Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Councillor Anne Horn

David Adams McGilp, Visit Scotland

Darlene Russell, Argyll College

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group held on 10 February 2016 was approved as a true record, subject to the following amendment:-

Item 9 (a) – Air Issues

To amend the last sentence in the first paragraph to read “Members of the group noted that the capacity of air services and cost of fares are commercial matters to Loganair and are also of interest to the wider Islay and Jura communities.”

The group agreed to note the Minute of the Mid Argyll Partnership (MAP) held on 27 April 2016.

The group agreed to note the Minute of the Third Sector and Communities CPP Strategic Group held on 24 February 2016.

Report by Community Planning Manager

The group considered a report outlining the response by the CPP Management Committee to key matters highlighted by the Area CPG’s at their meetings in February 2016.  The report provided further information on the commitments of the CPP in relation to the role of Third Sector (including Sport) Organisations in achieving progress towards the outcomes detailed within the SOA and the issues faced with regards to funding and staff; the issues raised by the breadth of education required to be provided by geographically remote secondary schools (mainland as well as island) and the staffing difficulties faced in relation to service provision in remote rural areas and remote school towns; the development of potential links between the Locality Groups mentioned in the Health and Social Care Integration report and the Area CPG’s and the inclusion of the Scottish Ambulance Service and Visit Scotland as active partners within Community Planning structures and processes at both strategic and local level. 

Discussion took place in respect of the initiatives being applied to improve teacher recruitment, with members of the group advising that they would like to see initiatives which not only dealt with recruitment of teachers but that all courses available were being utilised with a view to retaining teachers.  The Community Planning Officer agreed to feed the comments back to the CPP Management Committee. 

Decision: 

The group agreed to:

1.    note the response set out in section 4 of the report to the issues raised by Area Community Planning Groups;

2.    request that the Area Governance Manager, Shirley MacLeod, take any further comment to the CPP’s Management Committee meeting on 9 June 2016; and

3.    distribute the highlights of the CPP Full Partnership meeting to interested and relevant persons and community groups. 

(Ref:  Report by Community Planning Manager, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Verbal update by Community Planning Officer

The group gave consideration to a verbal update by the Community Planning Officer on the review of the SOA Delivery Plans.  Ms Quarton advised that the revised set of Delivery Plans were currently being progressed, with it being expected that they would be finalised on 9 June 2016 and come to the Area Community Planning Group meetings in August 2016. 

Ms Quarton gave a short “ad hoc” presentation in relation to the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 – Community Planning Guidance and Regulation Consultation.  She explained how Community Planning was one aspect of the whole consultation, with the closing date for the consultation being 13 June 2016.  Ms Quarton outlined the two parts to the Community Planning aspect of the consultation; the introduction of locality plans and the initial thoughts on progressing the consultation. 

Discussion took place in respect of the duplication of the term “locality plan” with the development of the Health and Social Care Partnerships locality plans.  Ms Quarton confirmed that these were separate and that she would include in the feedback to the Scottish Government the confusion caused by this.  Further discussion was had in relation to the three administrative areas within the MAKI area with members of the group expressing their desire to see a similar set up to the newly formed Health and Social Care Partnership Locality Groups, with 8 local areas throughout Argyll and Bute with the focus being on smaller communities/areas. 

Decision:

The group agreed to:

1.    note the progress to date in relation to the SOA delivery plan review;

2.    to note that the revised delivery plans will be brought to the August meeting of the Area Community Planning Group’s; and

3.    requested that the Community Planning Officer formulate her response to the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2016 - Community Planning Guidance and Regulation Consultation and circulate to members of the ACPG by email for agreement, prior to the closing date of 13 June 2016. 

Report by Community Governance Manager

The group gave consideration to a report providing feedback to Members on the findings of the Area Community Planning Group – Members Satisfaction Survey 2016.  The survey found that there was a high level of satisfaction with the administrative support given to the meetings and the new working arrangements in general, but identified five areas for potential improvement. 

Discussion took place in respect of sharing information to the wider community; the Community Council Development Plan; the volume of information issued with agendas and the need to find a simple way of communicating complex information to communities who may not have been involved from the beginning of the process. 

Decision:

The group agreed to:

1.    consider the findings of the survey;

2.    provided comment to help inform the creation of an Area Community Planning Group Improvement Plan, which will take forward improvements to working arrangements during the 2016/17 financial year; and

3.    a small working group comprising of the Chair, North Knapdale Community Council, Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Third Sector Interface, Argyll and Bute Council Community Development Officer and Community Governance Manager will meet to discuss potential ways to improve communication and will report back to the August meeting. 

(Ref:  Report by Community Governance Manager, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Presentation by Lochgilphead Youth Forum.

