Community PartnershipNational Park Headquarters

Email: Marie.harvey@lochlomond-trossachs.org

Dear

RE: Skills Partnership – Launch Event

Time: 10am – 12 noonDate: 11th December 2013Location: The Callander Youth Project, Callander

In summer this year we invited you along to take part as the first students to be involved in a newand exciting project aimed for young people aged 16 to 25 living in Loch Lomond and theTrossachs National Park. The project which is all about investing in your future ensures localemployers are given greater access to a skilled, local workforce just like you.

As part of your help to develop the project we would like to invite you along to take part in theofficial launch of the Skills Partnership on the 11th December at The Callander Youth Project.This event will be attended by a wide range of young people and will not only be a greatopportunity for you to meet with a wide range of local businesses and training providers, but alsoa chance for a special audience with Ms Angela Constance, Scotland’s Minister for YouthEmployment.

The programme for the day is attached, but it is hoped that you would be available for a formalpresentation of your World Host customer training certificates from the Minister. If you areavailable to come along to the event, it would be useful to bring along your certificates. confirm your attendance as soon as possible by calling our Project Support Officer MarieHarvey on the number above, alternatively drop an email to marie.harvey@lochlomond-trossachs.org.

This is one step closer for you to invest in local learning and we hope you will be able to join us!

Yours sincerely, and in partnership

Minutes of Board Meetingof LLTNP Community Partnership

Held on 22 Oct 2015Robert Grieve Suite, NP HQ Carrochan

Present:Celia Burn (Chair)Kate Sankey (Vice Chair)Kelly Clapperton-Bates (Director)Alan Smailes (Director)

Iain MacInnes (Director)Gordon Donaldson (Associate Director)Carol Hemfrey (Director)Ronnie MacDonald (Director)Susan Brooks (Associate Director)Hannah Robinson (NP Sustainable Development Officer)Dinah McDonald (Benmore & Kilmun Community Development Trust)Marie Harvey (CP Support Officer)

Apologies:Owen McKee (Director)Sheila Winstone (Director)Elizabeth Bain (Treasurer)

Celia Burn in the Chair. The meeting started at 1.30pm:

Agenda Item Narrative1. Introduction

and Apologies

1.1 Welcome from the ChairCelia commenced the meeting by welcoming everyone and new associate Director Susan Brooks on to the Board. Celia acknowledged Owen McKee’s recent resignation and decision to stand down from the CP Board, advising the Board that a vacancy was now available. Hannah advised the Board that nominations were being sought for National Park Board members from the Breadalbane area, with the Ballot to be held on the 29th October. Hannah informed the Board that details of the successful candidate would be available on the NP Website soon thereafter.

2. Approvalof minutesof Board Meeting, 14th

July 15

2.1 Accuracy: Celia confirmed that the previous minutes had been circulated.Hannah added that Item 6.2 required amending to read;Action: Tom to provide a CP report for the next NP Board meeting.The minutes were accepted and Proposed: Alan Seconded: Kate

2.2 Matters arising from minutes. Updates were given on actions as follows:

2.2.1 Since the last Board Meeting Carol added that a special article in the Friends of Loch Lomond ‘Voice’ magazine had featured the recent CP World War 1 Heritage Project.2.2.2 Hannah advised the Board that Action 5.2i from minutes of 23 Apr 15 remain outstanding: Hannah requested that a proposed Leader meeting with Celia (CP), Jo (NP) and Hannah (NP) be postponed until Tom’s replacement, Anne Sobey is in post and the LAG Chairs have had a chance to meet. Hannah proposed a date from the 2 nd

week in November and will circulate and email.

2.2.3 SPEN was discussed at the last Board meeting and Tom had advised that he would forward SPEN’s summary and supporting information to the Board. Susan

advised that in Tom’s absence that she will circulate this update to the Board.

Action; Susan to circulate the latest SPEN update to the CP Board before their bid is submitted.

2.2.4 At the last Board Meeting Tom advised the Board that he would circulate a report of the lessons learnt during the Cairngorms exchange. A full update is available in the Q2 report for this meeting.

2.2.5 It was reported at the last Board meeting, point 6.3 that the Countryside Trust are taking forward the development of the Strathfillan cycle way. Alan explained that the programme will be phased; current plans finish at Kirkton Farm (Crianlarich) with it estimated as a further 3 years until the path is finally completed to Strathfillan. The Board discussed the projects future querying how it would be rolled out. Kate asked if the Community Partnership could assist carrying this forward. Alan advised this would require community consultation before CP involvement. Celia asked the Board if this could be a catalyst topic to run a Breadalbane Area Network. Alan queried if if SPEN funds would be available to help with the pathway development.

