Executive Support Group
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 12th January 2006 at Committee Room No. 1, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover
BOLSOVER LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT GROUP
Minutes of a meeting of the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership Executive Support Group held on Thursday, 12th January, 2006, at 9.30 a.m., Committee Room No. 1, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover
PRESENT
Mr. P. Gamble - Government Office for the East Midlands
Mr. J. Young - Education and Training Action Group
Mr. B. Strutt - Derbyshire County Council
Mr. T. Whatton - INVOLVE
Ms. T. Glover - INVOLVE
Mr. M. Stone - Employment and Transport Action Group
Ms. T. Wilkinson - INVOLVE
Miss D. Row - Education and Training Action Group
Mr. T. Trafford - Housing and Environment Action Group
Mr. J. Ford - Housing and Environment Action Group
Mr. R. Colgrave - Partnership Team
Mrs. L. Khella - Partnership Team
Mr. W. Lumley - Bolsover District Council
Councillor B. Murray-Carr - Bolsover Community Safety Partnership
Councillor A. Tomlinson - Bolsover District Council
Mrs. P. Brown - Partnership Team
Mrs. M. Chambers - North Eastern Derbyshire PCT (Chair)
Mrs. C. Hopwood - INVOLVE
IN ATTENDANCE
Mr. D. Shaw - Derbyshire County Council
Mr. R. Moores - Derbyshire County Council
Mr. S. Singleton - Bolsover District Council
Mr. S. Tomlinson - Bolsover District Council
Mr. D. Williams - Tellus 42
Mr. A. Richardson - Tellus 42
Mrs. M. Chambers in the Chair
ESG56/05 APOLOGIES
Councillor E. Watts - Bolsover District Council
Councillor K. Reid - Clowne Parish Council
Mr. K. Hollingworth - Employment and Transport Action Group
Insp. I. Palfreyman - Bolsover Community Safety Partnership
ESG57/05 BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE – PRESENTATION
Mr. R. Moores, Head of Business Support and Mr. D. Shaw, Acting Chief Education Officer – Derbyshire County Council – gave an outline of progress to date in relation to the Building Schools for the Future initiative.
Mr. Shaw stated that the scheme was part of a 15 year £2 billion Government programme which would renew all secondary buildings in the Country. Five secondary schools within Derbyshire were to be included in Wave 3, these being:
· Shirebrook
· Bolsover
· Heritage, Clowne
· Springwell, Staveley
· Stubbinwood, Langwith
The pupil referral unit at Creswell would also be included in the scheme.
A decision had not yet been made regarding which schools were to be rebuilt/refurbished. All schools were working together collaboratively and consultation had taken place on the education vision. Discussions were taking place on how best to deliver the curriculum, particularly ICT and more importantly a broader range of opportunities for young people.
The Educational vision had been submitted to Derbyshire County Council Cabinet members this week; the vision needed to be received in London on 14th February, 2006. Upon approval of the vision, the capital funding (£67 million) would be released.
The purpose of attending the meeting was to inform key agencies of the opportunity to become involved in joint investment on the sites, as the facilities would be offered to the community both during the day and evening.
Mr. Moores stated that his role was to engage with the wider community and a consultation exercise had been undertaken with the schools and school population. Further consultation would take place with various stakeholders regarding the strategic and detailed direction of the programme. Consultation for the programme and a detailed business case must be completed by September. Emphasis must, therefore, be placed on the need to engage with partners and the community in it widest sense to identify priorities whilst not raising unrealistic expectations.
Mr. Stone mentioned that the Local Strategic Partnership had adopted a policy on local procurement and queried whether links would be made into this and also if local training opportunities would be available on any new build. Mr. Shaw advised that work was ongoing with Headteachers to consider what curriculum the schools could offer, in particular schools specialisms. In relation to procurement, this would need to be undertaken using the existing framework agreements currently in use.
Mrs. C. Hopwood joined the meeting at 9.50 a.m.
