Community Relations Council
Equity Diversity Interdependence
Promoting a Peaceful and Fair
Society based on Reconciliation
and Mutual Trust.
September 2007
27 September 2007
MINUTES OF THE ONE HUNDRED & TWENTY-FORTH & RECONSTITUTED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
HELD ON THURSDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER @ 1.30 p.m.
IN THE 5TH FLOOR BOARDROOM, GLENDINNING HOUSE, MURRAY STREET, BELFAST BT1
1805/07 PRESENT: Action:
Mr J Cousins, Mr C O’Halloran, Ms M Hetherington, Mr D O’Loan, Mr E McCartan (Chair), Dr D Stevens, Mr R Wilson, Ms C Wilson.
1806/07 APOLOGIES:
Ms E Gallagher, Mr T McCusker, Ms M Muldoon, Mr M Wardlow.
1807/07 IN ATTENDANCE:
Dr D Morrow [CEO], Ms J Irwin {Deputy CEO], Mr J Fitzsimons [P/D DFAP], Mr R Mullan [P/D Communication & Resources], Ms G Attwood [P/D Policy Dev Prog], Ms H Scott [P/Secretary].
1808/07 OBSERVER:
Mr Billy Gamble (OFMDFM)
1809/07 MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meetings (30th May 2007 and 28th June 2007) having been circulated, were taken as read. Amendments were noted (i) to May Minutes [Mins 1782/07, page 7 refers] a final sentence referring to “a tranche system” (Mr O’Halloran) was removed (ii) [Mins 1775, page 3} two references to Business in the Community (Mr R Wilson) were removed (iii) [Mins 1783, page 8] a typographical error amended to read White City.
1810/07 CHAIR’S BUSINESS:
1 The Chairman informed members that Mr Gamble would be retiring at the end of the year and he wished to take this opportunity to thank Mr Gamble on behalf of himself and the Council for the energy, drive and commitment he had shown towards community relations in general, and more recently to A Shared Future programme. He also thanked Mr Gamble for his support and advice throughout his term of office and wished him well for the future.
2 Premises [Mins1797/07 refer]: The CEO informed Council that this matter was still very much on the agenda as Council staff had increased and additional space was now was critical.
1810/07 Chair’s business continued: Action:
Premises cont: The CEO said that there were a number of options being explored including possible office space becoming available within Glendinning House.
3 Forthcoming events: The Chairman indicated that the following events
might be of interest:
§ 16th October Donald Shriver public lecture at Spires Centre &.7.30 p.m.)
§ 17th October Donald Shriver roundtable in CRC Boardroom (1.30 p.m.)
§ 29/30th October CRC’s Victims Conference Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
§ 21st November Trevor Philips (BCC)
§ 22nd November John Paul Lederach seminar @ CRC
§ 23rd November CRC Live Issues Conference
1811/07 MATTERS ARISING:
Ratification of papers from May and June meetings (as below)
(i) FRS17 update [Papers CRC/124/09/07/01(a), (b) and (c) refer]. The above includes Council Recruitment and June paper CRC/123/06/07/03 which will be tabled at meeting.
Mr Fitzsimons informed members that CRC had written to the Department and to NILGOSC regarding FRS17. Legal advice had been taken in connection to CRC’s financial position in order to reassure board members as to CRC’s solvency and that there would be no financial implication for members.
The CEO told members that the difficulties had arisen through a NILGOSC valuation which had impacted on a large number of public bodies. He suggested that the longer term consequence would probably be an increase in pension costs.
Mr Fitzsimons advised members that CRC was now in a position to ratify Accounts (as circulated). He also asked that Accountants Finegan and Gibson be given a further year (in light of FRS17) after which the Council would seek to tender for external auditors.
.
The Chairman asked members if they approved the papers presented and those tabled and were willing to ratify same.
Approval was proposed by Mr R Wilson
Seconded by Dr D Stevens
Papers were agreed.
1811/07 Matters Arising continued: Action:
(i) FRS17 continued:
New members (paper circulated at meeting refers): Mr Fitzsimons told members that one further implication of FRS17 was to stall the process for the recruitment of new members. He pointed out that until legal advice had been obtained, caution about finalising the recruitment of new members had been exercised. Mr Fitzsimons asked members to approve the re-issued list of (proposed) new members so that recruitment could proceed.
