Issue - meetings

This report summarises the issues discussed at the first Civic Working Group as established at the previous meeting of the Charter Trustees and seeks support for any recommendations arising.

The Sheriff presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Charter Trustee and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report summarised the issues discussed at the first Civic Working Group as established at the previous meeting of the Charter Trustees and sought support for a series of recommendations arising.

Councillor Iyengar arrived at 5.25pm.

Concern was expressed with the low attendance at the Working Group and it was suggested that members of the Working Group be permitted to nominate substitutes from the body of the Charter Trustees if unable to attend.

It was subsequently proposed and seconded that substitutes on the Working Group be permitted.

The Sheriff further advised that the establishment of the Civic Working Group allowed Charter Trustees to lead on the business for consideration. Charter Trustees were advised that if Charter Trustees wished to raise an issue for consideration, they should contact the Sheriff, Head of Democratic Services or the Civic Support Team.

It was suggested that the Civic Working Group should explore developing guidance for inclusion in the councillor induction programme to clarify the remit of the Charter Trustees and the relationship with the Chairman of BCP Council and other bodies.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Charter Trustees discuss the Mayor’s Award scheme which had seen very few nominations. It was suggested that the Civic Working Group should consider the operation and promotion of the Mayor’s Award scheme.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)    the Charter Trustees support the establishment of a meeting between the Civic Parties of both Poole and Bournemouth to agree a new engagements matrix for reporting to the Charter Trustees/BCP Councillors to agree.

(b)    the Charter Trustees support the amended wording in paragraph five, page seven, of the Charter Trustee Handbook in relation to Civic nominations and selection processes;

(c)    members of the Civic Working Group be permitted to nominate substitutes from the body of the Charter Trustees if unable to attend any Civic Working Group meeting.

Voting: Unanimous