Minutes of the Board Meeting held on Friday 4th June at
Renaissance House, Warrington
Present:
Bryan Gray (Chairman)
Martin Harris
Pauleen Lane
Marie Rimmer
Anil Ruia
Brenda Smith
Maureen Williams
Joe Dwek CBE
John Dunning
Robert Johnston
Dave McCall
Richard Leese
Mike Storey
Also Present:
Steven Broomhead
Bernice Law (Secretary)
Judith Long, GONW
Alexis Garlick(58/05)
Sue Adams (58/06)
Nick Gerrard (58/07)
George Baxter (58/08)
Julia Madigan (58/08)
James Beresford (58/09)
Helen France (58/10)
58/00 Presentation - Sport England North
West
Stewart Kellett, Regional Director of Sport
England North West, gave a presentation on the terms of this
organisation. He outlined the role of Sports England, its
strategy and vision. The North West’s plan has 5 themes:
- Enhancing the sporting structure;
- Improving health and well being;
- Developing education and skills;
- Benefiting the economy;
- Creating stronger and safer communities.
Stewart emphasised the new focus of his organisation to achieve
an active and successful sporting region with the support of the
Board and a clear endorsement from the Government.
The Board noted the target increases in participation rates of 50%
by 2020. Issues regarding school and after school sport, and
work on Sport Tourism were discussed. It was agreed that the
Agency should have a single point of contact for sport.
58/01 Apologies for Absence
Apologies
were received from Dennis Mendoros and Neville Chamberlain.
58/02 Minutes of the meeting held on 14th
May 2004
These were approved as a correct record.
58/03 Matters Arising and Action Points
There were no matters arising.
58/04 Chief Executive's Report
The
report from the Chief Executive covered the following
issues:-
a) Casinos and Regeneration
This item was withdrawn for discussion to take place with
GONW and NWRA. It was agreed that the Urban Regeneration
(lead) and Infrastructure Sub-groups would consider this
matter. A report will be presented to the Board in September
2004.
b) Aviation Cluster Action Plans
The Board were informed that the Aviation Cluster directly
supports around 23,000 jobs in the region. This is expected
to rise to 50,000 jobs by 2030.The Aviation Cluster Action Plans
have been prepared around three themes, competitiveness, skills and
surface transport access.The Board noted that Action Plans will be
overseen by a Steering Group, Aviation NW who will act as a “brand”
for the initiative. Sub Regional Aviation networks will be
established to co-ordinate delivery.
c) Business Link Performance 2003/2004
The Board
noted the key findings from the Annual Performance Report for
Business Link organisations in the North West. Performance is
measured against four key performance
indicators:-· Penetration· Intensive
assistance· Customer satisfaction· Financial
efficiencyThe Board requested information on individual Business
Link performance.The Board noted that the ASP Board will consider
the details of BLO performance and take appropriate action.
d) Women and Enterprise
Following a request at the May Board meeting, further information
on Women and Enterprise was provided.The Board noted that in
addition to the indirect support to Women’s Enterprise, the Agency
supported other women’s entrepreneurship through Business Network
North West, Business Links, “Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs”,
financial assistance to establish a North West Regional Women’s
Group and through ASP funded initiatives in the clothing, catering
and retail sectors.
e) North West Fire and Rescue
Services
The Board were updated on the regional
management arrangements for the North West Fire and Rescue Service
following the requirement to establish Regional Management Boards
by 1 April 2004.The North West Fire and Rescue Management Board was
established on 14 January 2004 consisting of 20 representatives
from the following authorities:-· Cumbria County
Council - 1 member· Cheshire
Fire Authority - 3
members· Lancashire Combined Fire
Authority - 4 members· Merseyside
Fire & Civil Defence Authority - 4
members· Greater Manchester Fire & Civil Defence
Authority - 8 membersThe Board noted that the Agency had
been given Observer Status on the Board.
f) The Boundary Committee – Local Government
Reviews
The Board were presented with the outcome of the Boundary Committee
Report on the review of local authority boundaries. The Board
noted the recommendations and felt that all options proposed would
provide authorities with the capacity to deliver the Regional
Economic Strategy. The Board, however, were concerned about
the opposing options for Lancashire and Cumbria and requested the
Chief Executive to write to the Electoral Commission to raise these
concerns.
