Agenda Document Pack - Communities Committee - 28/10/2024
North Lanarkshire Council · 28 October 2024
Back to Communities Committee — 28 October 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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17 October 2024 Members of the Communities Committee Chief Executive’s Office Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk Notice is given that a Meeting of the Communities Committee is to be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB on Monday, 28 October 2024 at 10:00 AM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Members : Clerk Name: Karen Swan Clerk Telephone: 07919 730272 Clerk Email: swank@northlan.gov.uk G Woods, P Patton, D Ashraf, C Barclay, A Beveridge, B Burgess, D Crichton, K Duffy, F Fotheringham, K Harmon, M Hughes, J Jones, J Keltie, A Khan, M McBride, B McCluskey, B McCulloch, P McDade, L Mitchell, L Nolan, L Roarty, N Shevlin, A Smith, J Toner, C Williams. Page 1 of 186
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Agenda 1 Declarations of Interest In Terms of the Ethical Standards In Public Life Etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 Operational 2 Active and Creative Communities and Community Facility Usage and Footfall - Q2 24-25 and Q2 23-24 Submit report by Chief Officer (Operations) providing an overview of a range of sports culture and leisure venues and community facilities, comparing quarter 2 of 2024-25 and quarter 2 of 2023-24. 5 - 18 3 National Physical Activity for Health Framework Submit report by Chief Officer (Community Operations) providing an update on the Physical Activity for Health Framework, recently approved by COSLA. 19 - 24 4 Community Board Local Development Programme Submit a report by Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) providing an update on the progress of the Community Board Local Development Programme (LDP) projects. 25 - 88 5 Community Boards and Partnership Communications Strategy Submit report by Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) providing an update on key progress linked to supporting the development of the Community Boards model. 89 - 98 6 Access to Free Period Products (Period Dignity Initiative) Annual Update Submit report by Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) providing an update on the activity relating to the delivery and further developments in respect of Access to Free Period Products. 99 - 134 Page 3 of 186
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7 Community Asset Transfer: Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavillion Submit report by Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement ) providing an update on details of a Community Asset transfer (CAT) and seeking approval of the Community Ownership and Management of Assets Leadership Group of Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavillion. 135 - 152 8 Digital North Lanarkshire PoW Update Immersive Experience Project Submit report by Chief Officer (Business and Digital) highlighting the steps taken in respect of the installation of immersive rooms across the Council estate. 153 - 170 9 Democracy Matters 2 Submit report by Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) providing an overview of the Democracy Matters 2 consultation. 171 - 186 Page 4 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref LR/HL/AH Date 28/10/24 ACC and Community Facility Usage and Footfall Q2 24-25 and Q2 23-24 From Lyall Rennie, Chief Officer (Community Operations) Email Liddleh@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07973 726496 Executive Summary For the information of elected members, this report provides an overview of usage of a range of sports, culture and leisure venues and our community facilities, comparing quarter 2 of 2024-25 and quarter 2 of 23-24. Recommendations It is recommended that Committee: (1) Acknowledges usage and footfall associated with the council’s sports, culture, leisure and community facilities. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve North Lanarkshire's resource base Ambition statement (24) Review and design services around people, communities, and shared resources Programme of Work Statutory / corporate / service requirement Item 2 Page 5 of 186
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1. Background 1.1 North Lanarkshire Council has made a commitment to ensure our residents have access to a range of services and venues across the authority which support their ability to maximise health and wellbeing and give access to areas where they are able to work with others to participate in activities or take part in projects which seek to provide overall community benefit. 1.2 Within this context, the council has a range of venues provided by either Active and Creative Communities or Community Facilities which are used by the community in a range of different ways. Some venues are better used than others and it is recognised that people’s habits have changed, particularly in the period following the pandemic. 1.3 In line with our commitment to ensure the best use of the limited resources we have, usage of such facilities is closely monitored and presented within this report for the information of elected members. 2. Report 2.1 Appendix One provides a breakdown of footfall during quarter 2 of 2023/24 as compared to quarter 2 of 2024/25 for Active NL, Community Libraries, Creative Resources and Venues and Museums. Information for community facilities is gathered in a different manner, recorded both by the number of bookings made (count) and the duration of those bookings. 2.2 Quarter two shows a mixed position of usage with some deterioration compared to last year. This is generally a quieter period in our centres, primarily due to a reduction in users linked to summer holiday absences or the temporary reduction in clubs and groups over the summer months. Poor weather is likely to have affected some outdoor activities. 2.3 Members will be aware that the council has a total of 68 community facilities and 60 are available for use by the public. Quarter 2 figures outline some of the quieter periods for the service due to the school summer holidays and many users stop operating from the end of June to when the schools return in August. Overall, this quarter in comparison to the same 3 month period in 2023/24, there is good news in the increase in usage period. In July figures were up by 1190 hours, in August the figures were up by 470 hours and in September an increase on last year of 876 hours. The colour coding within the table demonstrates performance against the same period in 2023/24 as a RAG status. 2.4 The council continues to work with a range of local groups to support increased use of our facilities wherever possible. Work with the Community Ownership and Management Group continues to support community interest in all forms of access including community asset transfer where this approach supports the aspirations of local groups. Page 6 of 186
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3. Measures of success 3.1 A thriving and sustainable council service which supports the delivery of culture, sport, leisure, and community facility services. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 Usage and Footfall Q2 2023/24 and Q2 2024/25. Lyall Rennie Chief Officer (Community Operations) Page 7 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Page 8 of 186
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 9 of 186
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Usage and Footfall Q2 2023/24 and Q2 2024/25 Appendix 1 Active NL 2023-24 2024-25 % Q1 2024-25 Comment Venues Q2 Q2 Movement Airdrie Leisure Centre 59342 83000 +39.87% 94730 Aquatec 5728 5258 -8.2% 5047 Birkenshaw Sports Centre 1961 1203 -38.7% 1540 Broadwood Leisure Centre 155213 125439 -19.2% 152806 Studios closed for renovation 9-22 Sept 24 Ian Nicolson Centre 14593 14377 -1.5% 17737 John Smith Pool 17576 17280 -1.7% 15964 Keir Hardie Centre 9402 12293 +30.7% 7985 Kilsyth Swimming Pool 28061 23000 -18% 24842 Lochview Golf Centre 17104 20371 +19.1% 17128 Palacerigg Golf Course 10755 10141 -5.7% 10038 Ravenscraig Sports Centre 112971 117494 +4% 141778 Shotts Leisure Centre 15657 14124 -9.8% 18794 Pool closed since 22 August 24 Sir Matt Busby Sports Centre 114381 87332 -23.6% 103324 Time Capsule 175191 136323 -22.2% 130258 Waterpark closed for 5 days from 31/07/24 due to power outage in local area. Ice rink closed for one day on 31/07/24 due to softening of the ice (power outage). Townhead 23247 10807 -53% 25920 Tryst Sports Centre 113823 132287 +18% 145048 Wishaw Sports Centre 128003 117692 -8.1% 117608 Total 1003008 930421 -7.2% 1030547 Page 10 of 186
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Community Libraries 23-24 24-25 % Q1 2024-25 Comment Libraries Q2 Q2 Movement Abronhill 5482 5981 -9% 5971 Airdrie 12324 15400 +24% 14976 Bellshill 12454 16178 +29.9% 14519 Chapelhall 3109 3726 +19.85% 4516 Chryston 2531 2624 +3.67% 2769 Cleland 3034 3117 +2.74% 3019 Coatbridge 13654 14157 +3.68% 14413 2 x one day of closure for building works Condorrat 5728 6405 +11.82% 5522 Cumbernauld 18589 16424 -11.65% 16148 Kilsyth 6270 5377 -14.24% 4895 Moodiesburn 3355 3408 1.58% 3669 Motherwell 23411 23197 -0.91% 24187 New Stevenson 2294 3313 +44.42% 3732 Newarthill 1785 1665 -6.72% 1410 Newmains 4491 4570 +1.76% 4413 Shotts 1603 2090 +30.38% 1746 Stepps - 3329 - - Stepps Library has been closed and re-opened in July 2024. Viewpark 2783 3917 +40.75% 3692 Wishaw 19973 20895 +4.62% 22733 Total 142870 155773 +9.03% 152606 Page 11 of 186
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Outreach Services 23-24 24-25 % Q1 2024-25 Comment Q2 Q2 Movement Mobile 1 472 422 -10.59% 304 Regular periods of mechanical failure where mobile off the road. Mobile 2 (off road) Outreach Van 323 319 -1.2% 199 Mobile 4 686 470 -31.4% 289 Regular periods of mechanical failure where mobile off the road. Total 1481 1211 -18.2% 792 Creative Venues Creative Venues 23-24 24-25 % Q1 2024-25 Q2 Q2 Movement Comment Airdrie Town Hall 1064 11684 +998% 12584 Bellshill Cultural Centre 2014 2145 +6.5% 2837 Cumbernauld Theatre 8994 8695 -3.32% 16974 Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre 20527 Venue closed Total 32599 22524 -30.9% 32395 Page 12 of 186
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Museums & Collections Museums 23-24 24-25 % Q1 2024-25 Q2 Q2 Movement Comment Summerlee 57392 49654 -13.48% 48022 NL Heritage Centre 3566 4959 +39.06% 5233 Total 60958 54613 +10.4% 53225 Page 13 of 186
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Community Facilities Facility Centre Status (weeks) 23-24 Q2 Count 23-24 Q2 Duration (hours) 24-25 Q2 Count 24-25 Q2 Duration (hours) 24-25 Q1 Count 24-25 Q1 Duration (hours) Average Weekly Hours in Q2 2024 Abronhill Community Facilty 52 141 214 138 276 151 239 63 Airdrie @ Home Community 52 12 12 11 33 13 13 7 Allanton Cc 52 45 117 46 126 55 140 29 Andrew Hamilton Cc 38 24 78 26 86 50 145 26 Antonine Community Sports 52 58 106 46 115 64 162 26 Auchinloch Cc 38 50 128 111 230 133 283 69 Beechbank Cc 52 72 224 88 292 99 308 67 Burngreen Cc 38 22 62 24 85 18 60 23 Burnhead Cc 52 115 258 157 655 142 377 150 Calderbank Cc 38 27 61 23 49 53 127 14 Caldercruix Cc 38 7 13 14 34 11 20 11 Chapelside Cc 52 495 1934 535 1700 709 2351 389 Charlotte Toal Cc 52 214 989 236 1010 286 1087 231 Chryston Cultural Centre 52 130 355 216 565 369 779 129 Page 14 of 186
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Cleland Cc 38 10 20 14 40 21 57 12 Coatbridge Cc 52 409 1437 697 2452 674 2553 561 Coltness Cc 52 165 474 137 352 157 432 81 Cumbernauld New Town Hall 52 207 540 199 471 222 561 108 Forge Cc 38 74 210 24 58 71 196 17 Four Isles Cc 52 58 190 69 217 80 263 50 Frank Ferguson Cc 52 84 311 84 326 90 332 75 Garrell Vale Cc 52 212 582 247 725 314 929 167 Gartcosh Cc 52 156 467 159 499 233 683 115 Facility Centre Status (weeks) 23-24 Q2 Count 23-24 Q2 Duration (hours) 24-25 Q2 Count 24-25 Q2 Duration (hours) 24-25 Q1 Count 24-25 Q1 Duration (hours) Average Weekly Hours in Q2 2024 Gartlea Cc 52 257 806 256 952 282 1061 218 Glenmavis Cc 38 11 18 12 44 10 17 11 Gowkthrapple Cc 38 20 55 19 79 35 131 24 Greenfaulds Cc 52 98 271 101 272 96 250 62 Harthill Cf 52 168 637 138 339 154 362 78 Hattonrigg Cc 38 25 83 47 160 66 203 45 Holytown Cf 38 83 225 92 265 127 353 79 Isa Money Cc 52 73 198 114 315 111 294 72 Jim Foley Cc 52 143 419 190 683 215 723 157 Page 15 of 186
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Joe McKay Cc 52 157 468 202 648 237 823 148 John McCormack Cc 38 198 505 244 686 279 761 195 MacAuley Cc 38 100 253 89 247 98 250 71 Michael Sherry Cc 52 50 126 31 90 62 162 21 Mount Pleasant Cc 52 49 102 84 170 87 174 39 Netherton Cc 38 18 52 22 53 38 66 14 New Stevenston Cc 38 36 81 37 95 46 104 27 Newarthill Cf 52 313 1258 305 1087 393 1340 249 Old Monkland C Wing 52 65 135 62 122 106 214 28 Old Monkland Cc 38 106 225 102 246 117 284 69 Overtown Cc 52 122 339 130 382 129 364 87 Pat Cullinan Cc 52 324 1343 325 1623 382 1895 372 Pather Cc 52 261 792 272 871 292 986 200 Pivot Cf 52 338 936 0 0 210 449 0 Plains Cc 52 57 115 56 149 52 129 34 Pollock Cc 38 33 122 37 118 66 217 36 Facility Centre Status (weeks) 23-24 Q2 Count 23-24 Q2 Duration (hours) 24-25 Q2 Count 24-25 Q2 Duration (hours) 24-25 Q1 Count 24-25 Q1 Duration (hours) Average Weekly Hours in Q2 2024 Rochsoles Cc 38 46 197 16 43 20 50 14 Page 16 of 186
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Salsburgh Cc 38 55 120 63 144 84 164 42 Shawhead Cc 52 83 214 133 301 144 343 69 Shotts Cf 52 219 476 168 398 221 589 91 Springfield Cc 52 50 124 45 132 49 120 30 Tannochside Cc 52 101 271 108 298 111 301 68 The Link 52 145 403 339 995 289 793 228 The Muirfield Centre 52 599 1880 645 2262 682 2274 518 The Village Cc 38 17 63 26 102 32 105 30 Viewpark Cf 52 465 1462 436 1274 599 1632 292 Westfield Cc 38 39 109 37 127 82 215 39 Totals 7729 23665 8291 26202 10018 30295 Pivot CF – closed. Link CF – recently returned from use as vaccination centre. Page 17 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref LR/HL Date 28/10/24 National Physical Activity for Health Framework From Lyall Rennie, Chief Officer (Community Operations) Email Liddleh@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07973 726496 Executive Summary This report provides an update on the new Physical Activity for Health Framework, recently approved by Cosla. The framework replaces the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework that was published in 2018 and provides a framework for action to improve levels of physical activity at both national and local level which is firmly founded on evidence-based international guidance from the world health organisation and other global partners as to the approach which is needed to deliver sustainable change. Set within a North Lanarkshire context, the report outlines our proposed next steps to fulfil the ambitions set within the overall framework. Recommendations It is recommended that Committee: (1) Acknowledges the ambitions set out within the Physical Activity for Health Framework. (2) Otherwise, acknowledges the contents of this report. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve the health and wellbeing of our communities Ambition statement (15) Encourage the health and wellbeing of people through a range of social, cultural, and leisure activities Programme of Work All Programmes of Work Item 3 Page 19 of 186
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1. Background 1.1 In 2003, Scotland was amongst the first nations in the world to publish a strategy which recognised the consequences to public health of physical inactivity and identified approaches which would help to address this challenge. ‘Let’s Make Scotland More Active’ aimed to increase the proportion of physically active people in Scotland and recommended approaches based on international evidence by which this might be achieved. 1.2 In the intervening twenty years, addressing physical inactivity has remained a policy priority for the Scottish Government and local authorities. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 gave new impetus to this agenda and the availability of new international research and guidance provided a clearer framework for the development of more nuanced approaches. This was encapsulated in the Active Scotland Outcomes Framework (2015) which set out the shared vision and goals which shaped the approach it and a wide range of partner organisations would take to supporting and enabling people in Scotland to be more physically active. 2. Report 2.1 The core messages of Let’s Make Scotland More Active in 2003 are still relevant today and the actions which have been taken forward in the last twenty years have had an impact. The people of Scotland are more active now than they were in 2003. In the last 10 years, the percentage of adults meeting recommended levels of physical activity has increased by 3% from 62% in 2012 to 65% in 2022. 2.2 As reported to Communities Committee in August 2024, much has been achieved in North Lanarkshire. The Active & Creative Communities Strategic Framework 2020-24 has provided a clear focus on increasing participation and activity through a range of social, cultural and leisure activities in response to the outcomes set for increased activity. The 2020-24 strategy was based within the context of the Active Scotland Outcomes and sought to achieve an overall increase in physical activity. The council’s approach at that time sought to tackle both physical and mental health, with a recognition that participation in a range of activities was the most effective method of ensuring overall health and well-being. Over the period from 2020 to date, North Lanarkshire has seen an increase of over 150% in participation among its community. 2.3 However, much more work is needed. Insufficient physical activity is one of the 5 main modifiable risk factors for the 5 main non-communicable diseases: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and poor mental health. An estimated 3,000 deaths in Scotland each year are attributable to physical inactivity. More than 80% of deaths attributable to inactivity occur amongst those undertaking very low levels of activity (under 30 minutes per week) 2.4 What is Changing? 2.4.1 Physical Activity for Health – Scotland’s National Framework has been developed over the past 18 months with system partners including COSLA, Scottish Government, sportscotland, Public Health Scotland, Community Leisure UK, Paths 4 All, Transport Scotland and Nature Scot. The approach to improving levels of physical activity in Scotland outlined in the framework document is underpinned by key overarching public health principles, adapted from the World Health Organisation Global Action Plan for Physical Activity. Page 20 of 186
