COUNCILLORS have agreed to commission an independent review into Gloucestershire’s children’s services following a damning Ofsted report.

At an extraordinary meeting of Gloucestershire County Council today, a motion proposed by Liberal Democrats Paul Hodgkinson and Joe Harris to resolve the issues raised was agreed.

It was agreed to establish an improvement board made up of representatives from all parties to review and scrutinise progress.

As part of the motion, it was also agreed to open a public and independent review of the failings outlined in the Ofsted report to understand the issues raised.

The council also requested that the chief executive, in consultation with group leaders, carries out a full review into the council’s ‘corporate culture’ – including support for whistleblowers and an annual staff survey.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “We decided to call this special meeting to give every councillor a voice in reacting to the Ofsted report into children’s services.

“We were all shocked by what was in the report which made painful reading.

“Today, the whole council has unanimously agreed a series of actions which if implemented should start addressing some of these deep seated issues.”

Cllr Richard Boyles, cabinet member for children and families, said: “The council must work together to ensure a better service for our young people.

“An independent review by the LGA will help us to make sure that good practice is embedded in the frontline; that we as elected members ask the right questions moving forward; and that everyone feels safe enough to come forward when issues arise.”

Cllr Lesley Williams (Lab), leader of the Labour group, said: "We are united in our resolve to make sure that no child is left vulnerable.

“We need to make sure that they are cared for as if they were our own, but it is clear that children have been let down, and that is unforgivable.

“We need a confident, resourced and supported service and I am reassured that with the support of opposition councillors, the administration can achieve this."