Meetings

BOLSOVER LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

 

EXECUTIVE SUPPORT GROUP

 

Minutes of a meeting of the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership Executive Support Group held on Thursday, 7th September, 2006, at 9.30 a.m., Committee Room No. 1, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover

PRESENT

 

Mrs. M. Chambers (Chair)               -           North Eastern Derbyshire PCT

Mrs. P. A. Brown                               -           Partnership Team

Miss N. Price                                     -           Partnership Team

Mr. T. Trafford                                    -           Housing & the Environment Action Group

Mrs. L. Khella                         -           Partnership Team

Mrs. J. Derricott                                 -           Health & Wellbeing Action Group

Mr. B. Strutt                                        -           Derbyshire County Council

Mr. A. Diggles                                   -           Employment & Enterprise Action Group

Ms. T. Glover                         -           Cultural Forum

Mrs. T. Wilkinson                               -           INVOLVE

Miss D. Row                                      -           Education & Training Action Group

Mrs. F. Unwin                         -           INVOLVE

Mrs. S. Scott                                      -           INVOLVE

Councillor K. Reid                             -           Parish/Town Councils

Mr. T. Whatton                                   -           INVOLVE

Ms. J. Ryalls                                       -           Health & Wellbeing Action Group

Councillor B. Murray-Carr                -           Bolsover Community Safety Partnership

Mr. W. Lumley                                    -           Bolsover District Council

Councillor A. Tomlinson                   -           Bolsover District Council

Councillor E. Watts (Vice Chair)     -           Bolsover District Council

Mr. A. Baig                                         -           Government Office for the East Midlands

IN ATTENDANCE

 

Mr. S. Caines                                    -           Connexions Derbyshire Ltd.

Ms. E. Lynall  (part)                           -           Voluntary Action Bolsover

Mr. J. Dugdale (part)             -           Derbyshire Rural Community Council

Mrs. M. Chambers in the Chair

ESG30/06      APOLOGIES

 

                        Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:-

                        Mrs. M. Cox               -           INVOLVE

                        Ms. S. Coleman        -           Employment & Enterprise Action Group

ESG31/06      PRESENTATION – YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES

 

                        Mr. S. Caines, Connexions Derbyshire Ltd., gave a presentation on the Targeted Youth Support Service programme.

                        Councillor Murray-Carr explained that the Bolsover Community Safety Partnership currently liaised with Connexions Derbyshire on various initiatives and raised his concerns that although various agencies were identifying problem areas these were still not being tackled.  The Community Safety Partnership was working jointly with agencies on prevention measures.  Mr. Caines concurred with the comments made and stated that the TYS initiative would look at, and redesign the delivery of services and interventions.

                        Ms. Glover queried the involvement of the voluntary sector in the initiative.  She continued that the voluntary sector worked with the public sector and played a key part in delivery of activities.  Mr. Caines advised that it was intended to make all appropriate links in order to deliver the programme.

                        Ms Ryalls queried the links in terms of the Bolsover Local Plan i.e. a Bolsover multi agency approach.  Mr. Caines advised that the links would be made through the Derbyshire Youth Forum and the various strategies, e.g. Community Strategy, would acknowledge and inform what would take place.

                        Mr. Whatton raised his concerns in relation to funding and sustainability.  Mr. Caines advised that a review was currently being undertaken, hence the need to move to a six months, rather than 12 months, funding process.

                        Mrs. Scott suggested that the presentation be given to the Youth Workers Network, the contact being Ms. Dawn Robinson.

                        Mr. Strutt queried the linkage with the Building Schools for the Future initiative.  Mr. Caines advised that the scheme would be focussing on the 11 – 19 years age group and would relate to schools/Building Schools for the Future.

                        The Chair mentioned that the North Eastern Derbyshire PCT operated a Living with Teenagers and Children programme and that it would be beneficial to make the appropriate links.

                        The Chair thanked Mr. Caines for his presentation.

                        AGREED       that the comments be noted.

Mr. S. Caines, Mrs. F. Unwin and Mrs. S. Scott left the meeting at 10.25 a.m.

The Chair welcomed and introduced Mr. A. Baig, Government Office for the East Midlands, to the meeting.  Unfortunately Mr. Gamble was unable to attend the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.

ESG32/06      COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE

 

                        The Chair advised that Ms. E. Lynall, Voluntary Action Bolsover, and Mr. J. Dugdale, Derbyshire Rural Community Council, had been invited to attend for this item.