Councillor Murray-Carr queried whether the initiative would have an effect on the delivery of Childrens Centres. Mr. Moores commented that Childrens Centres were location dependent and although this was a different programme, it was hoped to link into them.
Ms. Glover advised that a Building Schools for the Future Conference had been arranged for 20th March, 2006, to be held at the Renaissance, South Normanton. A draft programme had been produced. Attendance at the event would be limited to 130 delegates.
Mrs. Wilkinson queried whether further consideration would be given to “6th form” provision throughout the Bolsover District. Mr. Shaw stated it was intended to change the way in which education was delivered and it was proposed that all schools within the County would offer some form of Post-16 educational provision.
Mr. Tomlinson reported that representatives from Bolsover District Council were working closely with Mr. Moores in relation to procurement and providing community facilities.
Mr. Singleton commented that for the last 12 months work had been taking place on sports development and strategies; consultation was ongoing. The information was available on the Bolsover District Council and Local Strategic Partnership websites. Following consultation undertaken at Customer Focus Groups throughout the District, three key messages were being received:
· The main barrier to people participating more in community sport and leisure was the lack of or access to local facilities
· Kissingate and Creswell Leisure Centres do not meet the needs of the entire District because of its rural nature
· Funders have allocated £1 million for revenue based programmes for the area over the next five years, however, there is only £200,000 for capital investment
Opening up secondary schools at evenings and weekends would provide more accessible sporting opportunities. Discussions were already taking place at Fredrick Gent Secondary School to develop a community partnership model which would be responsible for the management and operation of the facility.
Mr. Young commented that the Education and Training Group was in support of educational vocation and was developing significant links across the District in readiness for when the facilities arrive.
Mr. Lumley queried whether partners needed to confirm their commitment to the initiative by September when the business case was to be submitted. Mr. Shaw answered that this would not be necessary as amendments could be made as and when necessary. Mr. Moores commented that it would, however, be necessary to have a reasonable idea of what was to be provided on the site.
Mrs. Wilkinson queried whether it would be possible to attend a future INVOLVE Action Group meeting to inform community groups of this initiative. Mr. Moores answered that he would attend a future meeting.
The Chair thanked Mr. Moores and Mr. Shaw for their presentation.
AGREED that the comments be noted.
Mr. Moores, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Tomlinson and Mr. Singleton left the meeting at
10.22 a.m.
ESG58/05 MAPPING EXERCISE – SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Mrs. Scott circulated a summary report of the Mapping Exercise currently being undertaken.
The mapping exercise was being undertaken by Peter Stone Consulting Ltd. A questionnaire had been issued to 289 organisations and there had been a 50% response rate. A Steering Group had been established to lead the project, this being made up of representatives from Derbyshire Rural Community Council, INVOLVE and Voluntary Action Bolsover.
There were clear indications regarding the type of support already received and that required in the future.
The next phase of the mapping exercise was for the Consultants to organise Focus Groups with a view to identifying future support. In order to allow for any changes to be put in place, there would need to be a transitional period to allow the two organisations to work to the findings/outcomes of the report.
Mrs. Scott informed those present of the funding problems being experienced by both organisations.
Mr. Stone commented that it was important for the Local Strategic Partnership to have an opportunity to voice its requirements from the community and voluntary sector. Mrs. Scott advised that it was the intention of the Consultants as part of the next phase to talk to Local Strategic Partnership partners.
Mrs. Hopwood mentioned that a Focus Group had been organised to take place on 31st January, 2006, at Barlborough Links, as part of the INVOLVE Performance Management Review.
The Chair queried the funding for both organisations. Mrs. Scott responded that the final report was due to be published at the end of March 2006 and both INVOLVE and Voluntary Action Bolsover, at that time, would have a shortfall in budgets. The problem was, therefore, how to implement the recommendations of the consultation exercise. The Chair mentioned that there was currently an underspend of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and that this could potentially be an avenue for consideration. A Special Executive Support Group meeting had been scheduled to take place on 9th February to consider and agree Action Plans.