3. Q2 Report Celia advised that the Q2 paper previously circulated, was to provide the Board with an interim progress report since the last Board meeting in July providing a summary of all the CP’s key achievements and outputs since then. Celia briefly highlighted some of the key points in the report not itemised on this meeting’s agenda including Training for communities, now being developed to be delivered early next year. Kelly updated the Board that the St Fillans CAP which is currently underway with household and stakeholder surveys would soon be collected ready for compilation.

Area NetworksThe Board discussed some of the challenges facing each area and agreed that communities would require further nurturing in order for the CP to take forward their ideas to shape future area networks. Kelly suggested that due to each community’s unique nature and location, area networks could focus on the communities themselves rather than as the four areas of the park as they are currently structured. Celia recommended that area networks and all the points above would be addressed at the next Membership services sub group meeting once the new Development Manager is in post.At the last Board meeting it was discussed whether Directors were required to attend all Community Trust and Council Meetings in the area they represented. This was still not clear and was raised again at the meeting. Celia advised that this would need to be addressed at both the next Membership Services and Communications Sub Group meetings.Action: Sub-group agenda’s to reflect accordingly - Marie.

4. Admin 4.1 Finance Report to 30.9.15The Accounts were presented to the Board.

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The accounts were accepted by the Board. Proposed: Alan Seconded: Carol

4.2 Budget MonitoringMarie presented staff costs spread sheets to the Board and the latest copies of the Finance forecast report and 2015/16 Live Spend Overview. Celia advised the Board that the figure highlighted in the red box on the Live Spend Review was misleading but this was a positive net surplus for the end of the financial year and not a negative figure. Celia advised changing this to avoid any confusion in the future.

Iain asked Celia for an update regarding the organisations on-going bank centralisation process. Celia advised the Board that there had been some recent set-backs due to a changeover of bank staff at the Branch dealing with the process, resulting in some paperwork going astray and forms/passports expiring. Celia advised that a new Branch Manager had been appointed to handle the process and that fresh paperwork for all the Signatories would be re-submitted once the new CP Development Manager was in post. The Board agreed that the services provided by the Bank had been far from professional, and argued that valuable Directors and staff time had been invested in setting up, collating paperwork and chasing up on the bank’s outstanding actions etc. The Board agreed that as a matter of principal the CP should seek some compensation if only to cover man-hours lost and if necessary consider closing the account(s) completely and setting up with a new bank offering better deals.

Action: Calculate staff time/Directors time in hours, and translate into costs - Marie

Action: Review what Bank Accounts are available for charities once new Development Manager is in post.

5. Board Papers/ Update from Sub Groups

5.1 Strathard Ecosystem ProjectKate updated the Board regarding a CP joint initiative which will support the Strathard community to develop a new 5 year Community Action Plan, and in partnership with SEPA, FCS, SNH and the NPA the utilisation of an ‘Ecosystem Services’ approach to influence decision making with regards to the future management of the landscape within the Strathard area. Kate explained the background behind the Community Partnerships involvement which will consist primarily with community consultation using a process similar to the CAP to help communities realise the benefits that the project can deliver. Kate briefly explained the project timescales beginning with filming that will feature Ariel footage of the Strathard area and interviews (by Microfilm Scotland) with community residents, visitors, interest groups and local businesses. Kate advised that footage will be shown at a community consultation event/project launch sometime in either January/February next year.

Gordon explained that a case study in Pickering Yorkshire, has specifically developed ‘wood debris damns’ which claim to have helped reduce the towns flooding impact.

Gordon added that important mistakes had been learnt from this model and could be transferred to the Strathard project. Susan reminded the Board that the NP Charette had held planning workshops in Aberfoyle with flooding in this region remaining a high priority. Celia advised the Board that the CP had received funding from the National Park to employ two CP staff on a part-time basis to deliver the community element of the project.

5.2 GatheringMarie provided an update on the following:

Programme A final programme (shortened version) of this year’s Gathering and AGM was presented to the Board highlighting presentations and speakers tying in to this year’s local food and drink theme and role it plays in community life.

Roles/Tasks Marie provided a list of tasks required on the day and appealed for help. All directors were keen to get involved, offered their services and individual roles were given. Marie added that the venue would be open from 6pm the evening before. Susan, Carol, Marie and Hannah volunteered to be there to help set up.

