Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Council Minutes

11 September 2003

Core Funding Committee Victims and Survivors

11 September 2003

Attendees: John Cousins (CHAIR), Sheena Funston, Sheila-Jayne Malley, Caroline Wilson, Caroline Evans, Anne O'Connell, Sarah Todd

Apologies: Maureen Hetherington, Marie-Helene Knox, Chris O'Halloran Micháela Mackin, Derrick Mathews,

In Attendance: Brian Mullan, Joan Clements, Jacqueline Irwin, Carol Taylor

1. Minutes of last meeting

(CRCV/11/09/03/01)

Concern was expressed regarding the project - was more about a search for justice than “The telling of a story”, Mr Mullan refuted this. In his view the project portrays how people can ensure victims come together and volunteer. Everyone was content with amendments.

Recruitment issue to be tabled for the next meeting.

The minutes were accepted.

Matters Arising

Pensions

CFO reported that the total cost of pensions for groups would amount to £132,000. The Chair asked if CRC had a policy on pensions. John to raise this matter with the Council at the next meeting with regard to developing a policy.

Action: Chair to raise issue re: CRC policy on pensions.

3. Officers Reports (CRCV/11/09/03/02 and CRCV/11/09/03/03 refer)

Mr Mullan and Ms Clements spoke to these papers.

It was noted during verifications that there was a gap in recording of activities, it was agreed that this needs to be looked at as it is not always possible to account for time spent daily.

Discussion took place on recording groups performance through indicators and outcomes, it was suggested that groups should be offered training in this particular area. Ms Todd suggested to check with Ms Knox to see if there is a pro forma used on other Schemes, which would make it easier for groups to record.

A discussion commenced on rates. Mr Mullan informed the committee that two groups were in difficulty regarding rates. These groups have since applied for charitable status. There was concern over why the groups had not applied for charitable status before now as rates had not been paid on any previous schemes.

Action: It was agreed that full information is needed by Committee in respect of changing budget headings and decision on funding towards rates was denied.

Verification Visits

No outstanding issues regarding Officers reports. Mr Mullan noted that the procedures adopted by groups were of a high standard.

Economic Appraisals

Economic Appraisals were carried out on 10 groups these are now complete with no outstanding issues. Economic Appraisals were conducted by Lestas Consulting and Master Associates. Results are a full Green Book appraisal which is in accordance with government guidelines. Copies available from CFO on request. Decisions can stand with regard to payment.

Action: Mr Mullan to draw up a report to this effect.

Grant Applications

Tabled: South West Community Victims Initiative

Apologies were presented re: tabling of grant application due to Ms Clements waiting for final details from the group. Committee agreed to support request.

It was also agreed that any future items that need to be discussed at short notice would be e-mailed to committee members before the meeting takes place.

Special Requests

Contact Youth (CRCV/11/09/03/04)

It was agreed Contact Youth should apply to the small grants scheme, any salary that has not been used must be returned.

FODDD (CRCV/11/09/03/05)

Insurance was not funded to this group - it was applied for in their application.

Agreed: Insurance will be paid.

Discussion took place to look at their requirements for the need of a full time or part time administration worker.

Action:

Compare needs to other groups, which fall into the same category as FODDD.

Job Description to be reviewed and altered if necessary.

Ms Clements to e-mail committee with further information, decision is subject to further clarification.

Cunamh (CRCV/11/09/03/06)

Group has requested for virement of award to other budget headings in order to cover their insurance payments.

Decision: It was agreed Cunamh can vire funding allocations towards insurance payments but not towards any other contributions. This means Cunamh will lose travel and supervision.

Action: Mr Mullan/Ms Clements to advise Cunamh.

Any Other Business

Ms Todd noted there was a backlog on processing of small grants. Discussion took place on the need of extra support (as one staff member has been on sick leave) in order to help reduce the backlog.

Proposal: Temporary assistance to help the Officers to process small grant applications. This issue would be raised with the Director of the Programme.

Discussion took place on the conference being held by North West Health & Social Services Trust - bursaries for their grant application will be classed as one overall application. In order to offer everyone within groups the same opportunity, individuals can only apply for funding to attend conferences once annually.

Date of next meeting: Thursday 11th December 2003