58/05 Finance Report
The Board noted the Finance Report which advised that the National
Audit Office would conclude their audit on 16 June 2004.
58/06 Revised Human Resources Strategy
The Board received a presentation on the Agency’s revised Human
Resources Strategy which had been updated to reflect the changing
environment within the Agency and to achieve the objectives of the
Strategic Investment Plan and the Business Plan.
The Board felt the plan should be amended to include the Agency’s
compliance with all relevant employment legislation.The strategy
listed performance criteria and the Board requested that the Head
of Human Resources reviewed these to compare the Agency’s
performance with the best in the sector.
The Board requested an update report to its meeting in September
2006.
58/07 The Northern Way Growth Strategy
The Board considered the interim progress report on the Northern
Way which had been sent to the Deputy Prime Minister and received a
presentation on progress.
The Board noted the 12 major propositions being considered as part
of the work to support the Northern Way Growth Strategy. The
key task is to take these propositions forward. The Board
felt that health care and health related research should receive
more attention as part of this work. The quality of life
issues and recreational links to cities were also highlighted by
the Board as an area for further consideration.The Board noted
forthcoming events to involve stakeholders and felt it was
important to spell out the tangibles for the private sector.
58/08 Discussion Topic : Enterprise &
Innovation
The discussion topic covered three aspects
of the Agency’s work:
- Innovation – the Board were advised of the current activity
including details of the key projects coming to fruition and
discussion took place on how the Agency would take forward the
innovation agenda.
- Manufacturing – The Board were made aware of the progress made
following the Government’s launch of the Manufacturing Strategy and
the subsequent launch of the Regional Manufacturing Strategy
through the Agency’s key partner, the Manufacturing
Institute. The Board noted the work of the Institute in
working with over 13,000 individual manufacturers in 1,700
companies. It was reported that the regional centre for
manufacturing excellence had delivered productivity improvements of
over £15m in the North West.
- NW Science – The Board were advised about the region’s lead in
science through the launch of the Science Council, which is quoted
by the Government as a best practice example. The Board were
made aware of the Council’s achievements, including the publication
of the first Regional Science Strategy, support for major cluster
strengthening projects and support for the science skills
agenda. The Board discussed the future priorities of the
Science Council over the next three years.
58/09 Regional Tourism Review
The Board were provided with an update on the development of the
Regional Tourism Review. The launch of the Tourism Strategy,
the creation of five new sub regional Tourism Boards and the
Tourism Forum were noted.
The Board also noted the key challenges for the region in this area
which include a review with partners of the Network for Tourism,
improvements in partnership working with Local Authorities
who need to be encouraged to look outside their boundaries, the
match between supply and demand, the development of the Tourism
Skills Council and the development of the ASP partnership
approach.
58/10 Report on Social Inclusion
The Board received an update report on Agency activity on social
inclusion following the Social Inclusion Audit in June 2003.
The report highlighted the progress and achievements made on
the recommendations of the Audit and specifically at how
social inclusion has addressed the Tier 2 targets together with
impact on funding and policy development.
The Board noted that a separate review of the NWDA appraisal
process had resulted in the Agency consolidating questions on
equality inclusion and diversity and that full training on these
had been given to Agency staff and partner organisations.
58/11 Chairman's Report
The Board noted the Chairman’s Report and particularly the
achievement in agreeing the concordat setting out the relationship
between RDA’s, LSC, DTI and DfES. The Chairman also reported
on the excellent first meeting of Cumbria Vision.
58/12 Report of the NWDA Subgroups
The
Board noted the reports from NWDA Sub Groups.
58/13 Board Members' Feedback
There were
no items to report.
58/14 Date and Time of Next Meeting
1.15pm on Friday, 9th July in the Greater Manchester/Merseyside
Room at Renaissance House, Warrington. The meeting finished
at 3.55 p.m.