Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Council Minutes

04 August 2004

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES COMMITTEE

EXTRAORDINARY MEETING: FRIDAY 6 AUGUST 2004

Present: Mr Michael Wardlow (CHAIR), Dr David Stevens, Ms Libby Keys, Ms Jane Leonard, Mr Barney Devine

Observer: Ms Karen Jardine (OFMDFM)

Apologies: Ms Maura Muldoon, Ms Karen Johnston

In attendance: Mr Paul Jordan (Acting Director, Funding and Development) Ms Alison Montgomery (Core Funding Officer)

This extraordinary meeting was called to consider recommendations of the Review Panel in regard to requests from NI Interfaith Forum, Training Trust, Ulster Scots Heritage Council and Nerve Centre.

Recommendations from Review Panel

Members were advised that the timescale for requesting a formal review of decision had now elapsed and only the four organisations named had taken the process to this stage.

Members were also advised that in-contract savings due to delays in recruitment procedures had ensured that adequate budget provision was available to account for any decisions taken at this meeting.

1.1 NI Interfaith Forum

Members ratified the decision of the review panel. Previous decision upheld.

1.2 Training Trust

Members ratified the decision of the review panel. Previous decision upheld.

1.3 Nerve Centre

Extensive discussion on the panel's recommendation took place. Members expressed concerns as to proof of unreasonableness of decision making processes given the volume of applications the programme receives and the need to prioritise decisions within this framework. Members agreed that the grounds for review should be reconsidered and clear and coherent procedures and bases for overturning decisions be developed. Members were advised that this process will be initiated by CRC in the Autumn.

Members agreed in principle to provision of a CR/CD grant of up to £10,000 which should be based on a satisfactory programme of work being developed with the Nerve Centre.

1.4 Ulster Scots Heritage Trust

Members agreed to the review panel's recommendation to extend funding by 6 months and make available a further £13,500. Core Funding Officer to issue contract accordingly.

2 Request for Reprofiling of Core Funding Award

Counteract

Members agreed to the proposed re-structuring of Counteract's core funding budget. Core funding officer to advise group accordingly and to continue to monitor organisation.

Dr Stevens left the room whilst discussion of the following took place

Corrymeela

Members agreed to the proposed restructuring of Corrymeela's core funding budget. Core funding officer to advise group accordingly and to continue to monitor organisation.

Date of Next Meeting

Thursday 30th September 2004