Budget Final spend comes under budget and an appeal has gone out to local businesses for event and awards sponsorship but with no response. Marie appealed to Directors to contact local businesses for hamper items for the prize raffle, with proceeds going to a designated local charity. Marie added that the prize raffle was a new addition to the Gathering, working successfully at a recent Lomond Area Network, which guests enjoyed partaking, and local charities benefitted. Marie discussed catering costs and arrangements, and in demand to members comments last year will include food during the morning comfort break which will br provided by a local baking group who intend donating their fee to the Gartmore Play park funds.

Official Photographer Additional savings have been made by using the services of one ‘Park Previews’ project participant Brandon Gray. Marie added that this was an excellent opportunity to offer a young person valuable ‘photography’ experience which Kate added was an additional and positive outcome for the Skills Partnership project.

End of Year ReportCelia advised that the end of year report was ready and awaiting the accounts to be added before being circulated prior to the Gathering.

5.3 Skills Partnership/Young StartKate provided an update of the projects progress highlighting Fiona and Fran’s role developing relationships with local high schools and businesses to raise awareness about the career and skills development opportunities in the National Park area. Kate highlighted key achievements of the currently active ‘Park Profiles’ project which over March to June this year involved 11 businesses and staff from 4 high schools with 20

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young people who have been researching and visiting local businesses, receiving professional training in photography, fulfilled 4 different work experience placements, and created a series of films documenting all these activities. Kate advised that several marketing materials including a tool-kit had been developed to continue raising awareness of the skills opportunities, once the project comes to an end in December. Kate added that it can’t underestimate the value and importance of each of the agencies involved who have been promoting the opportunities that this kind of project has to offer. Kate announced that Directors had been invited to a red carpet event on the 29th Oct at Cameron House which will showcase the 5 career films and posters, and local business who will present participants with awards to recognise their achievements.

Celia asked Kate what she felt that Young Start the funders, were expecting as a result of the projects achievements. Kate advised that this project had rung bells with Scottish Government and their youth engagement strategy, adding that the project had identified key challenges facing rural communities. Kate added that this project added another strand to what the Community Partnership is able to deliver. Celia advised the Board to start thinking about future funding for the project.

5.4 Staffing Update

Celia advised the Board that a recent interview panel conducted by Celia, Hannah and Kate had been held in September for a replacement Development Manager. Celia was delighted to announce that Anne Sobey would be taking over this role from the 1 st

Nov until the 31st Oct next year. Celia added that Directors would have a chance to meet with Anne at the Gathering, at which she will be presenting Community Champion’s with their awards.

Hannah (NP) circulated a Board paper looking at the next five years ahead for the NPA, including the role of the Community Partnership as a key partner in delivering the NPA’s objectives. Celia reassured the Board, that whilst NP funding as part of the SLA was not assured for next year, the Community Partnership had developed a five year plan which Kate highlighted would assist the organisation if it were to look elsewhere for funding and opportunities. Kate further suggested the Community Partnership nurture its relationships with local agencies to promote the organisations vital community role it can play in local authority plans. Hannah agreed this would tie in perfectly with 2016 Community Empowerment focus.

Further to Kate’s earlier update, Celia added that the agreement between the CP and other partners to deliver the Strathard Project had been signed with staff contracts now being drawn up. Celia added that part of their contracts will also include time to complete a Community Action Plan ‘Review of Outcomes’ for which the National Park has funded £10k for the CP to deliver. Celia advised the Board that in the eventuality of the SLA with the NPA not being renewed next year, or if insufficient funds to cover

core and project costs were not secured, a contingency for redundancies was in place as a result of reducing the Development Managers contract from 37 to 30 hours per week. Celia advised however that depending on the outcome of the next SLA the Development Managers hours will be reviewed and increased if required.

6. Updates 6.1 Sub Groupsi. Management & Governance

Alan, Susan, Ronnie and Celia recently met concluding that a review of the CP constitution is high on their agenda. The group have highlighted that the following areas require particular attention; Director recruitment and Membership status of new Director’s. The group advised the Board that the new Development Manager once in post will be able to offer her experience of writing constitutions before any changes are presented to CP Members at an EGM proposed for May next year. Other areas that have been highlighted are the length of time between Directors being allowed to stand-down and be re-elected etc. Celia provided a list of the Directors and their dates appointed which currently states the physical date they started resulting in three Directors standing down in the same area this year. Celia advised that to avoid this the constitution should stipulate that only one Director from each area can stand down at any one time. Celia advised the Board that the constitution is currently confusing and could be made more user-friendly and she would address this and the EGM to members at the AGM in November. Representing the group, Celia suggested that Area Networks are an opportunity for individuals to step forward and identify themselves if they wish to be nominated at an AGM.

