1.    that the Cabinet approve the Child Friendly Torbay Action Plan as set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report and endorses this as the framework for delivering Torbay’s commitment to embedding children’s rights in decision-making, and approve submission of the same to UNICEF, in order to receive their ‘Certification of Commitment’; and 

2.    that Chief Executive be authorised to oversee implementation and governance arrangements for delivery of the Action Plan, including agreeing any minor amendments required to reflect the final UNICEF requirements, and to receive regular progress updates through established governance and scrutiny routes.

To agree and endorse a sustainable, partnership-led Child Friendly Action Plan that supports the delivery of Torbay’s vision for a healthy, happy and prosperous community by embedding a child rights-based approach across the Council and its partners.  The Plan responds directly to extensive consultation with children and young people, reflecting their concerns about safety, access to mental health and healthcare services, and the need for clearer information and meaningful involvement in decision-making.  It establishes clear priorities, outcomes, governance and accountability arrangements, alongside a monitoring framework to track progress and drive continuous improvement.  Adoption of the Plan will strengthen participation, integrate child rights into policy and service design, and position Torbay to achieve UNICEF ‘Certification of Commitment’ by demonstrating a robust, evidence-led and deliverable programme of activity.

None.

The decision will come into force and may be implemented on 26 May 2026 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Torbay Council has been part of UNICEF UK’s Child Friendly Cities & Communities programme, working with partners to embed a child rights-based approach that ensures children and young people can influence and benefit from local decisions, services and spaces. This approach has been supported by strong partnership working and a cross-party commitment, alongside extensive engagement with children and young people which captured 1,860 voices and identified key priorities, including safety, access to mental health support, and meaningful involvement in decision-making.  Following changes to UNICEF UK’s programme, the Council was now seeking endorsement of its proposed submission for a Certificate of Commitment, supported by an evidence-led Action Plan that sets out clear priorities, governance arrangements and participation mechanisms.  The Plan has been designed in line with UNICEF’s criteria to demonstrate a structured and deliverable approach to achieving sustained improvements for children and young people in Torbay, with ongoing monitoring, accountability and partner involvement.

None.