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• Human Rights Approach – the highest attainable standard of health is a fundamental right of every human being. • Equity Across the Life Course – it is recognised that disparities in physical activity participation by protected characteristic must be addressed. The needs of all must be addressed to reduce inequality. • Evidence-based Practice – all actions must be based on robust scientific evidence from active evaluation and demonstration of impact. 2.4.2 The overall vision for Scotland, as has been since 2003, is ‘More People, More Active, More Often’; this remains the vision for Scotland’s new framework and is based on the recognition that improving levels of activity is vital for the health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. Global evidence 1 indicates the actions which will lead to achieving this vision. They encompass both national and local programmes and success will be dependent on widespread acceptance of a common goal and an understanding of where our collective priorities for action must be focussed. 2.4.3 Within North Lanarkshire, Active & Creative Communities (ACC) are working with NHS Lanarkshire to promote a local whole systems approach to public health which recognises the need to bring a range of services and people together to support a commitment to increasing activity and tackling the challenges outlined. The actions are wide ranging, ambitious, and long term – using the national framework to provide an overall direction, supporting eight strategic outcomes: • Active systems • Active places of learning • Active travel • Active places and spaces • Active health and social care • Active communications • Sports and recreation • Active workplaces 2.4.4 Work with NHSL is at an early stage and will be shared with elected members as plans are developed. 2.5 Progress to Date 2.5.1 While the priorities set out in paragraph 2.4.3 have just been launched, it is important to recognise that the council has made critical progress in many key areas: • Active systems – we work closely with partners in sportscotland, Public Health Scotland and NHS Lanarkshire to ensure a collective and strengthened approach to physical activity. The council has signed up to a four-year plan, supported by sportscotland to deliver on the key priorities underpinning a more active Scotland. • Active places of learning – through our Active Schools team, we continue to work with primary and secondary schools across North Lanarkshire to deliver extra-curricular activities – at total of 1341 activities and 21,470 participants during 2023/24. • Active travel – members are aware of the council’s commitment to the Active Travel Strategy, with ambitious projects underway across the North Lanarkshire area. Page 21 of 186
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• Active places and spaces – we continue to work together to maximise the potential of public spaces, ensuring physical activity is a priority in all decisions. Ongoing discussions around the new Watersports Centre are an excellent example of keeping health and wellbeing as a central tenet of development discussions. • Active health and social care – our partnership with NHS Lanarkshire continues to develop with increasing recognition of the role that physical activity and support from fitness specialists can play in supporting overall rehabilitation. Recent discussions around supporting heart health are ongoing. • Active communication – still at an early stage, we are beginning to consider how we target communication to key target groups, using the mechanisms already in place. A current example under development is targeting cervical health messages to Active NL members. We continue to work with Corporate Communications to promote opportunities for physical activity and health across North Lanarkshire. • Sport and recreation – we continue to consider how best to use our sport services to target key groups with a view to improving overall health. In recent years, our Active 60 and Active Teen programmes have seen hugely significant results by the council’s ability to offer attractive programme offers. • Active workplaces – for our own workplace, a discounted staff membership to local gyms has seen a significant increase in activity, with ongoing staff offers and programmes throughout the year, e.g. National Fitness Day on 17 September with free access to all services for staff. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Improved levels of physical activity at both national and local level which is firmly founded on evidence-based international guidance. 4. Supporting documentation N/A Lyall Rennie Chief Officer (Community Operations) Page 22 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Page 23 of 186
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 24 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref SP/MC Date 28/10/24 Community Board Local Development Programme From Stephen Penman, Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) E-mail Penmanste@northlan.gov.uk Costellom@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07725 289559 Executive Summary This report provides an update on progress with the Community Board Local Development Programme (LDP) projects previously approved by committee. In addition, the report seeks in principle approval for new potential projects as proposed by local community groups. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities Committee: (1) Recognises progress with the remaining 2022/23 programme and 2023/24 onwards and approve projects which have potential for delivery in future financial years depending on availability of budget and community support (Appendix 1); (2) Recognises the capital budget allocated to the LDP for each Community Board area in the new capital programme from 2024/25 onwards. (Appendix 2); (3) Acknowledges the examples of completed project case studies (Appendix 3) (4) Recognises the delivery of play area projects for 2023/24 (Appendix 4); (5) Approves amendments to existing projects and further project proposals and project criteria; (6) Acknowledges current challenges faced in achieving delivery of the Local Development Programme; The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (20) Improve the involvement of communities in the decisions, and development of services and supports, that affect them Programme of Work All Programmes of Work Item 4 Page 25 of 186
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1. Background 1.1 The Policy and Strategy committee agreed, in March 2019, that all projects from 2019/20 onwards, recommended by Community Matters partnerships (now replaced by Community Boards) should be subject to agreement by the former Youth, Equalities and Empowerment Committee before proceeding beyond the in-principle/ conceptual stage. Further approvals will now be sought through the Communities Committee as required. 1.2 The current Capital Programme was reviewed and a new Capital Programme for 2024/25 to 2028/29 was agreed by the Council on 14th March 2024. The LDP has secured funding for the new five-year plan totalling £10.369 million. The allocation of funding includes a new capital allocation to support the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process. A total amount of £2.3 million from the LDP has been allocated to support CAT over the 5-year budget period. This funding will be augmented by £670,000 from the Shared Prosperity Fund to provide a £3 million fund to support CAT over the next five years, as detailed in the report to the Policy and Strategy Committee in June 2024. 1.3 The indicative allocation of LDP funding by Community Board area is set out in the table in Appendix 2 of this report. The level of funding shown for each Community Board area excludes the CAT element of £2.3 million, which will be allocated via the process set out in the Policy and Strategy Committee report of June 2024. 1.4 Appendix 2 shows the allocation of LDP by Community Board area over the 5 years of the capital plan. The allocation for each Board area is a calculation based on population size and deprivation. The population percentages are drawn from the National Records for Scotland 2020 mid-year estimates and the 2020 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). 85% is allocated based on population, while 15% of the LDP budget is allocated based on deprivation. The 15% figure is drawn from the proportion of people who were “income deprived” in the 2020 SIMD. 1.5 Appendix 3 of the report contains case study of a recently completed LDP projects, the new junior play area at Kirkwood in the Coatbridge community board area, the resurfacing of a path in Branchalwood Estate in Wishaw and the restoration of an artwork at the Meadowhead underpass in Cumbernauld. The purpose of the case studies is to provide elected members with greater insight into how LDP projects are developed and delivered, from initial proposals through to the completion of the project. All future LDP reports to Committee will include LDP project case studies. 1.6 One of the key priorities for the LDP is the delivery of upgraded and new play facilities across all 9 Community Board areas. Appendix 4 illustrates the progress made on the 2023/24 play area projects. Twenty two of the twenty-four play areas in the programme have been completed by September 2024, with the two remaining projects due for completion in October 20024. A programme for 2024/25 is under development and with an initial start to the procurement process in October 2024. 1.7 The amount allocated to each area reflects a reduction of up to 10% which will be earmarked for delivery and other associated costs in relation to agreed projects, this will include technical support, tendering processes, design and project management and administration. Page 26 of 186
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2. Report Criteria for Local Development Programme 2.1 To be eligible for inclusion in the Community Board Local Development Programme, projects must meet the priorities of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and substantially subscribe to previously agreed criteria. The following are examples of some of the key criteria: • link to LOIP priorities • be publicly visible and accessible; • come from community groups or individual; • improve community safety; • benefit a large number of people; • improve the appearance of an area. • maximise the use of alternative sources of funding. • be a capital projects on council owned land. All Local Development Programme proposal forms should indicate which, if any, of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan priorities the project supports. Where the project does not align with identified priorities, evidence must be provided to show how the project will support improved local outcomes. 2.2 Project Progress • Information on current and potential future projects is contained within Appendix 1. • Please note the figures in Appendix 1 are notional/indicative potential project costs and that no budget has been allocated to specific projects. • The Community Board Local Development Programme highlights the council’s commitment to community led neighbourhood regeneration. • Prioritisation work has been undertaken taking account of the allocated budgets and criteria to schedule project delivery of the current holding over the five-year budget cycle. These priorities may change as projects develop and clearer costs become available. • Where feasibility checks have identified that the project is not viable, the recommendation within Appendix 1 is to delete such projects from the list moving forward. Page 27 of 186
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2.3 Projects seeking approval. Table 1 below, provides a summary of the LDP projects seeking Committee approval in this cycle. In total, 13 projects across 6 of 9 the Community Board areas are seeking Committee Approval. Table 1. Projects seeking approval from this cycle of Community Boards Community Board Area Project Name Project Description Project Potential Cost Additional external or partner funding available Additional Notes Airdrie Milton Court Social Place Seating Area Seeking Approval TBC Project proposal to be completed with Tenants & Residents Association. Contact Project Team to progress further. Airdrie Ballochney Road Plains Path installation Surfacing Seeking Approval £20000 Community engagement complete. Surfacing: Path installation. Site visit and feasibility checks to be carried out Bellshill Belvidere Crescent Parking Bellshill Additional parking spaces Seeking Approval £15,000 Timescale FY 24-25. LDP project proposal submitted. 6 potential spaces Bellshill Clay Crescent MUGA The area distinctly lacks sufficient open space public sports facilities. Using existing red ash paved football pitch which is a health and safety concern for causing injuries. Seeking Approval TBC + DC (200K) Proposal form received. Site visit completed. Potentially to be procured Jan 25 Cumbernauld Glencairn Road Boulder removal and extra parking spaces Environmental & Parking Seeking Approval Approx £5k Feasibility checks completed. Boulders can be removed and placed in Page 28 of 186
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Kildrum Primary School. To be completed by end of Sept 24 Motherwell Outdoor Gym, Glenmore Rd- Lomond Walk, Newarthill Development of an outdoor gym for community use Seeking Approval £40,000 Proposal form received from Community Action Newarthill. Early stages, validity checks of project required. Consultation to be arranged. Location to be confirmed Motherwell Coursington Crescent Parking Additional parking Seeking Approval £15,000 Timescale FY 24-25 Proposal form submitted. Site visit and scope checks completed. Potential for 10 spaces. To be part of procurement post summer 24 Presence of gas service along the fence but no issues found Motherwell Lighting on pathway and dog park, welfare park, Newarthill Lighting project Seeking Approval TBC Proposal form submitted. Location confirmed Solar lighting to be extended and site visit to be arranged. Issues identified re different surfacing Motherwell Jerviston Play Area Replacement Play Area replacement Seeking Approval TBC Proposal form submitted. Consultation underway. Timescale FY 25-26 Northern Corridor Frankfield Road, Cardowan ash area project To provide a new whin dust gravel surface on the ash area Seeking Approval £10,000 Proposal received. Site visit & feasibility Page 29 of 186
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next to Cardowan Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) facility, at Frankfield Road, Cardowan. A new surface would support improved delivery of bike hub activities by Cardowan Community Hub. checks completed. Wishaw Waverly Drive Play Area Replacement and upgrade of Waverley Drive Play Area Seeking Approval TBC (SG Funding) Further consultation and engagement with the local community to follow in relation to preferences for play area design. Wishaw Newmains Community Council MUGA Clarification on project one survey findings is received Seeking Approval £140,000 Awaiting survey results. Follow up meeting with Community Council being arranged. Working with local organisations to develop a Community Action Plan. Future engagement planned for the summer. Wishaw Cambusnetha n Memorial Park Play Area Replacement and upgrade of Play Area Seeking Approval TBC (SG funding) Further consultation and engagement with the local community to follow in relation to Page 30 of 186
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preferences for play area design. LDP programme and financial position 2.4 Graph 1 below sets out LDP project spend by community Board areas for financial year 2024/25, from 1 April 2024 to 10 September 2024. The data shown on the chart illustrates the actual spend on the ledger at this date. 2.5 The total expenditure to date is £962,610. This is the total spend for the LDP programme, which includes Council capital funding for the programme, including carry forward from financial year 2023/24, and, where relevant, Scottish Government Play Area Renewal Funding and developer contributions. These funding sources are dedicated to the funding of play areas and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs). 2.6 Graph 1. LDP Programme Expenditure by Board Area 2024/25 2.7 The graph illustrates project spend by Board area in the current financial year, as at September 2024, based on payments made by the LDP project team. It should be noted that there is a considerable variation in expenditure across the Community Board area. This reflects, to a large extent, the type of project that has been completed in each area since the start of the financial year. For example, both Bellshill and Northern Corridor show a high level of spend. Both Community Board areas have had large MUGA projects installed this year as well as other play facilities. 2.8 Conversely, Kilsyth shows no expenditure, as of mid- September. Graph 1 does not show that the Bogside play area project has recently been completed which has a budget expenditure of £80,000. As more projects complete over the remainder of the year, for example two play area projects will be completed in Airdrie in late September, project expenditure by Board area will show far less variation than presently. 2.9 Graph 2. below shows the breakdown of LDP projects by development stages for financial year 2024/25. It shows the scale of the LDP programme, in terms of the number of projects that have been approved (potential) and are in progress, a total of 82, and the number that are under development (38) and seeking approval (10). This is a very large number of projects, fully detailed in Appendix 1, and indicates the high level of demand for LDP projects from the Community Board areas of North Lanarkshire. Graph 2. also illustrates that 23 projects have been completed by mid- Page 31 of 186
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September, with many more in the pipeline to be completed by the end of the financial year. Graph 2. Number of LDP projects by development stage 2024-25 2.10 Further detail at a Community Board level is provided in Graph 3. This illustrates the number of projects at each development stage by Community Board area. Graph 3. Shows more detailed information on the status of projects for each Community Board area. As with the information included in each of the graphs, this will be updated for each future Committee report. Graph 3. LDP projects by development stage by Community Board area 2024/25 Page 32 of 186