Mr. Colgrave queried whether the mapping exercise linked into the Community Strategy Review. Mrs. Hopwood advised that Tellus 42 was liaising with Peter Stone Consulting Ltd.
The Chair thanked Mrs. Scott for the presentation.
AGREED that the comments be noted.
ESG59/05 COMMUNITY STRATEGY REVIEW
Tellus 42 – Draft Report
Mr. Williams circulated a “Working Draft Summary” of progress with the Community Strategy Review. He stressed that work on the background document was still taking place
Councillor Murray-Carr commented that concerns had been raised at the Community Safety Partnership and an assurance had been given that the draft would be submitted to them for consideration before the document was released any further. Mr. Williams advised that he was currently awaiting figures from Derbyshire County Council. He agreed, that it would be helpful to meet with 2/3 Officers from each Action Group.
Ms. Glover stressed the importance of engaging with young people as they were the future of the District. One of the key issues which had arisen out of the Creative Partnership research was the lack of aspiration for young people. Mr. Williams stated that young people had been consulted as part of the Community Strategy Review process and that they were very keen to be involved.
Mr. Williams reported that the Community Strategy would be easily readable, however, the working document would provide more indepth information. Mr. Colgrave queried whether the final draft would include a system for monitoring the Community Strategy. Mr. Williams advised that this would be included in the working document. Mr. Richardson added that a meeting with Officers would need to take place to discuss the process.
Mr. Lumley queried the timetable for the completion of the Review. Mr. Williams commented that there was still work to be undertaken and that he would prepare a timetable and forward it to Mrs. Brown. The Chair commented that a draft document would need to be available as soon as possible after the Special Executive Support Group to be held on 9th February.
AGREED that the comments be noted.
Mr. M. Stone left the meeting at 11.20 a.m.
Mr. D. Williams and Mr. A. Richardson left the meeting at 11.25 a.m.
Derbyshire Community Strategy – Consultation
Mr. Colgrave reported that during October/November 2005, a consultation document had been received, and circulated, in relation to proposals for the Derbyshire Community Strategy. The deadline for responses was 11th January, 2006. Miss Row advised that she had read the document and responded direct to Derbyshire County Council.
AGREED that the comments be noted.
ESG60/05 MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING HELD ON 24TH NOVEMBER, 2005
AGREED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 24th November, 2005 , be accepted as a true and correct record.
ESG61/05 MATTERS ARISING
ESG52/05 – Bolsover Community Safety Partnership - Councillor Murray-Carr advised that he had not yet met with Mr. Ford regarding the unit in Chesterfield for young people with chaotic lifestyles.
ESG52/05 – Bolsover Community Safety Partnership – Mr. Lumley reported on progress with the Beacon Council Award.
ESG51/05 – Community Strategy – Update (Tellus 42) – Ms. Glover reported that a Steering Group had been established and a meeting had recently taken place. Currently “culture” was discussed at the Housing and Environment Action Group, however, it was felt that this cross-cut with all of the Action Groups. It had been agreed that a Cultural Forum event be arranged and representatives from the cultural sector across the District be invited to attend. A provisional date had been agreed and the focus would be on delivery within the Bolsover area. The event would:
· Bring together key players
· Set the Terms of Reference and elect a Chair
· Agree the secretariat
· Prepare an Agenda and meeting plan for the year to consider issues members felt should be debated
· Give a broad overview of the Local Strategic Partnership
A feedback report would be provided at a future meeting of the Executive Support Group .
AGREED that the comments be noted.
ESG62/05 PERFORMANCE – MONITORING AND EVALUATION FEEDBACK (ACTION GROUPS/INVOLVE) – DEMONSTRATION OF THE TEN PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Unfortunately, due to IT problems, it was not possible to give a demonstration of the TEN Performance Management System.