Celia asked the following members of the Board due to stand-down if they would be willing to re-stand at the next AGM; Carol, Ronnie, Alan and Celia all agreed. Ronnie suggested that each community should be informed of this in case they wanted to make a nomination at the next AGM. Celia added that communities had already been given the opportunity and a call for new Directors had been circulated, however there had been a nil response. Celia advised that this should be mentioned at the AGM. Kate suggested introducing an option in the constitution to allow Director’s to be co-opted based solely on their interest in a particular project rather than as a community representative. The Board unanimously agreed to hold an EGM in May next year.

Action: Board agreed that dates for Directors appointed should read the AGM date that they were elected rather than the physical date they started. Recirculate list once changes made - Marie

ii. Membership Services Marie gave a quick update from the last meeting held in September which discussed the final arrangements for the Gathering and advised that there will be a review/update of the CP’s contact database which will begin early in the new year.

iii. Communications

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Kelly advised the Board that under the guidance of the Comm’s sub group, design work was in progress to produce 4 Pop Up Banners explaining each of the CP’s four branded logos, with a fifth generic CP banner. The ‘who we are flyer’ in line with the CP’s Strategic Plan is being developed into a folded pocket sized flyer introducing the organisations mission, vision and outcomes of the year ahead, and a generic large ‘Event Here Today’ vinyl banner will be available for the CP and communities to loan and hang outside their venue. It is aimed that these booklets and banners will be available in time for the Gathering. Celia advised time permitting, these designs will be available in the CP one drive for Directors to view before they are signed off and sent to the printers.

iv. Finance & Human Resources At a recent meeting the sub group advised the CP that as a registered charity it needs to ensure that it is registered for pensions by April next year although this will require looking at by the new Dev Manager and finally agreed by this group.

6.2 Other

i. Leader Iain (Chair for the Argyll & Bute Leader LAG) gave a short update announcing that the recruitment process to begin filling one of the vacant Project Co-ordinator’s post’s would begin shortly with applications being viewed early next year. Iain added that the CE of the NPA had requested for a joint meeting of both LAG Chairs to meet 2 Dec and discuss how the process will make things work for each park area. On behalf of the Forth Valley and Lomond Leader LAG, Celia advised that staff and funding were all in place and that they had created 3 separate sub-groups focussing on governance, communications and programme development.

ii. Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS)A busy period for the FCS, Gordon provided an update reporting that a Hydro Project in Dornoch was currently underway and planning approval for work at Ardgarten, Arrochar will be in place by the end of Oct. In Aberfoyle upgrading work to the Wardens house at the Lodge is on-going, and work is now complete to the West Highland Way, at Ptarmigan which is planned to be open by the end of Nov. The Hill Path Project work at Ben A’an to renovate the old path is planned to be finished by early December, and at Strathyre there are plans to build 10 new cabins over winter which will be available to rent in Feb next year. Update regarding timber prices; these are reported as down which has significant impact on the FCS’s finances, which means they will have to look carefully at their structuring.

ii. National Park Authority (NPA) Hannah circulated a paper to the Board that she had written which will be presented at the next NPA Board meeting. The paper which provides a progress report of the CP’s key achievements, successful projects and community capacity building

programme summarises and underlines the relevance of the CP’s core activities and how these are fundamental to the work of the NPA and are delivered to fit within the context of the new Scottish Government Strategic Objectives, priorities and legislative programme. The paper demonstrates what fantastic opportunities there are by working with the Community Partnership, and without a core budget there is no security or stability for the Community Partnership to continue providing these core activities and so this must be considered as part of the National Park Partnership Plan review.

Hannah advised the Board that there had been a NP departmental restructure with a new Director of Conservation & Visitor Operations - Simon Jones.

7. AOB Celia advised the Board that rather than holding voting for CP office bearers at the AGM, it would do so at the next Board meeting. Celia advised that whilst she had originally intended standing down as Chair at the AGM she would remain in post until the EGM in May.

Action: Add as agenda Item - Marie8. Date of next

Board Meeting

Thursday 21st January 1.30-4.30pm Robert Grieve Suite, Balloch.

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