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3. Measures of success 3.1 Projects delivered within agreed timescales taking into account all relevant factors and budgetary considerations. 3.2 Local communities are involved from the earliest stage in the development of project designs and delivery and are generally satisfied with the outcome. 3.3 People in communities whose voices are seldom heard are engaged in putting forward/influencing projects within their community. 3.4 The governance role of the Community Boards is consolidated in terms of project development, approvals, and monitoring processes. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 Community Board Local Development Programme 2023/24 onwards 4.2 Appendix 2 Budget Information 4.3 Appendix 3 Your community asked, we delivered: LDP project case study, Kirkwood junior play area Coatbridge, Branchal wood estate path upgrade Wishaw and underpass restoration Cumbernauld. 4.4 Appendix 4 Play Area Development List 2023/24 Stephen Penman Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) Page 33 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Each of the projects in the attached Appendices, if deemed appropriate for delivery and where budget is available is supported through funding available via the Community Board Local Development Programme capital allocation. Consideration will also be given to maximising external and other partner contributions where possible. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 34 of 186
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Several of the projects will have a positive effect on the local environment, contributing to safer areas to play and addressing issues traffic congestion in specific areas. 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The LDP is discussed widely with community groups and local consultation will be communicated as required. In conjunction with local communities, a communications approach will ensure that projects are promoted positively. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? There are no significant financial risks which have been identified at this stage in the financial year, however this will continue to be closely monitored. Some projects may not proceed as a result of e.g., community consultation or site investigations and outstanding budgets will be re-allocated to other projects which will be reported to a future Community Board. It should be acknowledged that there are nationwide challenges in relation to supply of materials and there is also an impact on material costs leading to potentially higher contract costs which could impact on delivery of projects. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Page 35 of 186
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Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☒ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Information is provided regarding upgraded and new play areas across North Lanarkshire. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 36 of 186
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Appendix 1 Airdrie Project Name Project Description Progress Budget Notes Calderbank Welcome Road Sign Welcome Sign Under Development £3000 A site has been identified, north of Brownsburn park- proposal form had been sent, awaiting return. Lost Villages Heritage Project Under Development TBC Feasibility checks to be done. Chapelhall/ Bellside Road Parking Surfacing Under Development £40000 Awaiting outcome of legal issues (Approved Previously by Board) No progress till further Notice Petersburn Play Area, Varnsdorf way Toddlers Play Area Under Development £50000 Feasibility Checks to be done. Arrange site visit and check land ownership Timescale FY 25-26 Holehills Kickabout Area New Play Area Under Development TBC Seek Permission from Education. Consultation Letter is out on the site, no proposal form yet. Possibility of developing dual access. Liased with Forward Planning Team Potential to resurface the MUGA with polymeric surface Milton Court Social Place Seating Area Seeking Approval TBC Project proposal to be completed with Tenants & Residents Association. Page 37 of 186
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Ballochney Road Plains Path installation Surfacing Seeking Approval £20000 Community engagement complete. Surfacing: Path installation. Site visit and feasibility checks to be carried out Caldercruix Play Area Play Area Upgrade Potential/ In progress £100000 Site visit completed. Design specification underway. To be delivered in FY 2024- 25 Arrange further school & community consultation. Consultation in progress, letters sent Petersburn Main Play Area Renew existent play area and concentrate all play provisions in one play area Potential/ In progress £100000 To be delivered in FY 24-25. Consultation in progress, letters sent BMX Pump Track, Funding to support regenerating of the facilities or build a new pump track. Pump Track - Play Potential/ In progress LDP: £10000 External Funding: £140,000 Proposed site identified following site meeting. Project Team to progress. To be progressed in 2024/25 Holehills Development, Play Area Kenilburn Ave, Play Area Potential/ In progress £10000 + Housing Developers off-site contribution Feasibility of utilising area at Kenilburn Ave done Due to be delivered 24/25 Site visit complete, location identified Consultation in progress, letters have been sent out Brownsburn Park, Upgrade to Paths Potential/ In progress £45,000 Completed mid-September 24 Page 38 of 186
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Whinhall Allotments The installation of new path, raised beds and associated ground works Potential/ In progress £15000 Projects Team confirming contract delivery and start date Craigneuk Play Area, Calderigg place, Play Area Potential/ In progress £100,000 Contractor appointed. Project completed; inspection underway Community Safety CCTV CCTV installations Potential/ In progress £25000 £15,000 for Petersburn New Play Area - Completed Chapelhall (Est: £15k), due to be installed CCTV for Petersburn re fly tipping Installed end of Aug 24 Caldercruix Heritage Project Heritage Project Potential/ In progress £42,945 Site open- May 2024. Project Team to arrange for outstanding works due to be completed. Glen Road, Petersburn Parking Potential/ In progress £15000 Progressing in FY 24-25 West end/ Centernary Park New Interpretation boards Potential/ In progress £15000 Progressing in FY 24-25 Community Partnership Initiatives Potential/ In progress £10000 Hill Street Parking, Caldercruix Creation of Additional Parking Bays Completed £16600.65 Completed Feb 24 Jarvie Avenue, Plains Parking Completed £20655.5 Completed April 2024 Plains Community Features, Outdoor Gym Outdoor Gym Completed £24200 + £13000 grants from Consortium & Lottery Works completed summer 2024 Page 39 of 186
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Gartleahill Play Area Play Area Completed £99,909 Wheeled sports - year 2024-2025 Contractor appointed. Project completed; inspection underway September 2024 Rawyards Roundabout Environmental improvement Completed £10000 Veg clearance works complete. Supplementary Planting and general maintenance work ongoing. Victor Street/ Stemac Lane Plains Parking Completed £6196.51 Completed Feb 2024 Four Isles Community Centre, Fencing Project Install fencing to create outdoor area behind the community centre Removed £10,000 Group who proposed project have disbanded therefore project no longer required. Propose to remove from the list. Crowwood Road, Calderbank Parking Removed £15000 Progressing in FY 2024-25. Community engagement underway. Location & scope to be confirmed Removed due to presence of trees and on a corner Calderbank Dog Walking Area Install fencing to create a dog walking area adjacent to the synthetic grass pitch Removed £15000 20 June 24: A decision was made by management that it will not be progressing Page 40 of 186
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Bellshill Project Name Project Details Progress Budget Notes Juniper Place Parking Viewpark Additional parking spaces Under Development £15,000 LDP project proposal submitted. Needs approval from Roads re Footpath. Location confirmed. No services present Timescale FY 25-26 Easter Wood Crescent Parking Viewpark Additional parking spaces Under Development £15,000 LDP project proposal submitted. Location to be checked in with Roads Team. Lock up site to be used first. Approx 15 spaces Alder Bank Parking Viewpark Additional parking spaces Under Development £15,000 Timescale FY 25-26 LDP project proposal submitted. Site visit completed; services check completed McCracken Drive Parking Viewpark Additional parking spaces Under Development £15,000 Timescale FY 24-25. LDP project proposal submitted. Site visit to be arranged. Possibility of 8 bays. Presence of lighting service. To be procured Oct 24 Page 41 of 186
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Windsor Road Parking Additional parking spaces Under Development £30,000 LDP project proposal submitted. Site visit to be arranged. Possible roadworks to create access. Site visit completed. Project out of LDP Scope Belvidere Crescent Parking Bellshill Additional parking spaces Seeking Approval £15,000 Timescale FY 24-25. LDP project proposal submitted. 6 potential spaces Clay Crescent MUGA The area distinctly lacks sufficient open space public sports facilities. Using existing red ash paved football pitch which is a health and safety concern for causing injuries. Seeking Approval TBC + DC (200K) Proposal form received. Site visit completed. Potentially to be procured Jan 25 Laburnum Rd footbridge and environment To repair side panels of an existing footbridge. Addressing litter and fly tipping issues In progress/ Potential £10,000 Timescale FY2024- 25 To be completed by Structures Team of council. Scope to be determined by the Structures Team Sycamore Ave, Viewpark Community Garden To create community garden or dog walking area In progress/ Potential £25,000 Timescale FY 2025- 26. Subject to Community Asset Transfer (CAT) inquiry. Design and development paused for outcome of CAT. Page 42 of 186
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Main Street, Holytown Community Garden Community Garden In progress/ Potential £25,000 Ideas from residents for design and development received. Timescale FY 2024- 25. Holytown Main Street fencing hoarding/fencing In progress/ Potential £15,000 LDP proposal submitted and approved at CB June 2024. Discussion to be arranged with Graphics Redwood Crescent, Viewpark Community Garden Project to create a community greenspace. In progress/ Potential £30,000 Feasibility checks required in terms of scope, engagement, and design. Timescale FY 2024- 25. Paused for further investigation re CAT. Proposer to be changed Page 43 of 186
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Viewpark Gardens Office Cabin The proposed project involves the installation of a portable cabin on site, which can help to create a multi-purpose space which can benefit the community within Viewpark. In progress/ Potentia £20,000 Timescale FY 2024- 25 for delivery in conjunction with local group subject to legal agreement. LDP Proposal submitted. Subject to CAT Community Safety – CCTV Additional CCTV in locality in conjunction with community safety partners In progress/ Potential £25,000 FY 2024-25. None so far Community Partnership initiatives In progress/ Potential £10,000 Year 3 delivery. Funding to support partnership initiatives. Page 44 of 186
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Lilac Crescent Parking Car Parking In progress/ Potential £17500 Approved at CB March 2024. Design development and consultation underway. Consultation completed May 24. Unclear responses received from residents. Possible removal Bellshill Gateway- community Garden Bellshill Gateway- community Garden In progress/ Potential £25,000 LDP contribution (Internal transfer to greenspace) to existing Gateway project for the community garden construction. Site visit planned. Liberty Road, Parking Bellshill Additional parking spaces In progress/ Potential £30,000 LDP proposal submitted and approved at CB June 2024. Potential for 8 spaces only as services present near location. Design development in progress Douglas Street, Viewpark Car parking In progress/ Potential £18000 Further information is required for identifying location and scope of work. To progress in FY 2024-25. Needs approval from Roads team. To be part of procurement post summer 2024 Page 45 of 186
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Telford Street Parking Bellshill Additional parking spaces Removed £15,000 LDP project proposal submitted. Location to be confirmed. Project not moving forward Crowflat View, Viewpark Car parking project Completed £10,209.80 Works completed. Napier Square (north side), Bellshill - car park project Car Parking Completed £15,804.40 Works completed. Baird’s Ave, Viewpark Play facilities improvement Project Upgrading play equipment in an existing play area Completed £99,578 Contractor appointed. Work commenced mid-May 2024. Works completed July 24, site open, inspection completed. Footpath works ongoing Clydesdale Rd/Mossend Primary School – car parking Car Parking Removed £35,000 Further consultation required with Education and Roads to determine final proposal. Removing after feasibility checks Gemini Grove, Holytown Wall entrance project Project to cut through an opening through a low-level brick wall for residents’ access to a public car park. 🎯 Completed £2500 Contractor appointed. Completed March 2024. Page 46 of 186
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Orbiston bing project Vegetation clearance to footpaths and existing pedestrian routes. 🎯 Completed £10,000 Arrangements underway to proceed. Veg clearance completed March 2024; however additional works identified. Usage of the site to be assessed based on Hub building getting build in future years. Rosevale Crescent MUGA Potential MUGA facility Completed £30,000 + £100000 External Funding Contractor appointed and on site. To be completed by end of mid-June 2024 Completed July 24 and open to use. Footpath works ongoing Hamilton Place Play Area (Quarry Street Play Area) New play area development Removed £130,000 Timescale FY 25-26. LDP Project Proposal submitted. Site visit completed. Removed due to site near houses Coatbridge Project Name Project Details Progress Budget Notes Greenend Play Area Full refurb. Add to wheeled sports provision, extra play equipment Under Development TBC Request from T&R Org. Feasibility checks completed. Consultation underway. To be part of procurement October 24 Page 47 of 186
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Whifflet Park Environmental Improvement Under Development £0 Fountain area clear up (Streetscene) & support to T&RA to replace benches around the fountain. No LDP Proposal needed Bargeddie Play Area Play Area upgrade Under Development £20,000 Feasibility ongoing. Proposal in progress. Planning community consultation June 2024. 1 unit/equipment needs to be replaced Cumberland place and sharp avenue Parking, Parking Potential/ In progress TBC Creating parking spaces, congested area. Potential issues identified with this project. Need to check with roads Community Partnership Initiatives Potential/ In progress £10000 Mitchell Street, Kirkwood Parking Parking approx. 6 bays Potential/ In progress Funding proposal submitted for £10k. £20K required to complete project. Funding proposal submitted for 10k. £20K required to complete project. Approved and Project going to Convener’s meeting. Feasibility checks conducted. Going to procurement post summer 2024 Community Safety – CCTV Additional CCTV in locality in conjunction with Community Safety Partners Potential/ In progress £25000 As required Page 48 of 186
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Carnbroe Welcome Signage & Heritage panels Signage on Roundabouts re welcome & safe driving & heritage panels to safely screen mine cap in community garden Potential/ In progress £10,000 Project requested by CCAR – proposal submitted; initial feasibility completed. Design process completed with CCAR. Only one signage to be placed. Requesting permission from landowner Kelso Quadrant Community space, Create a useable community space on currently unused waste ground to rear of properties Potential/ In progress £10000 Design workshop completed, site drawing in progress, initial clear & cut back completed. Potential for Street Scene to provide benches Shining Stars Outdoor Learning Space Project Use space at rear of building to create secure learning and performance space for ASN theatre school Potential/ In progress £10000 Initial feasibility completed; project proposal form submitted. Design of outdoor education space in process with project members and supported by street scene team. Greenwood Crescent Community Garden Community Garden Potential/ In progress £5000 + £5000 matched resource from Housing Proposal submitted, agreed matched resources with Housing. Internal transfer to housing. Project requested by tenants. Community consultation completed Page 49 of 186
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Langloan Community Space reclaiming community spaces in Langloan. Goal Posts, roll bars & seating area. Potential/ In progress £5,000 Goalposts & Roll bars on grass area leading to ‘the bumps’ to help reclaim the space for children & community, also includes potential support to community garden space. Goalposts received. Awaiting delivery of Roll Bars. Benches to be arranged Kirkwood Local Improvements Dog Walking Area Dog Walking Area Removed £15000 Survey reports complete. Scheduling in progress. On hold, Received negative responses in consultation, hence removal of project. Shawhead Recreation Space Play Area Removed New Supply Project to progress under New Supply as part of Dunnotar Avenue project – like for like replacement of recreation space. Bargeddie restrict access to quad bikes Environmental improvements Removed £0 Block access to quad bikes request from residents. Proposal received Last Tram Project LDP Funding Completed £10,000 + £5,000 Active & Creative Communities £1100 through Community Benefits Funding proposal submitted for 10k. £20K required to complete project. Approved and Project going to Convener’s meeting. Oak Place, Greenend Parking Bays Creation of additional parking bays to alleviate congestion Completed £10,733.55 17 April 2024: Works completed Page 50 of 186