                        The Chair gave a brief update on progress to date.

                        Mrs. Derricott circulated, and briefly explained, a report which provided information in relation to progress of the Working Group and discussions held with representatives from Voluntary Action Bolsover.   It had become evident during recent weeks that one organisation was willing to move forward and one organisation did not feel able to join the process at this moment in time.

                        The main priority for the Steering Group was to maintain a fit for purpose Community Empowerment Network; INVOLVE being the support to the Network.  Discussion had, therefore taken place in relation to developing a Commissioning Brief for the continuation of the Community Empowerment Network and to assist in the move towards becoming its own Accountable Body.

                        The Chair reminded those present that the Community Empowerment Network was also a priority for the Local Strategic Partnership and it was important to develop a structure to support it.

                        Councillor Reid raised his concerns that one organisation had been fully supportive of the process to move towards a new structure and one organisation although supportive, did not want to be included at this moment in time, but would like, at some future date, to consider the relationship with it.

                        Ms. Lynall reported that Voluntary Action Bolsover was delighted with the work undertaken to date by Mrs. Derricott.  However, it was not felt that Voluntary Action Bolsover were in a position to be part of the new organisation, however, it was recognised that the Community Empowerment Network was a priority.  The reluctance to be involved was in relation to the specific points of a new organisation in its role as an infrastructure organisation.  What was absent from the process at the moment was whether the functions of an infrastructure organisation would address the question of assessing need, supporting and enhancing service delivery of existing voluntary organisations.  Voluntary Action Bolsover’s view was that as the CVS for the District, they already performed those functions and were in a position to provide input into the development of a new organisation.

                        Ms. Glover commented that it was important for the Local Strategic Partnership to support continuation of the Community Empowerment Network and it must be noted that the voluntary sector needed to be better engaged

                        Mr. Dugdale stated that when preparing the Commissioning Brief, it was intended to include the transitional period from 1st October, 2006 – 31st January, 2007 and that during this period the Community Empowerment Network would be undertaking the additional roles.  The new organisation would be in operation from 31st January and would be responsible for delivering functions for the community and voluntary sector. 

                        Councillor Watts queried whether Derbyshire Rural Community Council had any concerns with the formation of a new organisation.  Mr. Dugdale stated that his main concern was that the process did not lose the vision to create a unified voluntary and community sector.

                        Mr. Lumley requested clarification of the report as presented.  The Chair advised that the Steering Group would continue to establish a new organisation by 31st January, 2007, and that Voluntary Action Bolsover, at some stage in the future when the new organisation had been developed, would consider their relationship with it. 

Mr. Dugdale confirmed that the new organisation would incorporate the functions of the Community Empowerment Network and the Voluntary sector.  Derbyshire Rural Community Council would be happy to pass management of the Community Empowerment Network to an independent body as long as it was fit for purpose.

Ms. Lynall clarified that Voluntary Action Bolsover neither sought, nor expected funding and supported funding of the Community Empowerment Network.  She continued that she felt there was a misunderstanding as to the function of the Steering Group.  The Group was convened to provide a means to develop a new organisation and all those involved were wholly behind the process.  The Steering Group was not a new organisation, it was there to decide how the new organisation was to be put together.  As a CVS, Voluntary Action Bolsover had commitments to funders, members and groups and it would be unreasonable to be expected to abandon them during the process of forming the new organisation.  Voluntary Action Bolsover hoped to see a unified organisation and as soon as the mechanisms existed, would like to be involved.

Councillor Watts raised his concern at the length of time that had already been taken to take this matter forward and at the decision by Voluntary Action Bolsover that they would ‘at sometime in the future consider their relationship with the new organisation’, which could further disrupt the process.  Therefore, it would be inappropriate for Voluntary Action Bolsover to continue as part of the Working Group.  Ms. Glover asked that it be made clear the Community Empowerment Network had always been responsible for the community and voluntary sector and that it was not a new role.  The Community Empowerment Network currently contracted with Voluntary Action Bolsover to provide support to the voluntary sector.

Mr. Diggles queried when information would be available in relation to timescales, milestones etc.  The Chair reported that the Commissioning Brief would provide the necessary information.  Ms. Ryalls raised her concerns in relation to the timescales involved.  Mrs. Wilkinson advised that the Steering Group had considered the very prescriptive targets and timescales prepared by Mrs. Derricott and thanked her for the amount of work that had been undertaken in a very short space of time.