The group gave consideration to a presentation by the Chair, joint Secretary and Treasurer of Mid Argyll Youth Forum.  They advised that  the forum aims to give young people a greater and stronger political voice on issues and services that affect their lives.  They outlined the focuses, priorities and purpose of the forum, with the qualities of members and the ground rules they apply being outlined  as well as the roles of the Chair and the Secretary.  The Forum outlined the benefits for young people, which include building self-esteem and confidence and connecting young people to other young people and their community, and also the benefits of involving young people in decision making for communities. 

Discussion took place in respect of empty shop premises in Lochgilphead; street furniture and the engagement of young people with the Community Planning Group going forward.

The Chair thanked the Forum for the informative presentation. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the information provided.

Update by Highlands and the Islands Enterprise (HIE)

Having noted that there was no one present to provide information on this item, the Community Governance Manager agreed to make contact with the representative of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and circulate the relevant information to the group by email. 

Presentation by the Corporate Support Manager

The group gave consideration to a presentation by the Corporate Support Manager outlining the summary of the report from the Argyll and Bute Economic Forum 2016.  Mr Green outlined the decline in the local population, which has been a long term trend since the 1960s.  He further advised that Argyll and Bute’s economic success is built on a growing population and spoke of the Community Planning Partnership Single Outcome Agreement for 2013 to 2023.  Mr Green spoke of the delivery of outcomes 1,2 and 3; the Economic Summit which was held in October 2014 and establishing the current Economic Forum.  Further information on the background of Nicholas Ferguson CBE, Chairperson of the Economic Forum was provided and his vision for the area moving forward.   

Discussion took place in respect of possible career opportunities for young people within Argyll and Bute; the difficulties faced in respect of the possible opportunities for growth and the assistance provided by a number of organisations, including Argyll and Bute Council to small businesses.  Further discussion took place in respect of the need for slaughter houses, cutting plants and processing plants within the Argyll and Bute area.

The Chair thanked Mr Green for the information provided.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the information provided. 

Annual Update by Visit Scotland

The group gave consideration to a report outlining the activity report of Argyll and the Isles from July 2015 to March 2016.  Information on promoting Argyll and the Isles; the launch of the Spirit of Scotland Campaign; Argyll and the Isles Spring 2016 marketing campaign; growth fund, events fund and in-kind events support was provided.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Visit Scotland, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Presentation by Richard Heggie and Willie Inglis

The group gave consideration to a presentation by Willie Inglis, Manager of Islay Estaes and Richard Heggie of Urban Animation.  They outlined the master plan proposals of the Shoreline project, which included affordable housing and the development of business and workshop units providing space for local businesses.  They advised that developments were inkeeping with the style of the local area, and that with the expansion of Bowmore to the South West, both Main Street and the local school become more centrally focused. 

Discussion took place in respect of the close working relationship between Islay Estates and the Islay and Jura Community Enterprise; the possibilities for private investment on the island and the ownership of the playing fields, with the Vice Chair Councillor Colville advising of the current investigations in this regard.

The Chair thanked both Mr Heggie and Mr Inglis for the information provided.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the presentation.

(Ref:  Presentation by Richard Heggie and Willie Inglis, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Discussion facilitated by Logan Air and NHS Highland

The Chair advised the group that with their agreement this item would be brought to the Area Community Planning Group meeting on 10 August 2016 for discussion.  The Community Governance Manager advised that the topic also falls under Single Outcome 2:  We have infrastructure that supports growth, which will be a focus of the meeting on 10 August 2016.  The group agreed to discuss the matter at the August meeting.   

Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute HSCP

The group considered a report providing an update on progress on the actions undertaken to establish the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) from 1 April 2016.  The report highlighted the three year Strategic Plan as the mechanism by which the delegation of resources, governance and operational responsibility was transferred to the Integration Joint Board (IJB).  The group noted that with effect from 1 April 2016 the Integration Joint Board became a separate statutory body for Health and Social Care services and as such has a prescribed formal reporting and accounting process, and therefore the report would be the last formal report which would be submitted to the Area Community Planning Group.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute HSCP, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Report by Alison McGrory

The group gave consideration to a report updating on activity to improve the health of Argyll and Bute’s people during 2015-16, highlights of which include the allocation of 120 small grants for health improvement; additional investment in health improvement structures from the Integrated Care Fund; the promotion of health on the Health Argyll and Bute facebook page and the development of a new service to promote social prescribing across Argyll and Bute in partnership with Carr Gomm to support people with health problems with underlying social issues like loneliness, debt or relationship breakdown. 

Decision:

The group agreed to:

1.    note the contents of the report; and

2.    consider how they could contribute to health improvement activity in Argyll and Bute.

(Ref;  Report by Health Improvement Team, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Update by ADP Coordinator

As there was no one present to provide information on this item, the Chair advised the group that this item would be brought to the Area Community Planning Group meeting on 10 August 2016 for discussion.  The Community Governance Manager advised that the topic also falls under Single Outcome 6:  People live in safer and stronger communities, which will be a focus of the meeting on 10 August 2016 and would be considered at this time.  