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Kirkwood Local Improvements- Junior Play area Junior Play Area Development Completed £60000 Design Brief complete. Final design consultation completed. Contractor appointed. Work commenced. Completed June 2024 Margaret Street Park Remove fencing & upgrade lighting Removed £0 Fencing completed. Upgrade from single to dual light in progress Feasibility of changing/adding light to be confirmed by GD Project removed as light levels already exceeds maximum for the area Summerlee Street pathway Parking & Environmental Completed £16,874.95 Extension of footpath along grass verge. Scheduling in progress Contractor appointed. Completed March 2024 Dunure Place Coatbridge Creation of parking bays to alleviate congestion Completed £12,951.85 Works completed April 24 Dunure Street Coatbridge Dog Walking Dog Walking Area Completed £15000 Contractor appointed. Completed May 24 Cumbernauld Project Name & ID Project Details Progress Budget Notes Lime Crescent, Abronhill Parking Under Development TBC Application received. Potential location to be identified. Feasibility checks to be conducted Gap Site Hoardings Design of the hoardings to include historical information and images of the Village Under Development TBC Proposal form received Page 51 of 186
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Glencairn Road Boulder removal and extra parking spaces Environmental & Parking Seeking Approval Approx £5k Feasibility checks completed. Boulders can be removed and placed in Kildrum Primary School. To be completed by end of Sept 24 Afton Road, Parking Parking In progress/Pote ntial £15000 Request for additional parking- feasibility checks completed. Community council identified project as priority one, out of applications submitted. Potential for 2 additional parking bays. To be tendered late summer 2024 subject to further investigation (Presence of trees) To be tendered post summer 24. Birch Parking In progress/Pote ntial £45000 Three proposals submitted. Potential for 10 parking bays. Consultation to be conducted. To be included within infrastructure frameworks Handrails, Kildrum (3 Areas) Pathway Handrails for 3 areas In progress/Pote ntial £10000 Proposal submitted by CC and supported by local community. Locations confirmed. Page 52 of 186
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Community Notice boards, Kildrum (3) Community Notice Boards In progress/Pote ntial £7500 Proposal submitted by CC and supported by local community. Locations confirmed Watch us grow, Environmental Improvements In progress/Pote ntial £10000 Natures Scotland License received, funding to be released by mid-September 24 Netherwood Road, Parking In progress/Pote ntial £15906.90 Contract awarded. Outstanding technical issues to be resolved re trees. Trees to be relocated and replanted. Parking to be completed by Oct 24. Replanting to be completed by Feb 25 Cumbernauld Peace Garden Memory Walk Memory Walk In progress/Pote ntial £10000 Detail design required. To be tendered in 2024-25. Site visit completed Potentially combining 2 projects (Memory Walk & Dementia Garden) Eastfield Play Area Playpark In progress/Pote ntial £100000 Balloch site identified, proposal submitted by local community. To be progressed in 2024-25. School Children Consultation completed June 2024. Design spec to be produced. Online Consultation completed July 2024; positive responses received Melrose Road, Greenfaulds Parking Improvements In progress/Pote ntial £10833.75 Contract awarded. Outstanding technical issues to be resolved. To be completed by end of Oct 24 Page 53 of 186
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Community Partnership Initiatives Funding to support community partnership initiatives In progress/Pote ntial £10,000 CCTV CCTV In progress/Pote ntial £25000 FY 2024-25: Burns Road CCTV installation - Removed Installed & Operational Clouden/Ellisland Rowan Road Carbrain Gully Cumbernauld Heritage Project, Abronhill Heritage Project In progress/Pote ntial £4,900 Restoring of underpass painting/mural. Advice sought from Active and creative communities. Getting the artist on the NLC system is in progress Oak Road Football Pitch, Abronhill Parking improvements Completed £30506.30 Completed Feb 2024 Millcroft road, South Carbrain Play Area Upgrade Completed £80,000 (Scottish Government money) Works completed May 2024. Braehead Road, Kildrum Play Area Upgrade Completed £50,000 (Scottish government money) Contract awarded. Works completed end of March 2024, however additional drainage issues identified and to be resolved by June 2024. Completed July 24 Ben Venue Eastfield Parking Parking Removed £8941.50 Contract awarded, however feasibility issues identified. Following further investigation, project identified not viable due to presence of other services (Gas etc.) Mossywood Court, Westfield Parking Parking Removed £12,000 Potential for 4 spaces. Not viable because of trees Page 54 of 186
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Ellisland Road, Kildrum Parking Parking Removed £15000 Possible removal as Potential location not identified. Project could be for Roads Team Additional parking not feasible Darroch Way, Seafar Parking Removed £15000 Feasibility checks required. Removal due to presence of water pipe underground - Inchwood Road, Westfield Parking Removed £10,412.24 Contract awarded. Works to be completed by June 2024. On hold till confirmation from Roads Team. Project removed due to presence of trees and services Kilsyth Project Name Project Details Progress Budget Notes Kilsyth Old Peoples Welfare Committee – centre renovations Contribution towards improvements works at Old Library (Burngreen) Under Development TBC Organisation seeking third party funding support for essential building and facility improvements. Proposal will require to be updated CCTV In progress/Potential £10000 Barlandfauld CCTV completed: £14k Argyll Place Parking, Additional parking spaces required In progress/Potential £15000 To be progressed in 2024-25. To be part of Newlay's Programme of Work. To be completed by end of Oct 24 Banton Parking, Parking bays In progress/Potential £12552.50 Issues with street lighting & location, hence timescale changed to FY 25-26 Page 55 of 186
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Rennie Road Play Park, Replace Play Area In progress/Potential Est £80000 Community Group (Tenants and Residents) now established. Project scope to be determined. Site visit completed & location confirmed. CPO met with community group; Proposal received. Utilising Natural Play Community Partnership Initiatives Funding to support partnership initiatives In progress/Potential £1500 Bogside Park Play Park Upgrade Completed £15000+ £50000 Scottish Government Tender awarded Jan 2024. Works commenced, to be completed by end of Aug 24 Project complete end of Aug 24 Croy Community Hub, community garden Outdoor Community Space (Garden) Removed £15000 Timescale FY2024- 25. Costings to be determined and community engagement required. Following Community Consultation, project no longer progressing. Page 56 of 186
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Motherwell Project Name & Project Details Status Budget Notes Rail bridge Project, Craigneuk Working with the community to develop a rail bridge art project, which will include the potential for improvement works on Glencairn Road Under Development TBC Early stages, scoping of project required. No proposal form received to date. Further community guidance required from Glencassels community development project. Land ownership checks in progress Outdoor Gym, Glenmore Rd- Lomond Walk, Newarthill Development of an outdoor gym for community use Seeking Approval £40,000 Proposal form received from Community Action Newarthill. Early stages, validity checks of project required. Consultation to be arranged. Location to be confirmed Coursington Crescent Parking Additional parking Seeking Approval £15,000 Timescale FY 24-25 Proposal form submitted. Site visit and scope checks completed. Potential for 10 spaces. To be part of procurement post summer 24 Presence of gas service along the fence but no issues found Lighting on pathway and dog park, welfare park, Newarthill Lighting project Seeking Approval TBC Proposal form submitted. Location confirmed Solar lighting to be extended and site visit to be arranged. Issues identified re different surfacing Page 57 of 186
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Jerviston Play Area Replacement Play Area replacement Seeking Approval TBC Proposal form submitted. Consultation underway. Timescale FY 25-26 Community Partnership Initiatives Funding to support community partnership initiatives Potential/ In progress £10,000 Community Safety CCTV Additional CCTV in locality in conjunction with Community Safety Partners Potential/ In progress £25000 Potential CCTV for issues in Muirhouse: Antisocial Behaviour 5K Duchess Park, Hamilton Road New Notice boards/signage Potential/ In progress TBC Approved to order Notice boards and signage. Fife Drive, Forgewood play park improvement and expansion Replace missing equipment and consider adding some more play equipment to improve the park Potential/ In progress £80,000 Further discussion with the local organisation and community in progress. Application received. Consultation underway. Newarthill Path lighting Path-lighting, woodland walking area Potential/ In progress £7K to 10K Proposal submitted. Need to establish full scope of work. Newarthill Tree Lighting Project Community Council want to light up 5 trees next to the welcome to Newarthill entrance feature Potential/ In progress £15,000 Work commenced. Estimated delivery Financial Year 24-25. Page 58 of 186
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George St Park, constructing walking path LDP form received from the group regarding constructing a walking Path round the park, with bench, Trim trail and a bog garden etc Potential/ In progress Indicative £80K to £100K: SG Early stages, validity checks of project required. Local group to do local consultation in Spring 24. Site visit to be arranged Lyons Quadrant, Craigneuk Additional parking bays to alleviate congestion Removed Need to establish full scope of work. To proceed next financial year. Consultation completed end of May 24 -> Negative responses received; project removed Wittagreen Crescent Play Park Replace play park Removed £0 Proposal form submitted. Project removed after feasibility checks Newarthill Glenburn Ave. Parking Parking Removed £8,498.50 Additional fibre cabling installed on site, no longer feasible to proceed with the project. Kinloch Drive Parking Completed £3,300 Completed March 2024. Robert Burns Avenue, Newarthill Parking bays Completed £8,067 Contractor appointed. Completed April 2024. Roman Road, Motherwell Central Play Area Play Area Completed £140,000 Works completed June 24 Page 59 of 186
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Northern Corridor Project Name Project Details Progress Budget Notes Frankfield Road, Cardowan ash area project To provide a new whin dust gravel surface on the ash area next to Cardowan Multi- Use Games Area (MUGA) facility, at Frankfield Road, Cardowan. A new surface would support improved delivery of bike hub activities by Cardowan Community Hub. Seeking Approval £10,000 Proposal received. Site visit & feasibility checks completed. Moodiesburn Outdoor Gym Establish an outdoor gym Potential/ In progress £20,000 Proposal form signed by Moodiesburn Community Action. Location updated: Pivot Community Centre, Glenmanor Drive. Feasibility and service checks complete; and agreed with community Lochside Play Area, Gartcosh Refurbish Play Area Potential/ In progress £10,000 + £80,000 (SG Funding) £5000 (Developer's contribution) Work schedule to be reassessed then start date confirmed. Auchinloch Community Council Outdoor gym Establish outdoor gym facility in Auchinloch Potential/ In progress £20,000 Timescale financial Year 2024-25 Approved at Community Board 21 Feb. 2024 Project identified through Auchinloch Community Action Plan. Feasibility checks on potential sites completed. To be procured after September 2024. Page 60 of 186
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Moodiesburn Play Area Create play area at top end of Moodiesburn Potential/ In progress £75K Timescale Financial Year 2024-25. Identified by Moodiesburn Community Action Group consultation. Consultation with schools and community completed April 2024. Proposed site on ground at St. Michael’s PS, Blackwoods Crescent approved for use. To be procured after September 2024. Site visit completed by Project Team Cardowan Community Meadow Outdoor Gym Establish outdoor gym facility in Cardowan Potential/ In progress £20,000 Timescale Financial Year 2024-25. Endorsed at Community Board 21/02/2024. Project identified through Cardowan Community Action Plan. Feasibility checks on potential sites completed. To be procured after September 2024. Moodiesburn Christmas Tree Project Erect permanent Christmas Tree in Moodiesburn Potential/ In progress £3,000 Timescale Financial Year 2025-26. CPT and Streetscene to conduct further feasibility checks on potential sites (Pivot CC). CCTV Community Safety Additional CCTV in the locality in conjunction with community safety partners Potential/ In progress £15,000 Community Partnership Initiatives Funding to support community partnership initiatives Potential/ In progress £3,000 Page 61 of 186
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Dunalistair Drive Play Area, Millerston Replace Play Area Completed £60,000 + £60,000 Scottish Government Funding Completed April 2024 Kelvin Drive, Moodiesburn Wheeled sports facility Wheeled sports area Completed £20,000 + £133,000 (Developer's contribution) Works completed, May 2024 Northern Corridor Community Volunteers: Locality Heritage Project Further develop local heritage project Completed £5000 External Grant Timescale Financial Year 2024-25. Approved at Community Board 21 Feb. '24. Stage 2 implementation of the project. Completed July '24 Blades Court, Gartcosh Parking Car Parking bays Completed £7430.70 Completed March 2024 Lochside, Gartcosh Parking Car Parking bays Completed £13,853.75 Completed March 2024 Frankfield Road, Cardowan MUGA Cardowan MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) project Completed £107,291.52 Works completed July 2024 Shotts Project Name & ID Project Details Progress Budget Notes Alexander Peden PS Harthill Community access to play and greenspace opportunities Under Development TBC Initial discussions with education services re access to playpark Summerhill Place, Parking Allanton Parking project at Allanton Under Development £20000 Future years delivery dependent on budget and feasibility. Proposal form received. Water services found after site visit, possible removal Page 62 of 186
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Salsburgh Community Council - commemorative Commemorative Railway Hutch and Wagon on Rails and Pathway Lighting Under Development £15000 Timescale FY 24-25. Delivery dependent on budget and feasibility. Pathway lighting to be included as well. Site visit completed. Proposer resigned as Chair Salsburgh Community Council - Solar Lighting Solar lighting at outdoor community space to aide community safety Under Development £5000 Future years delivery dependent on budget and feasibility. Possible merging with commemorative project Stane Gardens, Additional benches Request for additional benches at Stane Gardens Under Development £3000 Future years delivery dependent on budget and feasibility. Service cannot fund, looking for LDP contribution Nevis Place Parking Installation of parking bays and lining of parking area in existent area Under Development £1000 Initial engagement taken place. Proposal form submitted. Lining of bays to be included in current contracts. To be completed by end of Oct 24 Erskine Way Shotts Parking Improvements To increase the number of spaces available for local household vehicles. Under Development TBC Proposal form submitted. Feasibility checks need to be conducted. Belmont Drive Parking Installation of parking bays Under Development Engagement undertaken. Proposal form with projects team for feasibility checks. Not supporting due to parking close by funded recently by LDP Hirst Gardens Parking Installation of parking bays Under Development TBC Proposal form received. Awaiting feasibility checks Page 63 of 186
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Convenanter Road Harthill Parking and accessibility improvements Installation of parking bays Under Development TBC Proposal form received. Feasibility checks completed; possible removal due to presence of water services, out of LDP scope Stane Corner Parking Manse Road car park lining and directional signage project to be undertaken along with a community awareness campaign to promote car park usage Potential/ In progress £10000 Contractor appointed for delivery. Project with Graphics Team. Sign graphics ready and awaiting order for contractor to build. Signs to be relocated Shotts Leisure Centre Outdoor Gym LD Outdoor Gym Potential/ In progress £30000 Timescale FY2025-26. Delivery dependent on budget and feasibility. Community Safety CCTV Additional CCTV in the locality in conjunction with community safety partners Potential/ In progress £25,000 Programme of camera upgrades and new installations undertaken including support towards a deployable CCTV trailer. None so far Hartwood Play Area upgrade Funding to support local organisation with play area refurbishment Potential/ In progress £15,000 LDP for year 3 + £70,000 EKF external funding sourced by organisatio n Handover delayed till new drainage installed due to flooding risks. Inspection completed. Drainage work on site completed in September 24. Salsburgh Feature Lighting Project to install lighting on entrance features and war memorial Potential/ In progress £10000 Background planning being finalised before installation. Work in progress (Columns installed). Lighting arrived, more ordered Page 64 of 186
