Agenda item - Third Sector Investment Programme

Report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing (copy attached)

RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the findings of the evaluation report (set out in appendix 1 to the report);

(2) That the Committee approves the creation of a 2010-2013 Third Sector Commissioning Prospectus as described in paragraphs 1.4 and 1.5 of the report; and

(3) That Committee agrees to receive a further report in summer 2019 outlining the commissioning outcomes and principles developed through the consultation process, for their approval ahead of the Prospectus being published for bids in September 2019.

47.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing, detailing the first year of operation of the Third Sector Investment Programme. The purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with details of the findings of independent evaluation of the first year (2017/18) of the Council’s and Clinical Commissioning Group’s Third Sector Comission (TSC) 2017-20120. The Commission along with the council’s, annual grant programme – The Communities Fund – formed the council’s Third Sector Investment Programme (TSIP).

47.2    It was noted that the Commission provided a new approach to grant making and the majority (88%) of TSIP budget was awarded through the Commission. In January 2017 twenty-six Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) partnerships had been awarded three year grants through the commissioning process. The grant agreements were in place to end in March 2020.

47.3    Councillor Littman referred to the benefits which had accrued to residents which had exceeded the target set by 142 which equated to 12.6% of the city’s population. This was a good news story and represented a very positive outcome for the city although he was anxious that this impetus needed to maintained going forward, against a backdrop of continued financial constraints and budget cuts it was important that partners continued to work in concert to support this valuable programme. The work carried out by officers in achieving this result was to be commended.

47.4    Councillor Cattell commended the report which was well put together and detailed clearly the work which had taken place to date. The level of collaboration which had taken place was welcomed and it was hoped work to encourage initiatives to facilitate participation and support from the city’s business sector would continue.

47.5    Anusree Biswas Sasidharan, BME Police Engagement Group stated that this initiative had been warmly welcomed by third sector organisations not least because they had been afforded the opportunity for extensive input and to steer the process. Joanna Martindale, Hangleton & Knoll Project concurred citing the guidance which had been given to facilitate engagement by groups.

47.6    Whilst welcoming the work which had been undertaken Councillor Nemeth considered that it was important to ensure that provision was tailored to the differing needs of groups and organisations. It might be appropriate for example to provide less to more organisations than more to a smaller number; it was important that assessment was made. It was confirmed that evaluation of the programme’s operation and direction of travel going forward had factored that in.

47.7    Councillor Peltzer Dunn considered that the key findings of the report were very positive enquiring regarding the timetable for on-going input by voluntary sector organisations stating that he was also of the view that it was very important for this Committee to continue to be kept informed and to have input too.

47.8    Councillor Peltzer Dunn stated that in view of the information provided in relation to further information/report(s) being brought back to Committee he considered that recommendation (4) as set out in paragraph 2.4 was superfluous and should be removed. Councillor Nemeth concurred in that view. Councillor Peltzer Dunn then formally proposed its removal, this was seconded by Councillor Nemeth. The Committee then voted unanimously that recommendation (4) as set out in paragraph 2.4 be removed.

47.9    RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the findings of the evaluation report (appendix 1);

    (2) That the Committee approves the creation of a 2020-2023 Third Sector Commissioning Prospectus as described in paragraphs 1.4 and 1.5;

    (3) That Committee agrees to receive a further report in summer 2019 outlining the commissioning outcomes and principles developed through the consultation process, for their approval ahead of the Prospectus being published for bids in September 2019.