Update by Antonia Baird, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator

The group gave consideration to a report and short presentation by the Health and Wellbeing Coordinator which outlined the effectiveness of the Health and Wellbeing Networks in building capacity in local communities to improve health by offering opportunities to come together and prepare local projects to meet local needs.  Ms Baird advised that there were 8 Health and Wellbeing Networks throughout Argyll and Bute, which are supported by a part-time coordinator and a health improvement specialist from the Health Improvement Team.  She outlined the membership; the opportunities for collaborative projects and the priorities of the local networks, which are determined by the Joint Health Improvement Plan 2013-2016, linking to the SOA outcomes.  Ms Baird advised that members of the Community Planning Group were welcome to link into the local networks.    

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report and short presentation.   

(Ref:  Report and Presentation by the Health and Wellbeing Coordinator, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Community Services

The group considered a report outlining the responsibilities laid on the CPP by the Strategic Guidance for Community Planning Partnerships; Community Learning and Development (CLD) (2012), and the associated legislation laid on the Education Authority.  The report also highlighted the progress of work carried out in response to these responsibilities by the Argyll and Bute Strategic CLD Partnership, with particular reference to the innovative web-based CLD Plan format that has been adopted. 

The Adult Learning Manager advised the group that they were invited to provide feedback regarding the developing strategic CLD Plan, its fitness for purpose and any known key gaps in the community learning provision relating to the MAKI area.  Ms Holles advised that this was a live document and that feedback could be provided at any time by accessing the website, www.cldplanning.com. 

Decision:

The group agreed to:

1.    note the contents of the report; and

2.    provide feedback regarding the developing strategic CLD Plan, and any knows key gaps in the community learning provision relation to their geographic area.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

The Chair asked the group to consider whether there was a need to have separate items relating to Third Sector and Partner updates on future agendas.  He requested that future agenda items were focused on the two SOA outcomes being discussed during the meeting and encouraged Third Sector organisations and Partners to provide information on activities as agenda items under the relevant Outcome headings as appropriate.   

With no one being otherwise minded this became the decision of the group. 

.

Report by Argyll Third Sector Interface

The group gave consideration to reports from the Kintyre, Mid Argyll and Islay and Jura areas in relation to matters within the third sector since the last meeting of the group. 

Discussion took place in respect of the nationally recognised Shopper-Aide, who had recently won the Herald Society Award and Age Scotland Award for Supporting Older People; the refurbishment of the town hall in Campbeltown; and the difficulty in canvassing volunteers for local groups.  

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Reports by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated 11 May 2016, submitted.)

Sgt Lana Stewart of Police Scotland advised the group of the implementation of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, which goes live on 1 July 2016.  She advised that there would be a national air weapons surrender campaign from 23 May 2016 to 12 June during the hours of daylight.  Ms Stewart further advised of the success of the Choose Wisely event held in Campbeltown Grammar School and the recruitment opportunities within the area with ongoing discussions taking place with Argyll and Bute Council in respect of opportunities for Special Constables. 

The Community Development Officer advised of the success of the MS Centre, Lochgilphead in securing funding from the Alliance Fund for long term conditions. 

Group Commander Stuart MacLean of Scottish Fire and Rescue spoke of the recruitment difficulties in the area and the efforts being made to actively encourage people to apply.  Further discussion took place in respect of the young firefighters scheme currently running in Campbeltown and Islay and the possibility of the scheme being extended to other areas. 

The Adult Learning Manager advised that the Adult Learning team are currently running SQA accredited studies and are looking to expand to National Progession Awards as preparation for people who wish to complete an SVQ in the future. 

Alison McGrory of the Health Improvement Team suggested that the Chair may wish to encourage “stand up” items, as a means to improving blood circulation during longer meetings. 

Andrew Hemmings of the Kintyre Crime Prevention Panel asked for clarification in relation to the road safety initiative at Carradale Primary School as discussed at the CPG meeting on  10 February 2016.  The Community Governance Manager advised that it would be appropriate for this item to be discussed under SOA Outcome 6:  People live in safer and stronger communities, and would be included as an agenda item at the CPG meeting in August 2016. 

The group noted that the themes for the next meeting would be:-

Outcome 2:  We have infrastructure that supports growth

Outcome 6:  People live in safer and stronger communities

The Chair advised that members of the Partnership should consider how these outcomes impact on their communities and submit potential agenda items to the Senior Area Committee Assistant by email. 

Discussion facilitated by the Area Governance Manager on items for inclusion on the Agenda for the next meeting.

Outcomes to be discussed:-

Outcome 2 (We have infrastructure that supports growth); and

Outcome 6 (People live in safer and stronger communities)

Partners noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group will take place on Wednesday 10 August 2016 at 10.00am within the Customer Service Point, Bowmore, Isle of Islay.