Agenda item

Context:

To provide relevant partnership information to the Stronger Communities Select Committee in relation to the contribution of third sector organisations.

To focus on the representation, activity and delivery of third sector partners across the partnership landscape within Monmouthshire, under the direction of the Monmouthshire Public Service Board (formally Local Service Board).

To have an oversight of the funding provided to third sector partners.

Key Issues:

In 2012 the Welsh Government Statutory Guidance “Shared Purpose, Shared Delivery” rationalised the partnership landscape, by reducing complexity and duplication, and freeing up resources, through the development of Local Service Boards and the Single Integrated Plan. In April 2016 the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act came into force and the Monmouthshire Local Service Board transitioned into a statutory Public Service Board with the responsibility of overseeing the remaining year of the Single Integrated Plan, which runs until March 2017.

Following the audit and review of the partnership landscape in 2014/15, the Strategic Partnership team concentrated on shaping the partnership landscape into a structure that was accessible to all partners. Strategic partnership groups were mapped and reviewed and this enabled us to understand the complexities of partnership arrangements, the robustness of partnership governance and how they were contributing to improving population outcomes identified in the SIP for Monmouthshire and reporting into the Public Service Board.

The Partnership landscape in Monmouthshire fully embraces multi-agency working, with representation from a wide range of partner organisations, including the third sector, who work collaboratively to improve the outcomes for Monmouthshire residents. Collaboration and partnership working forms a key part of the delivery mechanism across the county, and it is important that the Select Committee have a solid oversight of this work and the contribution of our third sector partners in this wide and varied landscape.

Member Scrutiny:

It was asked which County Councillor who is the representative for Monmouthshire County Council to GAVO and we were told County Councillor Alan Wintle.

A member asked about sustainable funding and we were told that GAVO thinks about the wider sector and are interested in the programme for government and what opportunities might come from that. Increasingly the private sector will become more important, recently companies such as Go Compare and British Airways supported volunteer awards.

It was asked what resources are put into communicating to the public the amazing work GAVO does. We were told that they have a communications officer, however they concentrate their resources on delivering services rather than publicity. GAVO have developed their website recently, constantly reviewing their social media strategy, recognising how various community groups communicate to allow them to build new audiences and build their profile.

In answer to a Member’s question in terms of funding we were told that Monmouthshire County Council was below average.