24th February 2026 Minutes
Date: 24th February 2026
Purpose: Review priorities, discuss emerging areas of focus, and agree next steps for the Commission’s work programme.
Overview
The Fairness Commission met to discuss how it can contribute most effectively to improving fairness across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The discussion focused on emerging priority areas, the timing of recruitment for additional commissioners, and opportunities for earlier engagement with Cornwall Council’s strategic planning.
Scope and Mandate
The Commission reaffirmed its role as an independent advisory body focused on improving fairness and reducing inequality across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The Commission’s work will focus on:
Bringing together evidence, lived experience, and expert insight to highlight areas where unfairness or inequality persists.
Providing constructive challenge and advice to Cornwall Council and regional partners.
Contributing to strategic discussions and policy development where fairness considerations are important.
Raising issues and insights through regional leadership forums to support collaboration across organisations.
The Commission will seek to engage early in policy and strategy development, enabling it to provide meaningful input before decisions are finalised.
Commissioner Recruitment
The Commission approved the person specification for new Fairness Commissioners.
Members agreed that recruitment activity should pause temporarily until after the Cornwall Council Cabinet meeting on 18 March, when there will be greater clarity following the Council’s partnership review.
Following this decision, the Commission will review the appropriate timing and approach for recruitment, including how to reach a wide and representative range of communities.
Priority Areas
The Commission discussed areas where its work could have the greatest impact and agreed to focus its work around three key themes:
Child poverty
Social mobility and opportunity
Transport and connectivity
These themes reflect wider challenges affecting residents across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and will guide the Commission’s work in the coming months.
SEND Provision
The Commission reflected on its previous work exploring inequalities in access to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, including evidence gathered from lived experience.
Members agreed to develop a short summary of the Commission’s observations to inform ongoing discussions with regional partners and stakeholders.
Transport and Connectivity
Members discussed current challenges relating to public transport and connectivity, particularly in rural areas.
The Commission noted the importance of transport in enabling access to education, employment, and essential services. Members agreed that gathering lived experience and evidence from communities will be important in informing future discussions with decision-makers.
Engagement with Cornwall Council
The Commission discussed the importance of engaging earlier in policy development and strategic planning processes.
Cornwall Council will shortly publish a draft four-year Equality Strategy for consultation, and the Commission will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback during the consultation period.
The Council will also share its Council Priorities Plan to support alignment between the Commission’s work and wider regional priorities.
Next Steps
Pause recruitment for new commissioners until after the Cornwall Council Cabinet decision on 18 March.
Develop a short summary of the Commission’s findings relating to SEND provision.
Explore evidence and lived experience relating to transport and connectivity across the region.
Review the Council’s Equality Strategy during the consultation period.