Mr. Strutt raised his concerns as to the future sustainability of the new organisation and suggested that further funding be considered for the next financial year.  The Executive Support Group agreed that the Community Empowerment Network should be supported for a period of 18 months.  Mrs. Derricott said that she had already prepared some figures which included approx. £77,000 for 2006/07 and £71,000 for 2007/08.

Mr. Strutt mentioned that Derbyshire County Council had allocated some financial support for a CVS type function and it had been agreed to defer this until such time as a new organisation was established.  The Local Strategic Partnership would, therefore, need to recommend where the funding should be directed.

Mrs. Derricott reported that she would be supporting the process until December 2006.  The funding being requested would take into account costs incurred by Derbyshire Rural Community Council in relation to management fees and advertisement of the new Managers post.

Mr. Lumley suggested that, due to the time constraints, approval of the Commission Brief be delegated to the Chair and Vice Chair.

AGREED       that (1) the new organisation be operational from 31st January, 2007 ,

        (2) Voluntary Action Bolsover to no longer participate in the work of the Steering Group,

                                 (3) a Commissioning Brief be prepared and submitted to the Partnership Team urgently, to be approved by delegated decision of Chair and Vice-Chair,

                                (4) the new organisation be funded for a period of 18 months, and

                                 (5)  the comments be noted.

Ms. E. Lynall and Mr. J. Dugdale left the meeting at 11.06 a.m.

Mrs. S. Scott and Mrs. F. Unwin rejoined the meeting at 11.06 a.m.

ESG33/06      MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING HELD ON 13TH JULY, 2006

 

                        Mr. Trafford requested that his name be amended to read Mr. T. Trafford and Miss Row advised that she attended Executive Support Group meetings in her capacity as a representative of the Education and Training Action Group.

AGREED       that subject to the amendments as detailed above, the Minutes of the meeting held on 13th July, 2006 , be accepted as a true and correct record.

ESG34/06      MATTERS ARISING

 

                        ESG23/06 – Matters Arising – Community and Voluntary sector Infrastructure – Miss Row advised that she was not a member of the Steering Group.

                        ESG28/06 – Any Other Business – A query was raised in relation to feedback on the allocation of Structural Funds.  The Partnership Team had not received any further information.  Ms. Glover requested that this be a standing agenda item.

                        ESG25/06 – Performance – Monitoring and Evaluation Feedback (Action Groups/INVOLVE) – Employment and Enterprise – Alliance SSP Market Town Regeneration Initiative – Mrs. Khella briefly explained the report and reminded those present that two initiatives had been put forward, these being the Shirebrook Town Centre Masterplan and CCTV for Bolsover Town Centre.  Since then, Emda had indicated that they wanted to fully fund the Shirebrook Masterplan.  It would, therefore, be necessary to identify other projects for consideration.

                        Mr. Strutt queried how soon the Shirebrook Masterplan would be implemented.  He also suggested that the Alliance SSP be asked if the allocation of funding could be decreased for this year and increased next year.  Councillor Murray-Carr advised that a second meeting to discuss the Shirebrook Masterplan was scheduled for the end of the month.

                        Councillor Watts requested that the Partnership Team be informed of any potential projects.  Mrs. Khella reiterated that all projects/Commissioning Briefs would need to be endorsed by the Local Strategic Partnership.

AGREED       that (1) the Commissioning Brief for CCTV in Bolsover   Town Centre be endorsed and recommended for funding under the SSP Market Towns Alliance Programme,

                                (2) Executive Support Group identify potential schemes for SSP Market Towns funding,

                                (3) that responsibility be delegated to appropriate Officers to pursue the development of alternative proposals for the SSP Market Towns initiative

        (4) further Commissioning Briefs be considered at the next meeting of the Executive Support Group, and

                                (5) the report and comments be noted.

ESG/26/06 – Local Compact – Mrs. Scott reported that the information as presented had been submitted to the Community Empowerment Network for comments.  No comments had been received.  The Local Strategic Partnership was, therefore requested to act as custodians of the Action Plan.  A Steering Group would be established to consider any issues or concerns.  Mrs. Wilkinson advised that the protocol as appended was the original protocol with some changes to dates.  The Chair requested a copy of the final approved document.

AGREED       that the Executive Support Group be provided with a copy of the final approved document.

ESG35/06      NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL FUND

 

                        NRF 2006/08 Commissioning

 

                        Mrs. Khella briefly explained the report.  She reminded those present that the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund programme needed to be over-committed by at least 10% to account for slippage, some of which had already occurred.  It was also pointed out that the LEGI funding would displace some of the Neighbourhood Renewal Funding allocated to Bizfizz.  It would, therefore, be necessary to over-commit to the value of approximately £250,000 in the current financial year.