New members:
Hazel Francey, Stephen Farry, James Deery, Sylvia Gordon, William Campbell, Anthony Kennedy, David Porter, Eamonn Oakes, Stella McDermott and Roseleen McCorley.
Approval was proposed by Mr J Cousins
This was Seconded by Mr D O’ Loan.
The CEO said that a date would be set-up for CIPFA training and it would be offered to new members
Mr O’Loan asked that members be written to reminding them of retiring dates. CEO/J Fitzsimons
(ii) Papers for ratification:The Chairman asked members for permission to take the following papers as a batch for ratification. He confirmed that the papers had been issued at the June Council meeting and had been noted and/or approved by members present at that (June) meeting and, because it was inquorate, they had been re-issued to members who were absent from the June 2007 meeting (both by post and e-mail).
The Chair pointed out that no one had come back with any comments and he was therefore recommending their ratification.
§ draftFinancial statements 2006-07 [Mins 1795/07 referred]
§ draftOperational Plan [Mins 1796/07, Item (ii) referred]
§ Disability Action Plan (Paper CRC/223/06/07/03 referred]
§ Risk Register [Paper CRC/123/06/07/04,1 & 04.1(a) referred]
§ Recruitment & Selection Policy & Procedure (Paper 7/27/04/07 referred)
§ Access & Communications Policy & Procedures (Paper 8/27/4/07 referred)
1811/07 Matters Arising continued: Action:
Ms Irwin said that members should note that the Risk Register had been adjusted to include risks re FRS17.
The above papers were approved.
(iii) Good Relations Forum: Dr Stevens gave a verbal update. He said
that the Forum had worked through key issues and themes re Shared
Neighbourhoods. Dr Stevens stated that following the challenge paper on “Embedding Good Relations in Local Government” (Equality Commission) there would be a challenge paper on Good Relations and Equality. He said that the next meeting of the Forum would be chaired by Mr Nigel Hamilton (Chair of the Good Relations Panel).
1812/07 PRESENTATION by CEO – “Which future now?”
[Paper CRC/124/09/07/02 refers]
(1) Dr Morrow outlined the background to the presentation. He said that on the return to devolved government it appeared that the policy framework which had informed CRC’s last period of activity had now come into question.
After a discussion there was general agreement on the following:
§ If the term “A Shared Future” was not promoted by the new government, the Council should continue to project itself towards this goal and continue to have it as its main strategic objective.
§ To hold agreement on a Strategic Plan until the Comprehensive Spending Review and Programme for Government have been finalised which could provide more information in terms of what to base CRC’s Strategic Plan on.
§ Agreement that CRC needed to hold the vision of A Shared Future perhaps adding value, demonstrating capacity and becoming indispensable in areas government could not provide.
Members agreed that a shared future/a shared society remained a key strategy for the Council and that it should continue to plan around this vision.
Mr Gamble (OFMDFM) pointed out that A Shared Future was included in the Comprehensive Spending Review” and he emphasised that it remained the policy.
1813/07 Presentation by CEO continued: Action:
(2) Memorandum of Association/Articles of Association:The CEO advised members that comments had been received from OFMDFM on both of these documents to ensure that they met CRC’s needs. He said that the amended documents would be brought to Committee for approval within the next two months.
CEO/Mr Fitzsimons
1813/07 RECRUITMENT OF CHAIR: [Paper CRC/124/09/07/03 refers]
The Chairman indicated that Option 2 (Public Advertisement) would be the best option in terms of Best Practice guidelines. He said that CRC should circulate every Council/Board member with regard to their level of interest in this post.
Mr Fitzsimons
The Chair suggested that those members who had not expressed an interest could be invited to join a selection panel which he said would need to reflect all the necessary requirements. He said that this panel would include an independent observer.
The CEO said that re-instatement of annual honorarium would have to be addressed. He asked for members agreement of the criteria (as set out in the above-mentioned paper) so that the recruitment process could proceed to the advertisement stage before(?) the next Council meeting.