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Laggan Path Parking Parking Project Potential/ In progress £10000 Currently assigned to 2024/25 delivery. Site visit & Feasibility checks completed. Not feasible at current site, but possible alternate location could be suggested. Community Partnership Initiatives Funding to support community partnership initiatives Potential/ In progress £2000 Approved at Community Empowerment Committee Salsburgh Community Council Wider improvement programme for King George V Park Wider improvement programme for King George V Park Removed TBC Future years delivery dependent on budget and feasibility. Proposal form received. Service cannot fund so unlikely to move forward. Project removed Muldron Terrace, Parking Development of parking bays to reduce congestion Completed £10302.87 Main build completed but lining and top dressing to be finalised. Completed May 24 Torbothie Rd Shotts Parking Creation Of Off- Street Parking on Torbothie Road (176-180) to alleviate local issues. Completed £12900 Contractor appointed for delivery. Expected to complete by July 2024. Delayed but projects team assurance of completion in short term Completed June 24 Lochaber Road Parking Parking project Completed £28314.25 Main build installed. Lining and top dressing still to be completed. Meeting held with street scene to agree a solution and location of a new gate access. Completed May 2024 Page 65 of 186
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Wishaw Project Name Project Details Status Budget Notes Cleland Parking Lack of parking at Crossgates Ave, Crosshill Dr & Fraser St Under Development TBC Project idea raised by local community – Site visit completed. Further checks required. Proposal submitted. Wishawhill/St Matthews Socialtrack Project Environmental & Woodland improvements around Wishawhill Woods including further development of pump track/cycling facilities Under Development Third Party Contribution TBC + Potential of up to £100,000 funding from Sports Scotland Facilities Fund Idea being developed in partnership with Social Track and Green Action Trust. Proposal to be submitted in due course. Overtown solar lighting on pathway Built in Solar Lighting on pathway Under Development Third Party Contribution TBC + Potential of up to £100,000 funding from Sports Scotland Facilities Fund LDP Proposal currently being worked with local organisation. Arrange site visit and check feasibility as well as durability Cleland Christmas Trees NLC funding of 50% costs towards community Christmas trees in Cleland in partnership with cleland community council Under Development £1000 Proposal form signed. NLC funding of 50% costs towards community Christmas trees in Cleland in partnership with Cleland community council Page 66 of 186
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Newmains Community Council MUGA Clarification on project one survey findings is received Seeking Approval £140,000 Awaiting survey results. Follow up meeting with Community Council being arranged. Working with local organisations to develop a Community Action Plan. Future engagement planned for the summer. Waverly Drive Play Area Replacement and upgrade of Waverley Drive Play Area Seeking Approval TBC (SG Funding) Further consultation and engagement with the local community to follow in relation to preferences for play area design. Cambusnethan Memorial Park Play Area Replacement and upgrade of Play Area Seeking Approval TBC (SG funding) Further consultation and engagement with the local community to follow in relation to preferences for play area design. Cleland Sydney Devine Memorial Memorial Plaque for Sydney Devine in his town of birth. Potential/ In progress £4k to £5k Proposal being developed along with local representatives. Positive response received in community board. Awaiting plaque design details from community group Page 67 of 186
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Branchalwood Estate, Coltness Environmental improvements Completed £5000 Nature Walk Upgrades. Idea being developed by local neighbourhood group. Proposal form submitted with location plan. Pathway Improvement works to be started end of Aug 24. completed mid Sept 24. Signage to be ordered Coltness Welcome Sign Welcome Sign Potential/ In progress £20,000 Joint site visits complete. Consultation in progress. Project team conducting feasibility checks to progress. King George V Play Area, Wishaw Replace Play Area Potential/ In progress £50,000 + £100,000 external funding Consultation and Design Specification completed. Contractor appointed. Work commenced in September 2024. Cleland MUGA Creation of new MUGA Potential/ In progress £70,000 Possible removal as no community group present or match funding available Cleland Public Park Refurb and extend play area Potential/ In progress £55,000 Contract awarded. Works completed; Inspection completed Aug 24 Signage to be installed. Lyman Drive Play Area Replace Play area - upgrade park Potential/ In progress £40,000 Consultation and Design specification completed. Contractor appointed. Works commenced Aug 24 Page 68 of 186
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Newmains Community Council Village Welcome Sign Creation of welcome sign Potential/ In progress £20000 Timescale FY2024-25 Consultation with Newmains CC re developed design specification underway. Received positive response re design from CC Works commenced. To be completed by end of Sept 24 CCTV Additional CCTV in locality in conjunction with community safety partners Potential/ In progress £25,000 Community Partnership Initiatives Funding to support community partnership initiatives Potential/ In progress £10,000 Newmains Play Area at Community Hub Improved play area facilities in conjunction with local community Completed £175,000 Works completed Overtown Brighter Neighbourhood Group - Outdoor Gym Outdoor Gym Completed £45,000 Works completed and site handed over May 24 Park Quadrant Parking Junction improvements Completed £10,264.85 Works completed May 24 Install new swing bay Parkside Play Area, Cleland Additional works Completed £5K external funding 1 Nov 23: works completed Greenfield Drive (Cambusnethan Parking) Parking Completed £9907.88 Completed 1 Mar 24 Page 69 of 186
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Cambusnethan Dog Walking Area Dog Walking Area at Cambusnethan memorial park Removed 0 LDP Project Proposal received from Cambusnethan CC in support of the community for a formal dog walking area at the Memorial Park. LDP not supporting anymore Dog Walking areas but open to development of other local development Page 70 of 186
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Appendix 2 LDP 5-year allocation by Community Board Year Airdrie Bellshill Coatbridge Cumbernauld Kilsyth Motherwell Northern Corridor Shotts Wishaw 2024/25 £180,318 £134,642 £151,700 £158,383 £38,080 £174,494 £85,190 £49,722 £115,471 2025/26 £240,537 £177,823 £206,856 £212,200 £50,519 £232,809 £105,025 £65,964 £154,512 2026/27 £269,137 £199,039 £226,740 £237,506 £56,546 £260,494 £127,953 £73,833 £172,947 2027/28 £236,643 £174,944 £199,297 £208,740 £49,700 £229,046 £103,305 £64,266 £152,011 2028/29 £266,973 £197,366 £224,840 £235,494 £56,069 £258,402 £116,545 £73,211 £171,494 Page 71 of 186
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Appendix 3 Your community asked, we delivered LDP project case study: Kirkwood junior play area The focus of this case study is the new, junior play area, designed for younger children, in Renfrew Street in the Kirkwood area of Coatbridge. The case study sets out the background and process for the development and the delivery of the project, which was completed in June 2024. Background Initial consultation work was carried out by the Kirkwood Tenants and Residents Association in 2022, asking local residents “what does the area need”. Following this initial piece of work the Kirkwood Tenants and Residents Association approached the Community Partnership team for further support and guidance. The local Community Partnership Officer (CPO), working with the Tenants and Residents Association conducted a further, broader consultation exercise in late 2022. This consultation was to gauge local support for the project and to help identify any further priorities for the local area which could be supported through LDP. A total of 221 responses to the survey were submitted by local residents which clearly identified the junior play area as a priority. A location for the project was identified at Renfrew Street in Kirkshaws, the location shown in the picture below. Picture 1: Site for Kirkshaws Junior Play area, Renfrew Street, Coatbridge Page 72 of 186
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Project Development A project proposal was developed for the junior play area, and this was approved in February 2023, with an indicative budget of £60,000. Work was undertaken to draft up a design brief for the new play area. This involved the CPO undertaking further community consultation, including the local primary school. Once the brief had been drafted this was shared with the local community through the Tenants and Residents Association to ensure residents were kept up to date with progress. The brief for the junior play area was included in a larger procurement exercise for a total of 14 play areas across North Lanarkshire which was undertaken in October and November 2023. The CPO provided regular updates toe the Tenants and Residents association regarding progress of the project throughout the procurement process. A contract for the junior play area was awarded in December 2023, with an initial meeting with the successful contractor and the LDP project team in January 2024. The team and the contractor agreed a timescale and delivery plan, with a start date of May 2024. This time allowed for the design build and delivery of the play equipment for the play area, which took approximately three months. It also meant that the installation of the play area would take place in the Spring and early summer when the weather and ground conditions would be better. The installation of the play area was completed in June 2024, and following sign off by independent inspectors the play area was opened to the public. The CPO also ran a design competition with local children, to “design a sign” for the new play area, with the winning design being turned into the play area. Some images of the new Kirkwood junior play area are included below. Page 73 of 186
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Images Kirkwood Junior Play area Page 74 of 186
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Branchal wood Estate, Nature Walk pathway upgrades, Wishaw This case study presents a project from the Wishaw community board area, to renew path surfacing in the woodland area around Coltness and North Branchal woods. The pathway runs through a mature, estate woodlands, which provides a home for wildlife and a host of trees and plants. The area provides walking and leisure opportunities for the local community in a beautiful woodland setting. Background The Branchal wood Estate Community Group, contacted the Community Partnership Officer (CPO) for the Wishaw area in early 2023, seeking support for a project to make environmental improvements to the natural heritage nature walk from the entrance at Lyman Drive. The projects aim was to encourage more people from the community to walk in the park, to be closer to the natural environment and to support their overall health and wellbeing. Both are Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) priorities for the Wishaw Community Board area. The Branchal wood Estate community group worked with the CPO to develop an LDP funding proposal, which was submitted in June 2023. Working with the CPO the Branchal wood Estate group consulted with local residents to ensure that there was strong local support for the proposal. Local support for the project was secured and the proposal was subsequently endorsed by the Wishaw Community Board and approved by the Council’s Communities committee later in 2023. Project Development Once approved, the project was included as one of 24 LDP surfacing projects which went to procurement in the autumn of 2023. The successful contractor was appointed just before Christmas with work planned in over a six-month period starting in February 2024. The LDP team worked closely with the surfacing contractor to programme in project work and to ensure that projects were completed to the required standard during the period of the contract. The Branchal wood project started at the end of August 2024 and completed at the end of September 2024. The photographs that follow show the project at the “before, during and after” stage of delivery of the project. The photographs illustrate the considerable improvement to the pathway in Branchal wood that has been achievable through LDP funding. Page 78 of 186
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LDP Project – Branchal Wood Nature Walk Pathway relay / up-grade 1. Pre-project pathway Page 79 of 186
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2. Midway point of project delivery showing clearance works Page 80 of 186
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3. Midway point of project delivery showing Clearance works & drainage. Pathway Clearance Drainage clearance & up-grade 4. Project Completion Page 81 of 186
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5. Comparison pre-Start to Completion example at the mid-way section of the pathway, showing the bench seating area, resting point Page 83 of 186
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LDP project case study: Restoration of Brain Miller Artwork at Meadowhead Underpass Cumbernauld. This case study details the restoration of the Brian Miller artwork at the Meadowhead underpass in Kildrum, Cumbernauld. The case study highlights the background, development process, and successful delivery of the project, which was completed in October 2024. Background The Meadowhead Underpass had been painted by artist Brian Miller in the 1960s and had significantly deteriorated over the years which was compounded by graffiti and mould that covered over some aspects of the painting which prompted concerns from the local community. Residents, through their local elected member, raised the issue with the Council. During an initial consultation, residents expressed a clear desire for the underpass to be restored, rather than simply painted over. Over time, the mural had become an eyesore, and locals reported feeling unsafe when using the underpass particularly at night as it was dark. A proposal for the restoration of the underpass, under the Local Development Plan (LDP), was submitted by the local Councillor and Kildrum Community Council on behalf of the community. In 2022, the Community Partnership Officer (CPO) worked in collaboration with Kildrum Community Council to carry out a broader consultation to gauge support for the project. The feedback was overwhelmingly in favour of restoration. 1. Underpass before Restoration Page 84 of 186
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Project Development A formal project proposal for the restoration of the underpass, designated as a Heritage Project was developed. A local artist, who had previously collaborated with Kildrum Community Council on other community art projects, was selected to lead the work and an indicative budget of £4,980 was agreed upon for the project. In August 2024, the contract for the restoration work was awarded, with the artist scheduled to begin work in September 2024. A detailed timescale and delivery plan was agreed with the artist, ensuring minimal local disruption. The short timeline was achievable as the project was not weather-dependent, and the artist was able to work during off-peak hours. Completion The work was completed on 4th October 2024, with the underpass artwork fully restored. The restored artwork has been positively received by the community, bringing the underpass back to life and restoring a sense of safety and pride to the area. 2. Restoration Complete The success of this project demonstrates the importance of community engagement and collaboration in preserving local heritage while addressing practical community concerns. Page 85 of 186
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TESTIMONIES COLLECTED BY Danielle Nixon, Artist ‘Whilst painting so many people stopped to say kind words, to tell me I was doing an amazing job. I noted a few words in my notes as I thought it could be quite nice to document that so many people have enjoyed Brian Miller’s works for a long time.’ (Danielle Nixon) • ‘I remember when this was first painted in the 60’s. Brian Miller made Cumbernauld so colourful and it’s so nice to see it coming back again’ (Local Resident) • ‘It’s so nice to see it getting painted. It’s really brightened the place up.’ (Local Resident) • ‘I hope that the council get more of these painted it makes them less scary and enjoyable to walk through.’ (Local resident) • ‘It’s great to see the council doing something about these underpasses, they can be so scary.’ (Local resident) • ‘I’ve been looking coming through since being a wee boy and it’s really good that this is getting restored.’ (Local resident) Page 86 of 186
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Appendix 4 Play Area Development Update 2023/24 Community Board Project Name Project Description Project Potential Cost Additional external or partner funding available Additional Notes Airdrie Gartleahill play area Replacement and upgrade of existing play area £20,000 £80,000 Installation completed September 2024 Airdrie Craigneuk play area New play area £90,000 £0 Installation completed September 2024 Airdrie Holehill/ Kenniburn Avenue New play area £50,000 £0 Project delayed until 2024/25. Airdrie Moffat View Play Area Replace existing play area £50,000 Installation completed September 2023 Airdrie Plains Outdoor gym New outdoor gym facility £35,000 £0 Installation completed Spring 2024. Bellshill Baird’s Avenue Park Improving play facilities and equipment at an existing play area £30,000 £70,000 Installation completed July 2024 Bellshill Rosevale Crescent/Calder Park MUGA project, Mossend Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) facility £30,000 + additional external funding £100,000 Developer contribution Installation completed June 2024 Coatbridge Kirkwood Junior Play area New play area for younger children £60,000 £0 Installation completed June 2024 Cumbernauld Millcroft Road Upgrade Play Area £80,000 Scottish Government Play Park renewal fund. installation completed end of March 2024 Cumbernauld Braehead Road Upgrade Play Area £50,000 Scottish Government Play Park renewal fund. installation completed end of March 2024 Page 87 of 186