                        A cross-cutting workshop had taken place on the 8th August which had proved to be useful in getting together key partners to consider some of the key issues arising from the developments at the key employment sites.  It had also been necessary to convene another meeting to discuss further some of the points raised.  A list of potential/reserve projects was appended to the report for information and discussion.

                        Mr. A. Diggles declared an interest in CB1 as Groundwork Creswell had been put forward to deliver the project.

                        After a lengthy discussion which considered Value for Money, future sustainability/mainstreaming, consultation and partnership working, the following was agreed:

                        CB1 – Construction Training – Approved

                        CB2 – HGV Training – Approved

                        CB2/3 – Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) Training – Partnership Team to convene a meeting with representatives from West Notts College/Community Transport to discuss further as benefits for both options was evident.

                        CB4 – Wheels to Work – Approved

                        CB5 – Gateway to Local Employment – Further information required

                        CB6 – Preparation for Employment – Agreed in principle, further information required

                        CB7 – Improving CV’s – Approved

                        CB8 – Involving Young People in Problem Solving – Approved, more information required

                        CB8 – Education Business Adviser – More information required

                        Reserve Projects

                        CB9 – NED PCT – Approved

                        CB10 – Clowne & District Community Transport – Query in relation to funding for 2007/08

                        CB11 – Clowne & District Community Transport – Further information required.  Discussion to be undertaken at Cultural Forum

                        CB12 – Derbyshire Fire and Rescue – Approved

                        Mrs. Khella suggested that consideration also be given to developing a further cross-cutting initiative, possibly focussing on young people.  Mrs. Derricott advised that the Health & Wellbeing Action Group had commissioned two projects to tackle under-age drinking – the Bolsover Community Safety Partnership would be contacted in the near future.

AGREED       that (1) support be given to projects as detailed above,

                                (2) consideration be given to developing a further cross-cutting proposal for funding in 2007/08 that addressed PSA and Sustainable Community Strategy targets,

                                 (3) a progress report be submitted to the next Executive Support Group and Board meetings,

                                 (4) Action Groups put forward Commissioning Briefs to the Partnership Team for any further reserve projects than can deliver within the current financial year, and,

                                 (5) the report and comments be received.

Housing & Environment Action Plan 2006-08

 

Mr. Trafford briefly explained the Action Plan.

Councillor Murray-Carr raised his concern at engaging with private landlords.

AGREED       that (1) the Housing & Environment Action Plan be endorsed,

                                (2) the Partnership Team liaise with the Housing & Environment Action Group to commission activity in line with the agreed process, and

                                 (3) the report and comments be received.

NRF Projects Audit 2005/06

 

Mrs. Khella briefly explained the report.

AGREED       that (1) the report be noted, and

                                (2) Chief Executive Officers take necessary actions within their own organisations, where appropriate, to ensure projects have sufficient audit trails in place to support expenditure defrayed.

Action Group Support

 

Mrs. Khella briefly explained the report.

AGREED       that (1) the Action Groups be allocated £3,000 to support ongoing and future activities of Local Strategic Partnership partners in delivering against relevant floor targets,

                                 (2) the principle of this funding not being available to support the secretariat function of Action Group continues as in previous years, however, special consideration to be given where exceptional circumstances necessitate,

                               (3) Action Groups be required to confirm their acceptance of the offer of funding and proposed activity to the Partnership Team by 12th October, 2006, and

                               (4) the report be received.

NRF Quarter 1 Report

 

Mrs. Khella advised that the report had been provided for information purposes only.

AGREED       that the report be received.

ESG36/06      PERFORMANCE – MONITORING AND EVALUATION FEEDBACK (ACTION GROUPS/INVOLVE)

 

                        The Chair reported that she was in receipt of a letter from Government Office for the East Midlands which indicated that the Bolsover Local Strategic Partnership had been awarded an overall “Amber Green” rating, although based on the scoring system which had been provided for guidance, the rating fell within the “Green” category (28 points having been awarded).

                        It was acknowledged at the Annual Review meeting held on 17th July, that there were some PSA priorities for which there was incomplete monitoring information (nationally) available.  It was, therefore, disappointing to receive “Amber Green” status.

                        Miss Price briefly explained the scoring process and mentioned that some of the interventions supported by the Partnership would take a long time to have an impact.

