Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chief Executive and the following Members declared a personal interest in agenda item number 4: Clwyd Theatr Cymru (Theatre for Young People):-

Councillors: R. Davies, P. Heesom, D. Mackie and R.J.T. Guest.

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 15 October 2012, were submitted.

Matters arising

Flintshire Community Endowment Fund

The Chief Executive advised that at a meeting of the Cabinet on 20

November 2012  it was agreed  to close down and transfer the existing

moribund and ineffective education trust funds to a newly established ‘Flintshire Community Endowment Fund’.  This would be managed and administered by the trustees of the Community Foundation in Wales, subject to the absolute agreement of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.  It would also be subject to the Head of Finance, in her Section 151 statutory officer role, being satisfied that the investment strategy of the new Fund did not pose a significant risk to achieving a satisfactory return on funds and value for money.  He said a further report outlining the final arrangements of the ‘Flintshire Community Endowment Fund’ would be submitted to Cabinet prior to any agreed launch.

Police and Crime Commissioners and Police and Crime Panels

            The Chief Executive provided brief feedback on the recent election for a Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.  He commented that the election had been conducted efficiently and without problems and that complimentary feedback had been received from candidates, agents, partner Authorities and the Electoral Commission.

The Member Engagement Manager advised that he had been in contact with the office for the new Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales concerning the prospect of inviting him to attend a meeting of the Committee to be held on 4 February 2013.  

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

A presentation will be given by Mr Tim Baker, the Artistic Director of the programme.

That the presentation be received and Mr. Baker and Ms. Edwards be

thanked for their attendance. 

The Chairman introduced Mr. Tim Baker, Associate Director, Clwyd Theatr Cymru (Theatre for Young People) and Ms. Nerys Edwards, Clwyd Theatr Cymru (Theatre for Young People) Education Administrator.  He invited Mr. Baker to give a presentation on the work undertaken in the community by Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre for Young People (CTCTYP), of which he was the artistic director.

            Mr. Baker gave a detailed presentation  on the wide  programme of activity which is run by CTCTYP and referred to the workshops provided for young people to improve skills, confidence and experience, work placements, and the successful ground breaking arts experience project (The Hub) held at two Flintshire secondary schools, Buckley Elfed High School and Castell Alun High School.   The presentation detailed the following main areas:  

• Background/history
• Reaching Out
• Structure/Funding

During discussion Mr. Baker responded to the questions and observations put forward by Members.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Enterprise and Leisure commented that the improvement in quality of life for the residents of Flintshire and rewarding experience gained by young people as a result of the work undertaken by CTCTYP was a worthwhile investment  for future generations.

Councillor C.J. Dolphin asked whether the Hub could be used at other schools, citing Holywell High School specifically.  He was advised by Mr. Baker and Ms. Edwards that the original intention had been to involve Holywell as part of the initiative but that due to local circumstances this had had to be postponed.    

Councillor R. Davies suggested that Mr. Baker be invited to give a further presentation to a future meeting of the County Council to raise awareness amongst all Members of the outstanding work undertaken with young people in the Community.

The Chief Executive referred to the importance of maintaining the profile of the work of CTCTYP and on the need to ensure sustainable funding as part of the Authority’s business plan.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Baker for an interesting and informative presentation.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be received and Mr. Baker and Ms. Edwards be

thanked for their attendance. 

The Chief Officer of FLVC, Mr. Kieran Duff, will give a presentation on the work of the Voluntary Council and its links with the County Council.

That the presentation be received and Mr. Duff thanked for his contribution.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Kieran Duff, Chief Officer of FLVC and invited him to provide a presentation on the work of the Voluntary Council and its links with the County Council.

            Mr Kieran Duff gave a detailed presentation on the following areas:-

• People Power
• Variety and Diversity
• Flintshire Statistics
• FLVCs Vision and Mission
• National Infrastructure Agreement
• Achievements 2011-12
• Corlan – Voluntary Centre
• Funding
• National and Regional Links and Partnerships
• Future priorities

The Chair thanked Mr Duff for an informative presentation.

Councillor R.J.T. Guest commented on the good work of the FLVC and questioned if there was a decline in the number of people seeking to volunteer, particularly amongst the younger generation.  Mr. Duff advised that there was a current challenge around attracting people into positions of management and responsibility and outlined the work being undertaken at local and national level to support recruitment.  He emphasised that young people considered volunteering a worthwhile and rewarding experience and commented on an increase in young professionals who sought to enhance their knowledge and skills in their chosen career path through the voluntary sector.

Mr. Duff responded in detail to the further questions and concerns raised by Members concerning access, collaborative working, and funding.  He advised that the FLVC would continue to visit local centres in Flintshire, for example libraries and leisure centres, to provide local access to the service.

The Chief Executive commented on the effective support which the Authority provided at a corporate level to FLVC and the good partnership relationship which was sustained.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be received and Mr. Duff thanked for his contribution.

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be agreed;

(b)       That the new Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee on 4 February 2013, and

(c)        That the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee on 11 March 2013.  

The Member Engagement Manager introduced the Forward Work Programme of the Committee. 

Members reviewed the current programme and agreed that the following items be considered at the next meeting of the Committee:

·         Domestic Abuse Safety Unit

·         Right to be Safe Strategy

It was agreed that the new Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee on 4 February 2013, and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service be invited to attend the meeting on 11 March 2013.  

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be agreed;

(b)       That the new Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee on 4 February 2013, and

(c)        That the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee on 11 March 2013.  

There were no members of the public or the press in attendance.