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Kilsyth Bogside Park Replacement and upgrade of existing play area £15,000 £65,000 Scottish Government Play Area Renewal Fund Installation completed August 2024 Motherwell The Loaning Motherwell Improvements to play area £50,000 £100,000 Scottish Government Play Park renewal fund Installation completed September 2023 Motherwell The Roman Road Improvement and renewal of a play area £50,000 £90,000 Scottish Government Play Park renewal fund Installation completed June 2024 Northern Corridor Moodiesburn Kelvin Drive Wheeled sports facility Wheeled sports facility £20,000 £52,000 Developers Contribution Installation completed Autumn 2023 Northern Corridor Frankfield Road MUGA New Multi Use Games Area £130,000 Installation completed May 2024. North Corridor Dunalistair Drive Play Area Replacement play area £120,000 Installed completed September 2023 North Corridor Lochside Play area Gartcosh Replacement play area £0 £80,000 Due to start October 2024 Shotts Hartwood Funding to support local play area refurbishment £15,000 Installed December 2023. Opened in June 2024 Shotts Hareshaw Additional play equipment £5,000 Installation completed September 2023 Wishaw Overtown Outdoor Gym £45,000 Installation completed in May 2024 Wishaw Lyman Drive play area Replacement play area £0 £40,000 Scottish Government Play area renewal funding Installation due in October 2024 Wishaw Newmains Improved play area £150,000 Installation completed September 2023 Wishaw Cleland Public Park Refurb and extend play area £50,000.00 Installation completed October 2023 Wishaw Parkside Install new swing bay £5,000 Installation completed September 2023 Page 88 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref SP/MC Date 28/10/24 Community Boards and Partnership Communications Strategy From Stephen Penman, Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) E-mail penmanste@northland.gov.uk costellom@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07725 289559 Executive Summary This report provides an update on key progress linked to supporting the development of the Community Boards model including updates on the 17th cycle of Community Board meetings which took place throughout August/September 2024. • Progress with the delivery of the nine Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs) and the implementation of an associated Monitoring and Management Framework and Partnership delivery approach • Progress with the Community Board Development Programme • Work to commence development of a Partnership Communications Strategy • Continued development of a Partnership Communications Strategy As previously agreed by committee, reports on the work of the nine Community Boards are provided to the committee relating to each committee cycle. Progress is also reported to the North Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership Strategic Leadership Board to reflect the statutory nature of the Boards in Community Planning terms in providing local governance for the Local Outcome Improvement Plans. This report covers cycle 17 Community Board meetings. The process and focus of reporting on the work of the Community Boards will continue to be reviewed and elements included within the Local Outcome Improvement Plan monitoring and management framework. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities Committee: (1) Recognises work to continue to develop and improve the integrated approach to supporting the local Community Board model. Item 5 Page 89 of 186
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1. Background 1.1 Community Matters - A Framework for Working with Communities set out the Community Planning Partnership’s commitment to engaging with communities underpinned by a set of principles and approaches designed to deliver on key priorities associated with working with communities which included the creation of Community Boards. The framework was approved by the Policy & Strategy Committee at its meeting on 19 March 2020. 1.2 The Community Boards are integral to supporting community participation and providing a single coordinated approach to governance for local communities, reflecting statutory and regulatory requirements. The Boards continue to develop in a manner consistent with influencing and delivering the Plan for North Lanarkshire outcomes at local level. This is being driven through the Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs) for each of the nine areas, ensuring a partnership focus on supporting service design, delivery and community action reflecting both the ambitions within The Plan for North Lanarkshire and the priorities and circumstances of individual areas. The LOIPs are published on the North Lanarkshire Council website and were circulated to all Community Boards. 1.3 The monitoring and management framework for the delivery of the LOIPs is in place and operational along with supporting partnership delivery approach through the establishment of Local Partnership Teams. This is being used to inform reporting to Committee, the North Lanarkshire Partnership (NLP) Strategic Leadership Board and individual Community Boards. A separate LOIP update is provided to the Communities Committee and the NLP Strategic Leadership Board on a 6 monthly basis providing a snapshot of highlights and future priorities for each of the board areas and a detailed progress report is submitted to each of the 9 Community Boards annually. 1.4 The seventeenth cycle of Board meetings has now taken place, and an example of an agenda is included in Appendix 1. Table 1 – Cycle 17 Community Board Meetings The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Enhance participation, capacity, and empowerment across our communities Ambition statement (20) Improve the involvement of communities in the decisions, and development of services and supports, that affect them Programme of Work All Programmes of Work Area Meeting Date & Time Location Shotts 21/05/2024 at 6:30pm Shotts Community Centre Northern Corridor 22/05/2024 at 7:00pm Chryston Parish Church Coatbridge 23/05/2024 at 6:30pm Coatbridge Community Centre Cumbernauld 28/05/2024 at 6:30pm Pollock Hall, Condorrat Kilsyth & Villages 29/05/2024 at 6:30pm St. Patrick’s Primary School Wishaw 30/05/2024 at 6:30pm Cleland Community Centre Airdrie 05/06/2024 at 6:30pm Cairnlea Church, Airdrie Bellshill 06/06/2024 at 6:30pm Tannochside Primary School Page 90 of 186
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2. Report Community Boards – Cycle 17 Representation at Community Board Meetings 2.1 At the 17th cycle of Community Board meetings, attendance reflected a good mixture of partners, elected members, community groups and local people at all Board meetings. Approximately 245 people attended this cycle of meetings which was an increase on the previous cycle of meetings with 64 community organisations and 89 community representatives in attendance. In addition, 37 individual local people attended meetings which was a slight increase from the previous cycle of Board meetings. 2.2 A broader range of community representation is generally in evidence at Community Board meetings. 9 new organisations attended Community Boards in Cycle 17. 2.3 The categories of participants in Cycle 17 Community Boards are as set out in Table 2 below: Table 2 - Participants (Cycle 17) Participants at Community Boards (Cycle 17) Community Councils Tenants and Residents Associations Historical/Cultural Groups Community Forums MSYP/Youth Fora Police Scotland Scottish Fire & Rescue NHS Lanarkshire Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire NL Disability Access Panel Elected Members Council Officers Faith Groups Parent Councils Local people/residents Voice of Experience Forum Community Organisations African Collaborative Participation in meetings 2.4 Work is continuing by all Community Planning Partners to encourage wider representation at Community Board meetings. Meeting information is circulated across social media channels including NLC website and My Town pages four weeks in advance of each meeting with additional promotion scheduled 1 week in advance and on the day of the Board Meeting. Posters are also circulated to approximately 1300 Community Board members and local groups and organisations for wider local Motherwell 11/06/2023 at 6:30pm Dalziel St Andrew’s Parish Church Page 91 of 186
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circulation; to Community Councils and Tenants and Residents Associations and wider networks to raise awareness about Community Board meetings. All Community Planning Partners, Elected Members, and Board members have responsibility for encouraging wider participation at Board meetings and for using information from wider engagement activity through LOIP subgroups and community networks to represent the views of the wider community as appropriate. 2.5 There was an increase in participation at this cycle of Board meetings overall in comparison to the previous cycle in February/March 2024. There was a marked increase in the number of Community Groups represented for example, in the number of Parent Council’s, Tenants and Residents associations, Community Council’s represented. Agenda items 2.6 During Cycle 17, seven out of nine Community Boards had agenda items put forward by community groups and organisations in advance of Board meetings. Examples of Agenda items put forward included: Pivot Centre, Community Forum Evidence Report in the Northern Corridor, Flood Prevention and Town Action Plan in Kilsyth; School transport follow up in Cumbernauld; Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) presentation in Airdrie, Parking issues in Wishaw; Vandalism and Recycling Centre Access in Shotts and School Transport in Motherwell. 2.7 In addition to the agenda items above, local community groups provided updates at some Boards including Pet Pantry and Cornerstone House at Cumbernauld Board, Moodiesburn Community Action Group in Northern Corridor Board, Kirkwood Tenants and Residents at Coatbridge Board and Hartwood Community Development Group in Shotts. 2.8 Council officers were also asked to attend or provide updates to Board meetings in response to agenda items and issues raised by community representatives. Council and Community Planning Partnership Partners will continue to be invited to attend in relation to specific agenda items raised. External organisations are also invited to attend Board meetings in response to agenda items raised by communities as required. For example, in this cycle, the Team Leader for Water Management was asked to attend the Kilsyth Community Board and NLC Greenspace and Country Parks Manager was asked to attend Northern Corridor Community Board. Opportunities to provide updates and share views 2.9 As previously reported, all nine Community Boards endorsed Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIPs) which have been published and can be accessed via this link. Community Board agendas are now organised around LOIP priorities and updates from communities and partner agencies are linked to priorities where possible to ensure clear focus on progress towards achieving actions to address the key priorities that were identified by local communities. Local people can also raise ad hoc issues or share local information through the Community Matters section of the agenda. 2.10 Positive progress continues to be made with subgroups meeting to progress agreed actions to address local priorities where this is the most appropriate mechanism. Work is ongoing and meetings are taking place and scheduled with local community groups and organisations to further develop subgroups. 2.11 Community Board Self Evaluation Workshops were carried out across 9 Community Boards throughout August and September 2024. Community Board Chairs were Page 92 of 186
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invited to participate in a working group to discuss the findings of the Self Evaluation that was previously carried out. The purpose of these workshops was to enable Community Board members to discuss these findings and agree proposals for improvements moving forward. Special Board Meetings 2.12 No special Board Meetings were requested at this round of Community Boards. Community Board Local Development Programme (LDP) Projects 2.13 As previously reported, community organisations requested a positional statement regarding outstanding Local Development Programme projects. The LDP report, continues to be split by Community Board area, and detailing the status of projects, was circulated in advance of Cycle 17 Board Meetings. The project proposal form identified in previous reports to committee, continues to be utilised to record LDP project ideas and suggestions put forward from local communities. LDP continues to be a set item on the agenda at all Community Board meetings and is subject to a separate report to this committee. Involving Communities 2.14 Cycle 17 meetings saw continued involvement of seldom heard voices in Community Board meetings. The Community Partnership team will continue as a priority to proactively work with local community groups and people with lived experience to support this objective. 2.15 Work is ongoing with youth groups to encourage them to provide a presentation/ update to Community Boards in Community Board areas. At this cycle of meetings, two MSYPs attended both Northern Corridor and Coatbridge Community Boards to provide an update on their role and involvement in youth engagement activity. Further information will be provided in due course. Our Lives – An exploration of the lived experiences of North Lanarkshire’s 2.16 Black, Asian, and other Minority Ethnic People Community Planning Partner organisations continue to progress the work associated with the recommendations set out in the Our Lives Research with Lead Officers coming together to develop an action plan. 2.17 The findings of the work that was undertaken by the Community Partnership Team and the Council’s Equality Team to understand the make-up of the community representatives of the Community Boards and how representative they are of the local population was fed back to Community Boards at this cycle of Board meetings. Moving Forward 2.18 Community Board Chairs In cycle 17, 8 out of 9 Community Board meetings were chaired by Community representatives with Motherwell Board being chaired by a local elected member. Page 93 of 186
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Community Board Development Programme 2.19 Community Board Members have finally been removed from the NLC employee mandatory e-learning list and will no longer receive enrolment or reminder emails to complete the e-learning. We now have two hubs - one for Community Board Members only, where a specific setting has been added to the audience set up removing them from the mandatory e-learning. The second hub is an exact replica which is for NLC staff and Elected Members where the audience settings still assign members the mandatory e-learning. 2.20 An activity report run on the 11 September 2024 identifies we have 129 members with login details. 70 have logged in and accessed different areas of the hub with the latest activity being the 10th September 2024. 2.21 Following a meeting that took place on the 16th July 2024, the possibility of having a PageTiger interaction digital document relating to induction topics on the hub. The PageTiger document will have direct links to topics areas within the hub for ease of access. Although this was discussed, further meetings will need to take place to identify the exact content of the PageTiger document. The Role of Chief Officers as Community Coordinators 2.22 As previously reported, Community Coordinators are in place and attending their designated Community Board Meetings. Community Coordinator updates continue to be a standing item on all Community Board agendas as well as participation in discussion relating to a range of local matters. Community Coordinators meet with key senior partners between Board cycles to discuss common matters, any leadership action required, and to collectively consider input to future meetings. Future Board Meetings 2.23 The next cycle of Community Board meetings will be held in November/December 2024. Following consultation with community group representatives and elected members who attend Community Boards, it was identified that most Boards preferred a mix of online and face-to-face meetings moving forward and during Cycle 17, all Board meetings took place face-to-face in Community Facilities. Cycle 18 meeting dates are set out in Table 3 below. Table 3 – Community Board Meeting Dates (Cycle 18) Community Board Day Date Shotts Tuesday 19/11/2024 Northern Corridor Wednesday 20/11/2024 Coatbridge Thursday 21/11/2024 Cumbernauld Tuesday 26/11/2024 Kilsyth & Villages Wednesday 27/11/2024 Wishaw Thursday 28/11/2024 Airdrie Wednesday 04/12/2024 Bellshill Thursday 05/12/2024 Motherwell Tuesday 10/12/2024 Local Outcome Improvement Plans – Partnership Delivery, Monitoring, and Management Framework Page 94 of 186
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2.24 As previously reported, the online LOIP monitoring, and evaluation framework is in place. This management tool is being used by community planning partners to ensure that progress towards addressing key priorities that were agreed with local communities is monitored, recorded, and reported. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Delivery of LOIP outcomes and increased levels of engagement with local communities and partners, resulting in generally positive impacts on communities across a variety of priorities and key issues identified through effective locality planning and the implementation of the Community Boards, particularly in areas where further consultation has been required. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 – Example of Cycle 17 Community Board Agenda. Stephen Penman Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) Page 95 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality-and-fairer- scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Page 96 of 186
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The report makes reference to communication activities in relation to community engagement and promotion of the community boards. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 97 of 186
