Transport panel meetings - Terms of reference

1. Role/Purpose  

The role of the Transport Panel Meeting is to review and consider all applications for Home to School Transport.

2. Term  

This Terms of Reference is effective from 2 December 2021 and will be ongoing. 

3. Membership  

The Transport Panel must comprise of: 

  • interim team manager (chair)
  • transport officer - 1 transport officer for each meeting, taking turns
  • SEND officer 
  • Amaze representative - decisions on applications cannot be made without an Amaze representative 

4. Roles and responsibilities  

The Transport Panel meeting is responsible for reviewing and considering every application for Home To School Transport.

Members’ expectations are as follows: 

  • that each member will be provided with application documents, Education Health and Care Plans and any supporting parental or school evidence, 3 working days before the panel meet
  • to be alerted to potential risks and issues that could impact decisions
  • open and honest discussions to make decisions in the best interests of the children and young people 

Decisions are made by consensus - members are satisfied with the decision even though it may not be their first choice.  If consensus cannot be reached the final decision is made by the Interim Team Manager.  

5. Frequency of meetings  

Meetings will be held every week, for 1 hour depending on the number of applications. There is provision for this meeting to be called in urgent situation also. The meeting will generally be held via Teams or in Hove Town Hall.  

6. Quorum  

The quorum for meetings shall be 3.  

7. Accountability  

The Transport Panel meets are accountable to the HTST Governance Board.  

8. Review 

The terms of reference will be reviewed annually. Any changes must be agreed by the Transport Panel members. 

Transport provision review meetings - Terms of reference

1. Role/Purpose  

The role of the Transport Provision meeting is to: 

  1. review previous Transport Panel decisions that have been given a time limit 
  2. review any significant concerns by parents/schools/operators about transport provision after 4 weeks

2. Term  

This Terms of Reference is effective from 2 December 2021 and will be ongoing. 

3. Membership  

The Transport Provision Review will comprise: 

  • interim team manager (chair)
  • transport officer 

4. Roles and responsibilities  

The Transport Provision Review meeting is responsible for: 

  • reviewing and agreeing next steps for any Transport Panel decisions that have a time limit  
  • reviewing and agreeing next steps regarding any significant current concerns about provision that would benefit from discussion in the round  

Members’ expectations are as follows:

  • that each member will be provided with complete, accurate and meaningful information on which to make decisions
  • to be alerted to potential risks and issues that could impact decisions
  • open and honest discussions 

Decisions are made by consensus members are satisfied with the decision even though it may not be their first choice). If this is not possible, the Chair will make the final decision with consultation from the Head of Service, if needed. 

5. Frequency of meetings  

Meetings will be held at the end of every half term, for 1 hour depending on number of cases. There is provision for this meeting to be called in urgent situation also. The Meeting will generally be held via Teams or in Hove Town Hall.  

6. Quorum  

The quorum for meetings shall be 3.  

7. Accountability  

The Transport Provision Review meetings are accountable to the HTST Governance Board.  

8. Review 

The terms of reference will be reviewed annually. Any changes must be agreed by the Transport Provision members.