Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Council Minutes

20 May 2004

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday 20th May 2004

Present: Dr David Stevens, Ms Libby Keys, Ms Jane Leonard, Mr Michael Wardlow

Apologies: Mr Barnie Devine, Mr Paul Jordan

In attendance: Dr Duncan Morrow, Ms Micháela Mackin, Ms Jacqueline Irwin, Ms Alison Montgomery and Ms Jenny Shaw, Ms Frances McClelland, Ms Roisin McGuire

Chaired by: Mr Michael Wardlow

Minutes of last meeting:

Minutes from last meeting agreed.

Matters Arising:

Counteract

Duncan Morrow updated the Committee on Counteract and steps which were being taken to secure its future.

Co-opting of a new Council member to replace Cecilia Clegg

Members were asked to put forward some names for consideration as the possible new CIC member to replace Cecilia Clegg who had resigned. Names suggested were;

Funding and Development briefing papers:

(Paper CIC20/05/04/02 refers)

Ms Mackin spoke about this paper and updated the Committee on current activities being undertaken by the Programme. She told the Committee that although it had been an extremely busy year, staff had worked hard and surpassed all commitments and targets set. Members were told there had been a 49% increase in the number of applications dealt with under the Community Relations and Cultural Diversity Grant Scheme during the past financial year.

Ms Mackin informed members of several staff changes. She welcomed Frances McClelland to the team as the new Project Officer and informed the Committee that Jenny Shaw would be leaving the Council in early July.

Core Funding Programme

(Paper CIC20/05/04/02 refers)

Alison Montgomery briefed the committee on current activities. Once again all targets and commitments under this Programme had been met and the Core Funding Programme had seen a 79% increase in funding applications.

Review of the Core Funding Programme

Ms Montgomery told the Committee that funds were being sought from CRU to conduct a review of the Core Funding Programme, - something which had never been undertaken before. Members were told that Michaela Mackin was in discussion with Vincent Gribben to try and take this matter forward and once funding was secured tenders would be called for. Members were asked if they would participate in a steering group for this review process. Mr Michael Wardlow and Dr David Stevens agreed to sit on this group.

External Evaluation of Core Funding Programme

Members were told that this process was ongoing and terms of reference were currently in development. Members were asked to take part in a steering group for this process. Ms Jane Leonard agreed to participate.

Support Themes for 2004/2005

Some discussion was had regarding proposed Mandatory and Elective support themes for 2004/2005.

It was agreed that there would be 3 Mandatory Themes;

Employer's responsibilities
Financial Accountability
Sustainability

The Elective Theme would be;

Citizenship and Community Relations

Slippage

Miss Montgomery sought Member's approval of suggestions made for expenditure of any financial slippage which may occur within the Programme. The proposal was put that groups be invited to put forward bids for activities they could/would undertake should monies become available. These would then be ranked and funding provided if it became available. Members gave their approval to this course of action.

Dungannon Office

Michaela Mackin thanked Roisin McGuire for all her hard work in ensuring a sufficient level of bookings for the Dungannon Office and her assistance with the process of securing of new tenants for a proportion of the office space.

Development of Inter Community Network Panel with NIHE

Michaela Mackin briefed members on the work Council was undertaking in participation with NIHE.

The first meeting had taken place on 6th May 2004 and although difficult had been of benefit. Further dates had been set for meetings to progress the Network and Members would be kept informed of progress.

Libby Keyes suggested that Michael Hall from Rural Community Network be approached to participate in these meetings.

Proposed Management of Applications to the Core Funding Committee

(Paper CIC20/05/04/03 refers)

Alison Montgomery briefed the committee on this paper and it was Members agreed to her recommendations on the proviso that all decisions be ratified by full Committee.

Any Other Business:

Jacqueline Irwin spoke briefly on the International Monitoring Committee's reports regarding links to paramilitary groupings. She told Members that Duncan Morrow was seeking clarification of the definition of “links” as this could impact significantly on CRC's relationship with some funded groups. As yet no response had been received, but Members would be kept updated.

Date of Next Meeting:

September 2004