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Appendix 1 Community Board Agenda (Cycle 17) AGENDA (example) 1. Welcome and Introduction: • CPT to record the minutes of Board meetings. 2. Apologies 3. Minute of previous meeting and matters arising 4. Local priorities Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) updates: • Local priorities for each Community Board Area • Local partner updates from Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, NHSL, VANL related to LOIP priorities. 5. Cervical Screening Presentation (NHS Lanarkshire) 6. Community Matters 7. Local engagement/investment • Local engagement/consultation • Funding opportunities 8. Standing agenda items • Community Coordinator update • Local Development Programme (LDP) update 9. AOCB 10. Date and time of next meeting. Page 98 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref SP/LP Date 28/10/24 Access to Free Period Products (Period Dignity Initiative) – Annual Update From Stephen Penman, Chief Officer (Strategic Communication & Engagement) E-mail penmanste@northlan.gov.uk pollockle@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07947 997750 Executive Summary This report provides an update on the activity relating to the delivery and further development of the Access to Free Period Product / Period Dignity initiative. Members will be aware that since August 2018 all local authorities in Scotland were provided with funding to introduce access to free period products in schools. From January 2019 the Scottish Government provided additional funding to all local authorities to increase the number and range of places where period products are available free of charge to those who need them, with a focus on publicly accessible buildings. The purpose of the funding for schools remains to support equality, dignity and rights for those who menstruate and to ensure that lack of access to products does not impact on an individual’s ability to fully participate in education, at all levels. The main intent of the wider roll out for community provision remains tackling poverty but also wider need and to address the overarching gender equality and dignity issues that affect all of those who menstruate regardless of income. Currently, spending is split between school and community provision. This approach has been designed to reflect the needs of communities across the council area. The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 12th January 2021, became legislation on the 15th of August 2022 and fully into force in January 2023. This important work will continue to be informed by the findings from online consultation with residents. Recommendations It is recommended that the Community Committee – (1) Acknowledge the significant work carried out to date across key council services and partner agencies (2) Endorse the planned developments for delivery of the project outlined in this report dependent on funding availability. Item 6 Page 99 of 186
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1. Background 1.1 From August 2018, all local authorities in Scotland were allocated funding to provide access to free sanitary products in schools. The Scottish Government made a new commitment in the 2018 funding year to expand this provision beyond schools. In November 2018 COSLA Leaders agreed to this proposal and developed ‘Guiding Principles’ in partnership with Scottish Government. Since then, North Lanarkshire Council has been allocated a share of funding annually to further develop the initiative. 1.2 The focus for this initiative is creating access to free period products, and by doing so tackling the impact of poverty or low income, which can often mean people are unable to afford the essential products needed while menstruating. By ensuring access to free products, many local people have some relief from the high costs of purchasing period products and the potential stigma of not being able to afford them. 1.3 Annual funding from the Scottish Government has enabled the council to continue to develop the network of public building access points, to work with local community partners to target support across priority communities and to develop a campaign to raise awareness of the offer available and encourage a more open dialogue around periods and period products. 1.4 The council has undertaken a community consultation to find out residents’ views on the current offer, improvement ideas, and early experiences of the initiative. The findings from the consultation, along with feedback from other stakeholders, will be used to lead the ‘Statement of Intent’, which the council is required to publish and submit to Scottish Government to confirm the council’s commitment to supporting the new law and the continued wider access to products 2. Report 2.1 The main objective for this initiative is to create access points where residents can access a range of free period products and in doing so support people experiencing poverty. Consistent with the Plan for North Lanarkshire, the North Lanarkshire model has been developed with community planning partners to ensure wide reach and accessibility from public buildings and facilities, as well as distribution by local anchor organisations. 2.2 The approach reflects the principles of: • Protecting people’s dignity, avoiding anxiety, embarrassment and stigma. • Making a range of products visible in places that people use. • Reflecting community views and needs. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (20) Improve the involvement of communities in the decisions, and development of services and supports, that affect them Programme of Work All Programmes of Work Page 100 of 186
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• An efficient and effective approach that demonstrates value for money. • Individuals being able to get sufficient products to meet their needs. • Gender equality ensuring anyone who menstruates can access products including transgender men/nonbinary individuals and that language is gender inclusive. • Awareness raising and education to both promote the ‘offer’ and attempt to change cultural norms. North Lanarkshire Council Funding Allocation (2023-24) 2.3 Table 1 Financial Year Amount of Funding 2023-24 £336,000 Key highlights from 2023/24 2.4 The number of period products distributed from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 numbers of period products distributed via schools, public buildings or community anchor organisations is as follows: • Single-use period products – (includes all single use sanitary products e.g., towels, tampons, liners): North Lanarkshire Total – 876,919 this has is an increase from the previous year (686,592). • Number of Period Products distributed through public buildings or community anchor organisations – 731,008 this is an increase from the previous year (608,196). • Number of Period Products distributed through schools – 145,327 this is an increase from the previous year (78,390). 2.5 From January 2024 the Education Establishment element of the period dignity project was transferred to the Community Partnership Team, This was to mainstream the project by having one overall lead, to dictate time and resources to develop the approach to delivery of the project with Educations Establishments and to build stronger links between the Education Establishment and local community venues to provide a better overall offering to the local community, young people and their families. 2.6 The introduction of a new online order form was introduced to make ordering products easier and more accessible for community and education establishments. This process was also developed to provide the Community Partnership Team with a better mechanism for tracking stock and reporting data on the project. Community Projects 2.7 Throughout the reporting period the council continued to work in partnership with nine community anchor organisations to ensure effective targeting of support to priority communities within their area and to support individuals who are unable to attend local access points due to personal circumstances including. This is an increase from eight organisations in 2022-23. • Mobility and health. • Being unable to afford the cost of public transport. • Distance from home to the nearest access point for example living further than 20- minute return journey, which will be more likely for those living in rural communities. Page 101 of 186
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2.8 The 9 organisations included 1. Getting Better Together - Shotts 2. Newmains Community Trust - Wishaw 3. Glenboig Development Trust – Northen Corridor 4. Cornerstone House – Cumbernauld 5. Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Trust - Coatbridge 6. Diamonds in the Community - Airdrie 7. Jervistion Community Centre – African Collaboration Group - Motherwell 8. Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership – North Lanarkshire Wide 9. VIP Arts & Sports Academy – Bellshill 2.9 Additional information is contained within Appendix 1. 2.10 Over and above delivering against the main objectives for the Period Dignity Initiative, all the organisations involved are committed to taking a sustainable approach to the project delivery. 2.11 Most of the projects have an environmental focus and are delivered by local volunteers using bicycles and e-bikes to reduce the carbon footprint of the projects. Each organisation also acts as a champion for the promotion of the use of sustainable environmentally friendly products. 2.12 Each organisation has also been provided with a new information pop-up with QR codes that link to the NLC interactive pick-up location app. Communication and awareness raising: 2.13 Work continues to raise awareness raising with dedicated marketing materials in a bid to promote and increase knowledge of the initiative to community residents and all Education Establishments. 2.14 Activities within the campaign include. • Posters and leaflets in all public buildings and facilities • Promotions at local events • Period products pick up location QR code, highlighting all accessible venues across North Lanarkshire 2.15 In October 23 a new marking campaign was launched to raise awareness of free period products across North Lanarkshire. This involved the use of North Lanarkshire Councils online and social media networks. 2.16 A suite of five different adverts versions were created, each promoting a different type of period product available for free, and one with all the products. The adverts demonstrated where to collect products with the primary messaging clearly stating that they are free for anyone who needs them. 2.17 The adverts were promoted across North Lanarkshire via outdoor advertising for example • bus adverts • static and digital billboards • posters and flyers Page 102 of 186
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• plasma screens in leisure centres, cultural venues, schools, community centres and GP surgeries • provision of bespoke pull up banners for the 9 community anchor organisations, online through an animated advert using Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Google and YouTube. • News articles also appeared in local press and an article in the council’s tenant’s newsletter to reach 36k North Lanarkshire tenants. 2.18 A QR code was used on all offline materials, linking through to the map to “find free period products near you”. 2.19 Since the campaign launched, the website has been viewed 48k times and the pick-up point map has been viewed 63k times. The online advert/animation has been viewed 87k times. 2.20 When polled, 62% of respondents said they knew where to collect free period products from (primary aim) 90% of people said that they felt that seeing the adverts made talking about period products easier and more acceptable (secondary aim). 2.21 Appendix 2 provides examples of some of the campaign materials. This marketing and advertising has resulted in a greater awareness of free period products to the residents of North Lanarkshire. NLC Interactive Map 2.22 The NLC interactive map continues to be updated on a weekly basis making sure it is fully to date to allow residents access the latest comprehensive list of local access points. North Lanarkshire now has over 100 access points ensuring wide reach and accessibility to the people of North Lanarkshire. This map was viewed over 63,000 times during this period. Partnership Working 2.23 Partnership working continues to be an important factor throughout this initiative. Liaising with community facilities, library service, Active and Creative Communities, Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, NHS Lanarkshire, and local community delivery partners have ensured that a coordinated approach to development, delivery and logistical processes have been established. 2.24 Greater links have also been established with Early Years nurseries and family learning centres to promote awareness of the offer. 2.25 We continue to have partnership meetings and professional dialogue has taken place to assist in helping to monitor and review activity and identifying and considering options to improve Page 103 of 186
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and develop the service whilst providing updates on any of the project delivery that individual agencies may be leading on. Statement of Exercise of Functions 2.26 As part of The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 local authorities are required to produce and communicate a Statement on the Exercise of Functions to summarise the arrangements in place to meet the legal duties, which includes carrying out one or more public consultations. 2.27 The information gained from the public consultation work carried out in March to July 2022 has been used to create the North Lanarkshire Council Statement of Exercise of Functions. The statement is contained within Appendix 3 and sets out North Lanarkshire Council’s commitment to free product provision including provision in education establishments and the wider community. Education Establishments Consultation 2.28 In February 2024 consultation surveys were issued to all education establishments and school parent councils. The survey was designed to capture the views of the schools with a particular focus on how the project is delivered within each establishment. This is so that enhancements can be made to make products more accessible for pupils within schools without facing stigma. Results of each survey can be found in Appendix 4. 2.29 The school consultation covered the following broad themes: • Where pupils can pick up products? • What type of products do you have available? • How do you promote access and pupils know where to pick up free period products? • Do pupils find it easy without stigma to pick up products within the school without stigma? 2.30 The parent council consultation covered the following broad themes: • Are you aware if your school currently has stock of free period products and promotes awareness of where to pick up free products? • Does the parent council help to promote free period products and where to pick up within school or your community? • Do pupils find it easy to pick up products within the school without stigma? 2.31 The survey was completed by 84 headteachers and 49 parent councils. Delivery Priorities for the 2024/25 Period 2.32 Using intelligence from previous consultation work as well as other feedback from schools, partners and stakeholders, several key developments are currently underway. These actions will assist with a further targeted expansion and the implementation of improvements aimed to improve the processes, services delivery and the overall experience of the residents of North Lanarkshire. 1. Recruitment for a project officer (due to take up post early October 2024) with a focus on promoting and providing access for young people within education establishments and within the wider community. The focus for this role will be looking at different options for increasing uptake within this demographic and piloting various projects to remove barriers Page 104 of 186
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for different groups to see what works best with an emphasis on school/pupil involvement to design the approach. 2. Continuation of gap analysis and mapping on a year-to-year basis to identify new access sites within each locality. The principal of the 20-minute neighbourhood is being used for this, this is with the aim to have access points for residents within a short walk or cycle lasting no longer than 20 minutes for the journey. 3. Review of existing access points to reduce clustering of sites. To reduce unnecessary duplication or grouping of access points in the location of nearby public buildings. The better used site, with longer opening hours will be preferred. However, where there is a demonstrated need for multiple sites within an area, this can be retained. 4. An evaluation of the current anchor organisation provision partnership to review if the model is working in the locations identified and if improvements or a shift in focus is required. 5. Look to develop a peer- led youth project to deliver period dignity workshops and information sessions within schools and local youth groups. 6. Improve data collection and analysis tools to better inform future developments and improvements. This will help identify the current locations being used and what areas need more targeted development work and support. 7. Undertake a further community consultation online questionnaire. This is to capture the views of the public with a particular focus on views from those currently using sanitary products, those who will use sanitary products in the future and those who may collect sanitary products on behalf of others. 8. Consider options to improve the accessibility of products for residents over the weekend, public holidays, and extended school holiday period when schools and public buildings may be closed. 9. Continue to review the set-up of access points to ensure products can be easily accessed preferably by self-selection or other formats that are viewed as less embarrassing for residents. 10. Continue to develop a community resilience/contingency plan to deal with any event of future civil incident of national emergency. Further information 2.33 Additional information, including the information pages on the NLC website, the NLC interactive mapping tool and the My Period App can be accessed using the links below: • North Lanarkshire interactive map • North Lanarkshire Council website – Free Period Products Scottish Government ‘Pick up my period’ app enables someone to put in a town, city or post code and find out where to accessproducts. • https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/pickupmyperiod/id1500403938https://play.google.com/sto re/apps/details?id=com.myperiodapp 3. Measures of success 3.1 Number of products distributed. 3.2 Number of individuals accessing free products Page 105 of 186
