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FIRST DRAFT - Headings for Implementation Guidelines on the Bristol Compact

Section on Funding

This section will clarify what areas of funding will be covered by the Compact and look at the practicalities so that we can make the systems simpler and clearer for all concerned. A Compact Funding Working Group will be established with representatives of agencies and voluntary and community groups. It will come up with proposals by December 2003. It will look at:

  • Information on what money is available,
  • Application procedures,
  • Monitoring,
  • User evaluation and
  • Ensuring public money is safeguarded.

The checklist on premises will look at the following issues:

  • Affordable, but realistic rents
  • Tenant's obligations: repairs/maintenance
  • Transferred ownership: asset transfers, 999 year leases
  • Advice & support
  • Training & skills development
  • Help in kind (including rate relief)
  • Grants & financial help
  • Accessibility
  • Health & safety

Section on Consultation, Information, Participation

This section will give ideas for actions, methods and examples. Its purpose is to make sure we can communicate well.

 

Planning the process:
E.g. - are other agencies planning to consult the same communities at more-or-less the same time? Can the processes be "joined up"?

 

What is…

Information Giving
Issues and ideas for good information giving, e.g. - Clear, concise, and in plain English formats and languages, getting information out into communities.

 

Information Gathering
How to approach groups for information - who holds what information? Has someone else already asked?

 

Consultation
There are many ways to consult, e.g. - meetings, surveys, focus groups, user panels, internet, written materials, and other ways…………….? One method is NEVER enough! Consultation activities will work to help smaller groups/those most affected have good access to them.

 

Dialogue
Through representation and/or regular contact with networks of groups, individual groups, etc.

 

Costs of participation
Some agencies will fund groups' time in participating in consultation/dialogue. Some do not. The main costs are:

 

Confidentiality
……………………

Section on Volunteering 

This section will aim to widen opportunities for volunteering in Bristol and make sure that volunteers reflect the diversity of the city an to ensure that they benefit from the experience. It will aim to make sure that groups and agencies that they work with take care of them and get a positive return from the relationship.

 

It will cover safeguards, management, support, training, and expenses for volunteers. It will work to remove barriers that prevent some sections of the community from becoming involved.

 

It will use the Volunteer Charter as a basis to promote this work.

 

Section on Dispute Resolution

This will spell out best practice for resolving disputes.
Where appropriate disputes between individual organisations will be dealt with through the relevant complaint procedure and/or through the use of mediation. The Compact guidelines will include:

  • Access to independent mediation/conflict resolution services
  • Complaints procedure - which includes a mediation option
  • Appeal process
  • Enforcement
  • Support/Review process

Section on Equalities

This section will give ideas for actions and methods to ensure that Equalities Communities are fully involved in the life of the city and not disadvantaged or discriminated against. It will build on the work of the Equalities in Regeneration Toolkit. It will include guidance on capacity building at all levels and working with Equalities Communities.

 

Additionally each section of the Compact is expected to deal with how it relates to Equalities Communities.