1. How are you currently conducting Stage 3 review panels? (remote, hybrid, in person etc)
In view of central government's restrictions/guidance around social distancing, Wokingham Borough Council has been - and still is - conducting stage three review panels remotely via Microsoft Teams.

2. Do you plan to stay on/return to in-person panels in the near future? (yes, maybe, no)
A decision has yet to be made around how stage three panels will be conducted in the future. It is likely that once it is considered appropriate to do so, we will conduct panels in person.

3. In 2019/20, how many Stage 2 investigations did you carry out?
In the 2019-'20 financial year, the Council formally accepted and considered two complaints at stage two of the statutory children's social care complaints and representations process.

4. In 2019/20, how many Stage 3 review panels did you carry out?
In the 2019-'20 financial year, there were no complaints considered at stage three of the statutory children's social care complaints and representations process.

5. In 2019/20, how much was spent on investigation costs for Stages 2 and 3 of the children's statutory complaints process?
In the 2019-’20 financial year, the costs spent on stage two investigations was £4,942.24. These costs were all in relation to payments made to Investigating Officers and Independent Persons. As should be taken from the answer to question four, there were no costs connected to stage three panels as none were held in 2019-’20.

6. In 2020/21, how many Stage 2 investigations did you carry out?
In the 2020-'21 financial year, the Council formally accepted and considered six complaints at stage two of the statutory children's social care complaints and representations process.

7. In 2020/21, how many Stage 3 review panels did you carry out?
In the 2020-'21 financial year, the Council formally accepted and considered three complaints at stage three of the statutory children's social care complaints and representations process.

8. In 2020/21, how much was spent on investigation costs for Stages 2 and 3 of the children's statutory complaints process?
In the 2020-'21 financial year, the costs spent on stage two investigations and stage three panels was £6,968.50. These costs were all in relation to payments made to Investigating Officers, Independent Persons and Panellists

9. What is your typical hourly rate of pay for Investigating Officers (IOs)?
There is no one specific rate charged by Investigating Officers; however, looking at a sample of cases received in the 2021-'22 calendar year, the hourly rates typically range between £30.00 - £40.00.

10. What is your typical hourly rate of pay for Independent People (IPs)?
There is no one specific rate charged by Independent Persons; however, looking at a sample of cases received in the 2021-'22 calendar year, the hourly rates typically range between £20.00 - £30.00.

11. What is your typical hourly rate of pay for Review Panel Chairs?
There is no one specific rate charged by Review Panel Chairs; however, looking at a sample of cases received in the 2020-'21 calendar year, the hourly rates typically range between £30.00 - £40.00.

12. What is your typical hourly rate of pay for Review Panel Members?
There is no one specific rate charged by Review Panel Chairs; however, looking at a sample of cases received in the 2020-'21 calendar year, the hourly rates typically range between £30.00 - £40.00.