Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Council Minutes

12 September 2007

Confirmed Minutes

Present: John Cousins (chair), Sheena Funston, Sean Coll, Nigel McKinney and Chris O’Halloran

Staff: Micháela Mackin, Joan Clements (Minute taker), Brian Mullan, Frances McClelland and Duncan Morrow (arrived at 2pm)

1. Apologies: Caroline Wilson, Jim Campbell, Maureen Hetherington, Jacqueline Irwin, Carol Taylor

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting (6^th March 2007)

Agreed.

3. Minutes of Meeting (14^th November 2006)

Agreed

4. Matters Arising

Lobbying issues

This matter had arose as a result of the council not wanting to fund work that went against its ethos and to ensure that funding should be used for the purpose it was attended.

Micháela reminded members of the nature of this issue and stated that advice had been sought from Cassidy & Jones Solicitors and Jennifer Ebbage Solicitors. Further clarification had been sought on this issue by Micháela Mackin.

Following from this advice, new Core Funding contracts have been drawn up and would issue if a further scheme extension is granted. This will ensure consistency of practice with respect to funding contracts across the Council.

Micháela talked members through the proposed changes and it was suggested that a statement detailing the core values of CRC should be issued with any new contracts.

It was agreed that Micháela Mackin will forward a copy of the contract to the Victims Unit in advance of any new future scheme, as necessary.

Core Funding Scheme Salaries increase

Brian Mullan confirmed groups have received a 3% pay increase in line with NJC pay scales.

5. Officers Reports

Report from Joan Clements

Joan Clementsadvised that during the period since the committee last met, work has focused on end of year verification, support visits and providing ongoing support and development for Phoenix Groups.

End of year verifications have been completed, no problems were identified. There is an underspend and officers will be working on reallocations.
Support visits: Joan advised that there has been a recurring theme of anger, desolation and a sense of despondency brought about from the setting up of the Assembly. There is recognition that the peace process is positive in respect of the future, nevertheless, there has been a lot of pain because of composition of the Executive in the Assembly. She advised there is no difference in the sentiments expressed by both communities.
Development and support for Phoenix Groups is ongoing. Joan advised that small welfare groups in a number of geographical areas have identified interest in forming umbrella groups to offer support, share information and undertake formal training.

Joan provided members with some examples of good practice across the sector: the CALMS DVD; the excellent support offered by Columba to CALMS in recent times and the work with young people that CALMS are undertaking in conjunction with Relatives for Justice

Joan informed committee that many members of the small welfare groups were for the first time identifying that they were victims of the troubles. She shared with the committee some discussions that had taken place and how individuals reflected on events that had taken place in their lives. She shared how she had recovered feedback from groups who had created the opportunity to share experiences and feelings.

Discussion took place within the committee about the examples provided. Members felt strongly that there should be some mechanism in place to archive good work taking place and that CRC should be promoting this work and making examples available. This issue should be raised with Duncan Morrow. Sheena Funston informed members that the Linen Hall Library is currently doing some work around this.

Joan gave members an update on befriending. A further 60 volunteers are due to be trained and development work is ongoing with existing trained volunteers and co-ordinators.

Joan advised that two questionnaires had been sent out to groups. One to develop a portfolio of counselling services and the other is to capture interest in community relations work in order to develop a programme of staff within groups.

Report from Brian Mullan

Brian Mullan advised members that verification visits are complete.

Brian appraised the committee on the view of the majority of groups, that there is real concern over the lack of strategic direction in the sector at present and the length of time it is taking to appoint a new commissioner. A number of groups have indicated that with funding streams coming to an end, there will be increased dependency on the Development Grant Scheme.

Duncan Morrowarrived.

It was agreed after discussion that a letter is to be issued to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister regarding the stalemate on the Victims Commissioner Appointment and the Victims Strategy, from the Chair of this Committee.

Brian provided members with some examples of good practice from across the sector:

The Wider Circle is about to undertake another series of their self help courses in Belfast, Derry and Dundalk; the BBC’s Donna Traynor recently voiced a public charity broadcast for the group.
VAST have been dedicating much time to supporting members through meetings with the Historical Enquiries Team.
New Life Counselling have increased their funding, and are well equipped to deal financially with the issues in the area. They have reported there is an issue of youth suicide in the area.

Brian provided an update on a seminar organised by the CRC which was held on 5^th September 2007. This was on the research undertaken by Katie Radford and Sarah Templer entitled “Hearing the Voices, Sharing Perspectives in the Victim/ Survivor Sector”. Brian advised members that the publication would be launched during the Annual Victims Conference.

Planning for the Annual Conference is underway. It is being held in the Killyhevlin Hotel Enniskillen on 29^th and 30^th October. Core Funded groups were given an opportunity to have input in the conference programme.

The party spokespersons on victim’s issues from each of the five main political parties have been invited to attend. The First and Deputy First Minister have also been invited.

Brian advised members that he is due to attend a CICA – STR conference in Madrid at the end of the month. This is at the invite of Dr Yael Danielli. He will provide an update at the next meeting.

Report from Frances McClelland and Carol Taylor

Frances advised members that to date the Development scheme has received 148 applications and the Befrienders Scheme 139 applications. The scheme is due to stop accepting new applications on 14^th December 2007.

