group and the majority of elected councillors are barred from attending meetings, seeing agendas or minutes, or submitting questions.

The council said the board was created on a voluntary basis as part of its commitment to continuous improvement and transformation. The authority described the panel's role as reviewing progress against improvement plans, offering constructive challenge where needed, and sharing expertise and best practice from other organisations. It said the board helps ensure the council remains focused on delivering sustainable improvements across its services.

Read the report

• Council slammed for "secrecy and exclusion" over new improvement boardCllr Chris Jarman, who leads County Hall’s All for Islanders group, broke ranks after the Isle of Wight Council issued a press release labelling the panel a “critical friend”.Isle of Wight County Press · 5 Nov, 17:00

In this story: Isle of Wight Council · Chris Jarman · All for Islanders · Isle of Wight

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