                        Councillor Watts suggested that the “Amber Green” rating awarded to the Partnership should be challenged.  He continued that in terms of Employment and Enterprise, year on year growth, the District was one of the best in the country.

                        Councillor Murray-Carr commented that it would take years to overcome the problems experienced in the Bolsover District.

                        Mrs. Brown advised that Government Office for the East Midlands colleagues had been very supportive, however, the final decision had been made by the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.

                        Mr. Lumley requested that reference be made to the scoring system used.

                        Mrs. Khella queried whether the points scored would be available publicly.  Mr. Baig to make appropriate enquiries.

AGREED       that a letter be sent to Government Office for the East Midlands/Neighbourhood Renewal Unit on behalf of Local Strategic Partnership partners requesting a reconsideration of the overall partnership rating.

Ms. Ryalls and Councillor Murray-Carr left the meeting at 12.35 p.m.

                        Housing and the Environment

 

                        AGREED       that the report be received.

                        Education and Training

 

                        Miss Row apologised for the lack of a report, this being due to the next meeting of the group taking place w/c 18th September, 2006.

                        AGREED       that the comments be noted.

                        Employment and Enterprise

 

                        AGREED       that (1) the report be received, and

                                                        (2) the Commissioning Brief for Tourism Business Improvement Initiative be approved.

                        Bolsover Community Safety Partnership

 

                        Councillor Murray-Carr circulated a report for information.

                        AGREED       that the report be received.

                        Health & Wellbeing

 

                        AGREED       that the report be received.

                        INVOLVE

 

                        AGREED       that the report be received.

                        Cultural Forum

 

                        AGREED       that the report be received.

ESG37/06      EDUCATION ACTION GROUP – CHAIR

 

                        The Chair raised her concern at the lack of a Chair for the above Action Group.

                        Mrs. Brown reported that she had recently received a letter from the secretariat to the Education and Training Action Group, requesting that Mr. Young be funded via Neighbourhood Renewal Funding to continue in the post of Chair for three months due to the lack of nominations.  A discussion ensued, however, the Executive Support Group felt that funding the Chair’s position would set a precedent and for that reason the request was not supported. 

                        Mrs. Brown also commented that the lack of Derbyshire County Council representation at meetings, hindered progress.  A brief discussion ensued whereupon it was agreed that Councillor Watts would discuss this matter with the Leader at Derbyshire County Council.

                        Miss Row stated that she felt the Action Group were making decisions without really knowing the background information.

AGREED       that (1) Councillor Watts discuss the lack of Derbyshire County Council representation onto the Education and Training Action Group with the Leader of Derbyshire County Council, emphasising the need to strengthen links between the Local Strategic Partnership and the Local Area Agreement,

                                (2) a response be sent to the letter from the secretariat of the Education and Training Action Group advising that further discussions were taking place, and,

                                (3) the comments be noted.

ESG38/04      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

 

                        Bolsover Local Development Framework – The Council’s Preferred Options

 

                        Mrs. Brown briefly explained the report.  Anyone wishing to attend should contact the Partnership Team.

                        AGREED       that the report and comments be received.

                        Invest to Save

 

                        Mrs. Khella reported on the Invest to Save initiative which focussed on working in partnership with Third Sector organisations to deliver public services.  Any applications for funding would need to be endorsed by the Local Strategic Partnership and align with the Local Area Agreement/Sustainable Community Strategy.

                        Mr. Diggles commented that the requirements did link in with the priorities of the Partnership, however, the timescale was very tight.  It should also be noted that only one application per authority would be considered.  Mrs. Brown, however, clarified that in two tier areas, applications from both District and County Councils would be accepted.

                        After a brief discussion it was agreed that this item be referred to the Cultural Forum and Ngage Forum for further debate.

                        East Midlands Regional Assembly

 

                        Ms. Glover reported that EMRA were increasing its responsibilities to look at strategic planning.  The Policy Board had made a commitment to connecting with and involving Local Strategic Partnerships.  Ms. Glover advised that she would provide feedback until such time as the Policy Board agreed a protocol with regard to regular communication links with Local Strategic Partnerships.

ESG39/06      DATE OF NEXT MEETING

                        Thursday, 12th October, 2006, at 9.30 a.m., Committee Room No. 1, Sherwood Lodge, Bolsover.

The Chair asked Mr. Baig to pass on thanks to Mr. Gamble for his support and guidance over the last few years and to also extend condolences upon his recent bereavement.

The meeting concluded at 12.54 p.m.