Miss Price reported that good progress was being made in populating the system. She added that in order to gain feedback on the system, static images would be produced and circulated via e-mail. It was also intended to establish a Steering Group to discuss ongoing issues (2 representatives from each Action Group). Each person would be responsible for updating the information on the system. Mrs. Brown added that training would be provided.
Housing and the Environment
Mr. Ford briefly explained the Feedback Report which had been circulated by e-mail.
Mr. Ford commented that the Action Group had suggested that the Chair receive an expense allowance in accordance with local government expenses and queried whether this could be accommodated in the £3,000 funding allocated to Action Groups. Mr. Gamble offered to check whether this would be possible and inform the Action Group accordingly.
Mrs. Hopwood stated that INVOLVE representatives often made the same point; the costs of attending meeting could be a barrier.
Councillor Tomlinson raised his concerns at the lack of “take up” for the Affordable Warmth initiative and queried whether more information could be provided for residents. The Chair commented that this had been raised in the past – the main barrier was the timing of the works to be undertaken, e.g. during the winter months.
AGREED that the report and comments be received.
Education and Training
Mr. Young briefly explained the report.
The meeting held in December had proved to be extremely useful.
Mr. Young raised his concern at the road safety figures – apparently they were not improving. Discussions were continuing with representatives from Derbyshire County Council.
Brookfield School was part of the Behaviour Improvement Project and would be utilised as a vehicle for neighbourhood strategies to deal with young peoples disaffection.
Ms. Glover reported that as part of the Creative Partnerships initiative 8 schools within the Bolsover District had been agreed to be included in the scheme.
AGREED that the report and comments be received.
Employment and Transport
Mr. Strutt briefly explained the reports (a Feedback Report was circulated at the meeting).
Road Safety had been discussed at the meeting where it had been suggested that this came under the remit of the Health and Wellbeing/Bolsover Community Safety Partnership Groups.
AGREED that the reports and comments be received.
Bolsover Community Safety Partnership
Councillor Murray-Carr briefly explained the report and highlighted the problem areas.
It was felt that Road Safety did not fall under the remit of the Community Safety Partnership, although regular discussion took place on this matter. It would be useful to have some clarification on road safety responsibility.
AGREED that the report and comments be received.
Health and Wellbeing
AGREED that the report be received.
INVOLVE
Mrs. Wilkinson apologised for the lack of a Feedback Report. She added that membership had now been increased to 29 Community Associations. The Grot 2 Green initiative was proving to be very successful.
The Annual General Meeting had been held on 11th January and the Chair remained the same, although the voluntary sector representative had changed – now Mrs. S. Scott, Voluntary Action Bolsover.
AGREED that the comments be noted.
ESG63/05 NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL FUND
2005/06 Commissioning Update/2005/06 Anticipated Spend - Projects
Mrs. Khella circulated a document which detailed the anticipated spend of each project for the current financial year. It was noted that some projects would underspend significantly. Overall there would be a project underspend of approximately £370,000, however, the Partnership had over-committed to the value of £230,000 to date and a carry-over of £141,000 would be acceptable. It had also become apparent that there would be an £18,000 underspend on the Single Regeneration Budget programme. Taking these figures into consideration it would be necessary to commission further activity to the value of £160,000. Action Groups had been requested to consider contingency projects (a list of projects was circulated for information).
A brief discussion ensued in relation to the contingency projects received, and as the value of projects exceeded the funding available, it was agreed that only projects which had been agreed by Action Groups would be supported.