MrFitzsimons
1814/07 CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN:
[Papers CRC/124/09/07/04(a) & )4(b) refer]
The CEO asked members if they wished to proceed with the Plan as it is or if they wanted to wait until the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Members agreed that this Plan should proceed. (Refer Mins 1812/07)
The CEO told members that a General Purposes Committee meeting would be required, prior to the November Council meeting, in order to look at Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association and to progress the recruitment of the Chair. He said Mr Fitzsimons would be contacting relevant members.
Mr Fitzsimons
1815/07 OPERATIONAL PLANNING:
[Papers CRC/124/09/07/05, 05.1(a) & 05.1(b) 05.2, 05.3 refer]
(i) Equality up-date (05)
Ms Irwin thanked members for the ratification of the Disability Action Plan (Minute 1811/07, page 3 refers).
Ms Irwin reported progress with EQIAs and indicated that the screening of CRC policies, in collaboration with Dr Kremer, was at an advanced stage
(ii) Section 75 Progress Report (05.1(a): Ms Irwin asked members if they would formally agree this Report which had been sent to the Equality Commission.
Approval was proposed by Mr Wilson and seconded by Mr O’Loan.
(Mr O’Loan left the Boardroom at 3.30 p.m.)
(iv) Operational Plan 2007-2008 (2nd quarter) Progress Review (05.2): Ms Irwin indicated that this paper was an up-date on the implementation of CRC’s Plan.
(A full plan was available at the meeting for members)
(iv) Performance Indicators (Issue/Considerations)2007-08 (05.3):
Two further papers relating to Performance Indicators papers were tabled at the meeting e.g.:
(a) Performance Indicators 2007-2008 – Objectives 1 to 6 refer
(b) Performance Indicators 07/08 -letter from OFMDFM dated 26th September 2007 refers.
Ms Irwin informed members that these two papers that had been tabled because the meeting with CRU had just taken place (this week).
The Chairman suggested that, if members had comments or suggestions regarding Operation Plan (2nd quarter review) or the Performance Indicators they pass these to Ms Irwin within 10 days. He said that otherwise these papers would be considered ratified.
This was agreed.
1815/07 Operational Planning continued: Action:
The Chairman thanked CRC all staff for the work involved in preparing papers for the Council meetings.
(Ms Irwin left the Boardroom at 3.40 p.m.)
1816/07 POLICY PAPERS:
[Papers CRC/124/09/07/06 and 06.1 refer]
(1) Consultation paper – Strategic Review of Parades (06)
After a general discussion it was agreed that Mr Cousins, Mr Wilson and Ms Attwood would discuss some minor amendments to this paper.
It was agreed that following the amendments the paper would be signed off by the Chief Executive and submitted.
(2) Proposals for an Ulster-Scots Academy:
This paper was approved by members.
(3) Assembly & Executive Review Committee (inquiry into the devolution of Policing and Justice matters) – paper tabled at meeting refers.
Ms Attwood set out the key points. She said that the Committee were reporting back in February/May 2008. She pointed out that the deadline was today (27th September) and that with member’s approval, it would be submitted as an interim draft. Ms Attwood indicated that a request would, at a later date, be made to meet with the Committee.
Mr Gamble (OFMDFM) suggested the use of “citizens” should be reviewed.
The Chair asked members is they were agreed to submitting this paper as a first draft.
This was approved.
1817/07 EU PEACE III UP-DATE:
[Paper CRC/124/09/07/07 refers]
The CEO told members that this paper was important for Council members because if provided details on the EU Programme’s progress with SEUPB.
1817/07 EU Peace III up-date (Recommendations) continued:
The CEO outlined priorities. He informed members that CRC would provide the technical assistance on the quality side and would be working with another partner body, Border Action and there would be a joint Steering Committee.
The CEO asked members if they support the recommendations (Paper CRC/124/09/07/07, Page 5 refers):
§ That the Council endorse the steps taken by staff to date in relation to the Peace III Programme.
§ The Council endorse the proposed principles for CRC oversight and governance of the Peace III programme subject to the final approval of the EU Committee and the Chair of the Council.
Dr Stevens asked if the existing EU Committee would cease to exist when these arrangements were put in place.
The CEO confirmed that it would cease as an independent Committee but that the Committee would be subsumed into the Joint Committee.
The Chair asked members if they agreed with the abovementioned recommendation.
