Issue - meetings

To consider whether the revised Compact provides a robust foundation for a more consistent, effective and collaborative relationship between Cyngor Gwynedd and the Third Sector.

To accept the report.

To recommend that the Cabinet approves the Compact provided that they

·       provide a supporting action plan setting out responsibilities, timelines, resources, success measures and reporting arrangements

·       submit a regular report to the Scrutiny Committee every 2 years.

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Well-being. Referring to the report, it was highlighted that the third sector was vital to the work of various services and departments across the Council, and an integral element of the work of supporting residents in Gwynedd. It was noted that the Compact set a framework for the relationship between Cyngor Gwynedd and the Third Sector. It was noted that the Third Sector included a wide range of charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups who made a significant contribution to the well-being of the people of Gwynedd and provide services that complement the Council's work.

It was explained that the new framework for the relationship was essential to provide effective services to the people of Gwynedd. There was pride regarding the close relationship with the third sector, which supports effective provision for the benefit of Gwynedd communities.

As part of the Compact, it was noted that the Council and the Third Sector had a key role to play in working together and developing and promoting social and community enterprises. It was noted that the Council was working very closely with Mantell Gwynedd to develop the Compact. It was ensured that the developmental conversations regarding the third sector took place with the help of Mantell Gwynedd to ensure an active and efficient relationship.

It was acknowledged that there were ongoing challenges with collaboration with external agencies, and it was highlighted that the Compact agreement supported the establishment of values and principles of collaboration within the relationship to empower communities and place Gwynedd residents first. It was ensured that the Council had been consulted extensively and had received a great deal of feedback, which was incorporated in the Compact document.

Members had the opportunity to comment and submit questions;

-       It was asked whether specific examples of problems raised with the arrangements under the previous Compact agreement could be provided, and how the new Compact agreement would address these problems and challenges? In response, it was acknowledged that it was a challenging task to give specific examples without drawing public attention to some problems that had arisen between some agencies. However, it was explained that disagreements had arisen over the years for reasons such as funding, available grants and provision. It was explained that frustration had arisen in relation to the Council's ability to provide long-term and short-term funding, from the third sector. It was noted that the long-term plans of the third sector were often limited due to a lack of long-term funding.

-       It was asked what would be different for third sector organisations and for the residents of Gwynedd as a result of the adoption of this Compact compared to the old Compact? In response, it was ensured that the new Compact sets objectives to seek to fund third sector organisations better and prioritised financial support to ensure better sustainable provision for the community. It was noted that the new Compact was an opportunity to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8