Proposals for restructured partnership
Proposals to restructure the Worcestershire
Partnership are currently being consulted upon, and time is running
for partners to have a say.
The overall aim is to streamline the
operational and support demands of the current structure, while
providing a more inclusive set-up for partnership members to take
part in.
The proposed structure should also allow
greater flexibility to adapt to potential changes in the future, as
national and local government policies continue to evolve.
Some of the proposed changes include...
...A new Worcestershire Forum, which would
replace the annual Worcestershire Assembly with twice-yearly
meetings and an ongoing 'virtual' forum. Its broad membership would
allow more voluntary and community groups to stay informed about,
involved with and consulted upon the work of the partnership and
individual partners, without needing to be constantly involved at
Board level.
...A smaller Partnership Board, with a more
defined role focussed on strategic direction and ownership of the
Local Area Agreement. The Board has previously been the main method
of regular involvement for many organisations, but the proposed
Worcestershire Forum would provide a more effective platform and
allow the Board to slim down and concentrate on specific
duties.
...Bringing the newly-formed Public
Services Executive Group (PEG) into the formal partnership
structure. The PEG is the primary means of addressing public sector
resources on a collective basis, among other responsibilities.
...A strengthened Performance Group would
take on the monitoring of the Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS)
and LAA delivery, effectively replacing the current Management
Group.
Much more detail is available in the full
consultation document, as well as more information about district
local strategic partnerships (LSPs) and the Shenstone Group. As
Professor Michael Clarke, Chair of the Worcestershire Partnership,
explains, the approach intends to create a more streamlined and
focussed Worcestershire Partnership.
"We recognise that the partnership needs to
adapt to the many changes taking place around us," said Professor
Clarke. "Our previous structure served us well for a long time, but
circumstances have changed and we need to move with the times
rather than falling behind. We understand that financial pressures
and changes to national policy will continue to have an impact on
our work, so further change may be necessary as we make progress,
but we want all partners to have a say about how we evolve so we
can create an efficient and effective body that continues to
improve quality of life for our communities."
The current consultation with partners
considers phase one of the restructure proposals and closes at the
end of September. A second phase will look in more detail at
delivery arrangements, including theme groups and district
LSPs.
To take part in the consulation, please
read the
Proposed Changes to the Worcestershire Partnership document and
send your response to Maggie Bryan at mbryan@worcestershire.gov.uk
by Wednesday 29 September.