The projects agreed by the Executive Support Group were:
· Greenway Routes (Housing and the Environment)
· Healthy Living Network – Improving Facilities at Fredrick Gent School, South Normanton for Local Community Use (Health and Wellbeing)
· Doe Lea Resource Centre – Floodlighting for Playing Fields (Health and Wellbeing)
· Development of Outdoor Physical Recreation Facilities at Whaley Thorns (Health and Wellbeing)
· Hillstown Youth and Community Programme (Health and Wellbeing/Education and Training)
· Improved Security at Kissingate (Bolsover Community Safety Partnership)
· Safer Neighbourhoods (Bolsover Community Safety Partnership)
· Bramley Vale (Bolsover Community Safety Partnership)
· Community Economic Development Team (Executive Support Group)
Mr. Lumley suggested that a scoring system be established and implemented for any future underspends. Mr. Trafford advised that there was a scoring system currently in place. The Chair stated that all projects would be expected to complete a Proposal Form which would be checklisted by the appropriate Action Groups.
Mr. J. Ritchie joined the meeting at 12.55 p.m.
AGREED that (1) as the value of contingency projects exceeded the amount of funding available, only projects which had been agreed by Action Groups would be supported,
(2) the projects as listed above be invited to submit a Proposal Form,
(3) all projects must defray expenditure by 31st March, 2006 , or lose the funding.
Mr. Ritchie and Ms. Glover left the meeting at 1.05 p.m.
2006/08 Commissioning Framework
Mrs. Khella explained that the Commissioning Framework document provided guidance on the commissioning process, and included information in relation to the PSA targets and baseline information for the District.
It was intended to utilise a phased approach for the Neighbourhood Renewal Funding for the next financial year, due to the launch of the Community Strategy Review at the end of March and the need for as many projects as possible to commence during April. The Special Executive Support Group meeting scheduled for 9th February would agree Action Plans and consider links to the Community Strategy (Tellus 42 will be in attendance).
Mr. Gamble reminded everyone that the Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy needed updating and that this was included in the letter to the Partnership after the Performance Management Review. Mrs. Brown confirmed that the Consultants were aware of this as it formed part of the initial brief set. They would, however, be again reminded of the need to ensure the Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy formed part of the overall Community Strategy review.
AGREED that (1) the two phased approach to Commissioning of NRF for 2006/07 and 2007/08 be approved ,
(2) the Commissioning Framework (Phase 1) be approved,
(3) the NRF allocations identified for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Commissioning Process in 2006/07 and 2007/08 and the proposed financial allocation for each Action Group for Phase 1 of the Commissioning Process be approved,
(4) a Special Executive Support Group meeting be held on 9th February to consider draft Action Plans,
(5) the timetable for Phase 1 and 2 of the NRF Commissioning Process be approved,
(6) that Fit for Purpose Assessments are carried out on projects/activities funded through Phase 1 Commissioning Framework prior to Phase 2 being issued to determine whether projects/activities are still required for targets to be achieved,
(7) the report be received.
Requests for Changes to Projects
Mrs. Khella briefly explained the report which had been provided for information purposes only.
AGREED that the report be received.
ESG64/05 NEIGHBOURHOOD MANAGEMENT – MAINSTREAMING
It was agreed to defer this item until the next Executive Support Group meeting.
ESG65/05 SINGLE REGENERATION BUDGET
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting (ESG63/05 refers).
ESG66/05 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
ODPM – Consultation
Mrs. Brown circulated a summary of the document and asked for any responses to be forwarded to the Partnership Team in order that a joint response could be prepared.
Mr. Gamble advised that a number of Regional Consultation events had been organised for community groups.
AGREED that the comments be noted.
Consultation of New Primary Care Trust Arrangements in Trent
The Chair advised that a consultation document had recently been released and could be accessed on the Department of Health website. Comments could be made as an individual, however, she felt that it would be useful to prepare a response from the Local Strategic Partnership. The consultation period ends on 26th March, 2006.
Mr. Young requested that a letter be sent to Ms. Glover, as the out-going Voluntary Sector representative for INVOLVE, Community Empowerment Network, thanking her for her past involvement and input into the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership.
ESG67/05 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday, 2nd March, 2006, at 9.30 a.m., in Committee Room No. 1, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover.
The Chair thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
The meeting concluded at 1.25 p.m.