Halton Strategic Partnership Board – 23^rd June 2004

Business Link for Greater Merseyside

Jo Bowen-Jones gave a presentation to the Board about Business Link for Greater Merseyside. The organisation covers six local authority areas and has three main offices, including one in Halton. Key areas of work include providing support to business start-ups and workforce development activities.

More information can be found at www.gme.org.uk or by calling 0845 330 0151.

Vice Chair of the Board

The role of Vice Chair of the Partnership has been vacant since Ian Clinton left Halton College to take up his new post in Blackburn. To address this, it was agreed that nominations should be sent to the Partnership Team by 31^st July 2004. The election of the Vice Chair will then be placed on the agenda for the September Board meeting.

Membership mapping

The membership of the Specialist Strategic Partnerships has recently been surveyed. The results show that each Partnership has a good mix of members, with links to large numbers of related networks and partnerships. This information will assist the Partnerships in considering any future revisions to membership or addressing skills needs.

Communications strategy

A communications strategy to promote the work being carried out by partner organisations was approved by the Board. It was noted that communicating with hard to reach groups and improving two-way communication are areas that will be developed.

Commissioning framework

The Board discussed a draft commissioning framework. It sets out the principles that guide the commissioning of services and will assist the Partnership in its work. The framework will be circulated once final approvals are received.

Local Public Service Agreements

The Board examined information about the second generation of Local Public Service Agreements (where ‘stretched’ targets for us to deliver enhanced services in return for extra funding are agreed with the Government). Issues with cross-cutting potential across the five priorities will be investigated, as will key areas identified at the Board away day. A further report on progress will be brought to the next meeting.

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund 2003/04

Dominic Harrex reported that the Partnership spent 100% of its Neighbourhood Renewal Fund allocation last year. A report estimating spend in each quarter this year has been submitted to Government Office North West.

Audit Commission validation process

The Audit Commission have recently carried out a validation of our Performance Management Framework. Their final report has now been received and its findings are very positive.

Annual review

The Partnership’s annual review with Government Office North West will take place on the 14^th July.

Date of next meeting – 8^th September 2004