A table was circulated to members highlighting some of the types and themes of project work which is being supported through the Development Grant Scheme.

Officers are undertaking grant assessments as usual and providing support to groups with a focus on raising the capacity of voluntary organisations. Guidance notes have been devised and issued to groups to assist them during the grant application process and in providing their financial returns. Feedback on this guidance has been positive.

Frances gave members some examples of projects which have been supported under this scheme to date.

6. Report on In Contract Savings

Brian Mullan requested committee approval for his tabled proposal to address in year contract saving. This will allow officers to reallocate In Contract Savings following CRC’s standard procedure for signing off grant awards. Committee approved this recommendation.

Following the end of year verifications officers highlighted in contract saving for 2006/2007 Core Funding year at £50,000.

7. Special Requests

NIMTT

Joan explained the background to which this request has been made. She informed members that there is a 10% vierment margin that excludes reallocation from salaries budgets. At the time of the NIMTT allocation in 2002, the maximum travel award was £1400 but as NIMTT is a regional organisation this has not been sufficient to cover the travel costs. Joan requested that committee allow some reallocation from salaries to cover mileage in this exceptional circumstance.
Decision

Following discussion, committee agreed to this recommendation.

Shankill Stress and Trauma

Brian Mullan gave members some background information about the group and requested that committee consider his recommendation to change that way they allocate their budget line for counselling.

As part of the original award Shankill Stress and Trauma received funding toward one full time counsellor salary. As the scheme progressed, committee approved a request to use the budget line to employ sessional counsellors. They have since secured funding for sessional counselling from other sources and are now finding it difficult to pay the salary for their part time co-ordinator. This request is to allow Shankill Stress and Trauma to return to their original position and use the salary budget line to employ the co-ordinator.

Decision

Following discussion, committee agreed to this recommendation.

CALMS

Joan asked the committee to consider a request from CALMS to increase their rent allocation on the basis that they needed to move premises because their current building is to be knocked down.

Discussion took place regarding precedent. Joan asked the committee to consider this request unique as CALMS were not choosing to relocate but were forced into this position by the Landlord.

Decision.

Following discussion, committee agreed to this recommendation.

VAST

Brian informed members that VAST were in a similar position and were being forced from their current premises. He advised committee that the decision regarding CALMS would set a precedent and have a knock on effect for other groups.

Decision.

Following discussion, committee agreed in principle, that if a premises move is beyond the control of groups, support should be offered where the finances are available.

Sheena Funston informed members that there is a group in Kosovo who are travelling to England with an art exhibition and have requested an opportunity to exhibit in Northern Ireland. It was agreed Sheena Funston would provide information to Joan Clements who would assess this application as is usual practice under the outlined criteria for the VSDGS.

8. Fourth Annual Conference for Victims and Survivors

Micháela circulated a draft conference programme and highlighted the key elements of the programme to members:

Date: 29^thand 30^th October
Venue: Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen
Invitations issued to First and Deputy First Ministers to attend the event in August 07.
A meeting has taken place with representatives from Core Funded groups to discuss their ideas/suggestions for the conference.
Confirmed speakers to date are Duncan Morrow, Katy Radford and Sara Templar.
Invitations have issued to political party spokespersons on victims issues; to date one representative has confirmed their attendance.
Jim Fitzpatrick (The Politics Show) has confirmed that he will chair the Political Panel session.
Four large workshops are planned:

v Anger Management - Shankill Stress and Derry Well Women

v Remembering our past & supporting and work with Young People/Children – invitation issued to NI Children’s commissioner

v Funding & Sustainability – workshop with fundraising expert Kevin McCaughey and Jim Dennison (CRC EU Programme)

v Dealing with the past – HTR – some members from the Board have confirmed their attendance.

NOVA will provide a counsellor for the two days.
Exhibition stands/information display area will be organised.
Letters and booking forms have been issued to all groups.

9. Acknowledging and Dealing with the past

Micháela opened discussion on the “Dealing With the Past” panel which is being co-chaired by Arch Bishop Robin Eames and Denis Bradley.

She suggested that there may be an opportunity at the conference, facilitated by Healing Through Remembering, to have an open plenary session.

A response to the Eames Bradley Consultation will be made by the CRC before the 7^th December 2007 deadline. It was confirmed that Gemma Attwood (Policy Development Programme) and Michaela Mackin would be taking the lead in formulating material and drafting a response. It is the intention for a working group to be formed with the CFCVS and one representative from the other CRC committees to help formulate this response.

Foundations of Peace Network

Micháela informed committee that Grainne Kelly has been funded through CFNI Peace Programme - outward and forward looking region, to look at the subject of “victim empowerment”. There will be a conference in May 2008 where a number of case studies will be showcased demonstrating victims empowerment.

10. Who Cares for the Carers? - update

Joan advised that a further letter had been sent to Health Service Personnel but stated that staff structures within the Health Boards have likely changed. She is currently working on making contact with the appropriate people.

She advised that a preliminary meeting had taken place within the Omagh, Fermanagh and Strabane areas to consider how funding could be accessed to plug gaps in services. Additional information on this will be provided at the next meeting.

11. AOB

None

12. Date and Venue of next meeting

4^th December 2007. CRC Office, Linen Green, Dungannon.

(Sean Coll gave his apologies for this meeting)