Approval was confirmed.
(Ms Irwin returning to the Boardroom at 4:10 p.m.)
1818/07 PATHFINDER PROPOSAL – White City
[Paper CRC/124/09/07/08 to be tabled at meeting]
The CEO apologised for the fact that this paper was not being tabled. This was due to the fact that insufficient information was available.
1819/07 CEO’s REPORT:
[Paper CRC/124/09/07/09 refers]
The above report outlines current issues and main areas of work.
Cost of Division Report: The CEO informed members that there were copies Deloitte’s report available (tabled at meeting for information/interest).
Crumlin RoadMaster Plan: Dr Morrow told members that the Advisory Panel has concluded but there had been no agreements in terms of housing.
1819/07 CEO’s Report continued: Action:
Crumlin RdMaster Plan cont: He said the Plan was out for consultation and had been submitted to the Minister (with a preference for housing pending inter-community discussions).
Staffing matters: The CEO welcomed the new staff:
§ Dorothy Monaghan (Development Officer with (IFI) Community Bridges Programme)
§ Marianne Laird (Administrative Assistant also with (IFI) Community Bridges Programme
§ Maurna Crozier has left full time employment with CRC (after 17 years) but will be overseeing current projects on a three-day-per-month basis until March 2008.
1820/07 FINANCE:
[Paper CRC/124/09/07/10(i) & (ii) and 10.1 (A to E) refers]
(i) Profile of Expenditure
(ii) Notes on Profile
Mr Fitzsimons confirmed that expenditure was on target for full spend.
Grant Expenditure Review (A to E)
Mr Fitzsimons indicated that the Review was from June to August 2007.
There were no questions
Review of Financial Memorandum –tabled at meeting refers
Mr Fitzsimons indicated that copies had been tabled at the meeting for member’s information. He informed members that this was a revised version which had been completed in conjunction with CRU.
1821/07 SECTOR REPORTS:
[Papers CRC/124/09/07/11 to 15 refer]
These sector reports are for member’s information:
Funding & Development Programme
(Paper CRC/124/09/07/11 refers)
European Programme
(Paper CRC/124/09/07/12 refers)
1821/07 Sector Reports continued: Action:
Policy Development Programme
(Paper CRC/124/09/07/13 refers
Communication & Learning Resources
(Paper CRC/124/09/07/14 refers)
IFI Community Bridges 2007
(Paper CRC/124/ 09/07/15 refers)
1822/07 AOB: Action:
(1) Eames/Bradley review/group/committee: The CEO informed members that an ad hoc group had been established to respond to the Eames/Bradley review group on the past. It was hoped that a representative of other Council Committees could join the group. The first meeting would take place on Friday 8th October. The group would report by the next meeting of Council.
The CEO suggested that possibly the Chairs of the various
Committees could be approached e.g.
Mr M Wardlow
Dr David Stevens
Mr John Cousins
Ms Maureen Hetherington
Mr Robin Wilson
This was agreed.
(2) Stratagem issue: Ms Wilson said that he had been approached to comment on this issue of “A Shared Future Foundation”
The CEO said that he had written to Quintin Oliver (Stratagem) underling the need to align the new Foundation to the work of CRC.
The Chair suggested that Ms Wilson avoid involvement and recommended that it be left to the CEO or Council (as appropriate) to attend to.
(3) Hazelwood “fence”: The CEO stated that the “putting up” of this fence had triggered a huge debate about why there was no policy regarding the putting up or taking down of barriers between communities.
1822/07 AOB continued: Action:
Hazelwood “fence” continued: The CEO indicated that CRC was hoping to work with DSD/NIO/PSNI to develop a strategy and look at a “process” for erecting (and taking down) these dividing fences. The CEO pointed out that Trina Vargo who had been advisor the US President had put this important issues “on the map” and who was asking relevant questions.
1823/07 DATES OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETINGS:
Wednesday 28th Nov 2007 (Linen Green Centre, Moygashel, Dungannon)
1823/07 Dates of next Council meetings continued: Action:
Proposed dates for January and March 2008 meetings:
Thurs 31st Jan 2008 – Boardroom, Murray Street
Thurs 27th Mar 2008 – Boardroom, Murray Street
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