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3.3 Number of community organisations partnerships 3.4 Number of distribution points across North Lanarkshire 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 - Details of community anchor organisations supporting the initiative 4.2 Appendix 2 - Example campaign materials 4.3 Appendix 3 - Statement of Exercise of Function 4.4 Appendix 4 - Details of School and Parent Council Survey’s Stephen Penman Chief Officer (Strategic Communication & Development) Page 106 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? An integrated equality impact / Fairer Scotland assessment has been completed during the initial planning of the delivery approach. This will be further informed by our ongoing monitoring, reviews and public consultations and community engagement activity. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The period dignity / access to free period products is expected to cost the council circa £336,000 to operate. This is for both existing operations and new developments. However, funding for the initiative has to date been provided through an additional grant from the Scottish Government. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Page 107 of 186
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5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Wider use of environmentally friendly products and delivery products is encouraged. This includes looking at testing approaches to increasing access to environmentally friendly products and piloting low carbon delivery mechanisms with local voluntary organisations. 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? A communication campaign is outlined in this report 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Page 108 of 186
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5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 109 of 186
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Details of Community Anchor Organisations Supporting the Initiative Appendix 1 Community Projects Location Description Glenboig Development Trust Period Dignity Project Glenboig The programme aims to promote access to period products, promote environmentally friendly period products and ensure dignity to menstruating persons living in Glenboig and surrounding areas whilst respectful of our carbon footprint and the local environment. Improving on last year they added another electric vehicle to their fleet an E-Moped which allows for distribution to a further reach within the community compared to E-Cycles. Worked in tandem with partner agencies and use of social media to spread awareness of the Period Dignity Campaign. Training of 3 volunteers to support the campaign with continued focus on dignity putting in place various methods to procure products from discreet on site pick up to delivery through request from various sources such as email, text and social media. Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Trust NLC Period Dignity Project (Coatbridge) Coatbridge Products provided by North Lanarkshire Council will be distributed freely and delivered to local women, girls, groups and organisations by Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre on Electric Bike (to reduce carbon and supporting North Lanarkshire Council to achieve #Act2021). We will encourage women and girls to consider the more sustainable environmental products such as Hey Girls environmentally friendly products by providing information and opportunities for them to try these products, which for many would be unaffordable. Having purchased E-Bikes this has seen the project be environmentally friendly, along with the training of more volunteers there has been more awareness spread for the campaign and helping to reduce stigma around period health as a talking point. Continual strengthening of links with other organisations is helping in delivery of information and sanitary products. Page 110 of 186
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Newmains Community Trust Flo & Go Dignity in Menstruation Project Newmains Newmains Community Trust will undertake a Period Product Delivery Scheme within Newmains and Surrounding Areas. The scheme will involve a team of trained volunteers taking orders and delivering re-usable and environmentally friendly Period Products to those who need it in the community. It is the aim of this project to ensure that access to Period Products does not become another source of deprivation to those living in Newmains and that anyone who needs them, can access them in person or through the delivery scheme. Improving on last year the volunteers have been successful in delivering sanitary products to the community with hopes on expanding the reach across Newmains further. There is a focus on delivering more reusable products as they are in demand in the area, this will have a positive impact on the environment, coupled with the use of E-Bikes. Further promotion of the campaign has also been achieved through various events and working in tandem with partner agencies. Getting Better Together - Healthy Living Centre The Cycle Shotts Develop a delivery service by training staff and volunteers to use Electric Bikes to transport orders of Hey Girls environmentally friendly and lifestyle products to people in rural communities. This links in with the council commitment to ACT2021- Action on Climate Together 2021. Following the successful implementation of E-Bikes as well as an E-Van a delivery system has been established in the area. This helps get sanitary products out to households within the remote regions near Shotts as well as those who have trouble accessing drop off points. Increased work to promote the period dignity project as well as how to access the delivery service, along with an increase in attendance of events to further collaborative work and promotion. Aims to increase the reach and scale of those delivered to within the community in the future upon what is already established maintaining healthy growth. Cornerstone House Centre Period Products Project Cumbernauld Promotion of the ‘pickup point’ using Cornerstone House Centre’s marketing materials and social platforms, website and in-house information points. Cornerstone House Centre will raise awareness of the ‘app’ ‘Pickup My Period’ which allows users to identify locations across Scotland where Free Period Products will be available. Developed by Hey Girls and funded by the Scottish Government through their education arm Page 111 of 186
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‘My Period’. Hey Girls products are all sustainably sourced, reusable and plastic free. Inform local partners and key organisations of the service being provided at Cornerstone House Centre within the Health & Wellbeing focus already in place. Ensure ‘anyone who needs them’ has access to different types of Period Products ‘reasonably easily’ and with ‘reasonably dignity’. Provide environmentally suitable products provided by an authorised provider. Support other areas, identified if relevant by users of the service as financial or other issues may need support/help. Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership NLC Period Dignity Project Coatbridge (Bargeddie) Proposal to help provide all participants in our food classes - for themselves and their suitable family members – with free sanitary products. We also aim to supply all eligible community members who receive food parcels with the necessary sanitary products of their need. LCFHP also provide various foodbanks or community groups with a supply of sanitary products as and when they require. Jerviston Community Centre – African Collaborative Group Period Dignity Project Motherwell The African Collaborative group helped to operate a food bank in the Motherwell region, now looking to expand providing free sanitary products across the region as well. With aims of procuring E-Bikes and establishing a delivery service for those who can’t attend the access point due to disability and other issues faced. Including a delivery service and acting as a pick up point there will be a focus on building further relationships within the community to break down stigma around period discussion and continued work to promote the service/project. Diamonds in the Community Period Dignity Project Airdrie Diamonds in the Community proposed to become an anchor organisation helping to support the period dignity campaign within the Airdrie region. Aims of the organisation are to promote and support NLC’s delivery of the period dignity campaign, promotion of the pick up My Period App, promotion of the campaign. Collaborative efforts within the community to raise awareness and combat stigma around periods and period health promoting healthy discussion and inclusion. Collection of data and feeding back key elements to NLC. Page 112 of 186
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VIP Arts & Sports Academy Bellshill The project will support the council to continue to supply free sanitary products by advising all participants within the VIP programs and our wider community of our commitment and dedication to helping with this free program, leaflets will be distributed and a designated area and worker within the Centre will be provided, so that people do not feel uncomfortable when accessing products. We will also let partners from our network know we are the Centre for this area, promoting on all our advertising and community window and social media forums. Page 113 of 186
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Appendix 2 Example Campaign Materials • Billboard Adverts/Rear Bus Adverts/Railway Station Adverts/Plasma Screen Adverts/Pull up Banners/Posters/Flyers Page 114 of 186
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Digital Billboard – Plasma Screen Adverts – Bus Shelter Adverts Page 116 of 186
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Events 2023-24 The Community Partnership Team attend various events across Noth Lanarkshire to spread the awareness surrounding the Period Dignity Campaign. As seen in the images provided there was a pop-up banner display created that established the goal of making members of the public aware of free period products in their area. It served as a good platform to have discussions with members of the community, spread awareness, discuss the products we have to offer both single and reusable including my first period kit’s and the pad for dad’s kit’s. We were also able to have a positive impact in diverting people to make use of the NLC Directory Map showcasing all our pickup points across the NLC Vicinity. Not only that but we have had positive engagement with community members since this took place with many querying for more information. Showing a great uptake in community interest. Page 117 of 186
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QR Code Going forward we are looking to make the following QR code uniform across all our promotional material as it directly leads to the North Lanarkshire Council’s website in particular the NLC Directory Map. This is where members of the public can access a map that lists all the period pick up points across the NLC Region. It is easily accessible for all those who have a smartphone as it can quickly be scanned through their camera and have them on the website in a matter of seconds providing valuable information to those who need it. Page 118 of 186
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Appendix 3 North Lanarkshire Council Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Act 2021 Statement on Exercise of Functions 1. Introduction The Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021 was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 24th November 2020 and gained royal assent on 12th January 2021. The Act requires local authorities as a responsible body to provide period products free of charge to anyone who needs them, by making products reasonably easy to obtain. Additionally, as a responsible body – this should be done mindful of respecting dignity and by offering a reasonable choice of types of period products. Local Authorities are required to produce a Statement on Exercise of Functions to summarise the arrangements that will be put in place to meet the duty, which includes carrying out one or more public consultations. This statement has been produced in accordance with our statutory duties and outlines North Lanarkshire Council’s commitment to free product provision and details current and future provision within education establishments and the wider community. 5. Our commitment North Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing free period products for those who need them. Our approach involves children and young people having access to products within their school setting and for residents and visitors through a network of local access points within public buildings and community facilities within North Lanarkshire. Individuals unable to attend a local access point can contact the council so that alternative arrangements can made, which may include postal deliver or deliver by our local community partner organisations. Funding has been made available by the Scottish government to enable this. In providing this free service, it is our aim to ensure that: • A range of period products, including single use items and re-usable environmentally friendly products are available to those who need them via all secondary schools and a network of local access points. • Our local access network is kept under review and developed further where appropriate. It is our commitment to do this in conjunction with community planning partners and third sector organisations, mindful of geographically gaps in provision and also of the 20- minute neighbourhood model. • Barriers to access are minimised and removed and that people can access products with dignity and without stigma. • Consideration is given to additional support for those who may require it. • Product demand is regularly monitored so that public buildings and community facilities do not run out of stock. • Residents and visitors are aware of our free provision. This will involve a range of advertising and promotional campaigns. Information will also be available on the council website; through social media platforms and through other communications such as posters and informational flyers. • Regular feedback is sought from service users so that improvements can be identified. Page 119 of 186
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• Public consultations and community engagement is carried out to inform our provision 6. Public Consultation The North Lanarkshire public consultation took the form of an online questionnaire. This was launched in March 2022 and ran until the end of July 2022. The survey was designed to capture the views of the general public with a particular focus on views from those currently using sanitary products; those who will use sanitary products in the future and those who may collect sanitary products on behalf of others. The consultation covered the following broad themes: a. General awareness of the availability of free period products and advertising campaigns b. Types of products currently used and views on accessing environmentally friendly products c. Locations of access points used and suggestions for new sites d. Availability of products and views on service received at access points The survey was completed by 288 people and the findings from the consultation will be used to inform the provision within North Lanarkshire. Full details of the findings are contained within the 2022 update report which can be accessed on our website. 7. Community Based Provision North Lanarkshire Council has developed a large network of community access points. The access points are in all 9 towns and many local communities within public buildings, and community facilities. To date we have over 100 local access points throughout North Lanarkshire which we will continue to monitor, review, grow and update accordingly. The access points have been established in public buildings and community facilities. North Lanarkshire Council have also partnered with eight local community anchor organisations who will provide local services within a cluster of priority communities. This also includes a fast free local delivery service for those who cannot attend our centres and access to environmentally friendly period products. Local food banks and organisations providing emergency food aid are also part of our network and on request can provide products to vulnerable individuals and families. Additionally, residents can contact the council directly by email to request products. In doing so the quickest method of delivery will be selected. Products available within our community access points include single use pads (with and without wings, regular, super and long) and tampons (regular and super) the various Page 120 of 186
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sizes/ absorbencies provided allow us to accommodate individual needs and preferences. The type of products available will be regularly reviewed to meet the needs and wants of the community. Environmentally friendly products are available on request. Products are available for collection by anyone who needs them, or by anyone collecting on behalf of another person. Products will normally be available within toilet facilities of a building, unless otherwise stated. Those who wish to access products can do so without having to ask a member of staff and in a way that respects their dignity. A person may access as many products as required. Information on stocked venues can be accessed via the PickUpMyPeriod App and North Lanarkshire Council Directory website. This allows users to enter a postcode or location to see where free period products are available in their area. 8. Provision within Education North Lanarkshire Council provide free products in all secondary school establishments and on request will be made available to primary schools. Products will be available in a way which respects the dignity of the pupil and can be accessed without having to ask a teacher. Products will be available during term time in at least one part of the school, normally the toilet facilities or from the school reception. Some schools may have products available in multiple locations. North Lanarkshire Council will provide ongoing support to its education establishments to ensure every pupil who requires products is able to obtain them easily. 9. Communication Information on our free period product initiative is available on the North Lanarkshire Council website. Details are provided on how, where and when people can obtain free products via our own easy to use app and the official Period Products Locator app. Enquiries can also be submitted at any time and will be dealt with by our Community Partnership Team. It is our intention to regularly promote and raise awareness of the free access to period products. This will involve advertising and marketing campaigns using digital and traditional methods. Information posters are also posted on notice and information boards in all our public buildings and community facilities. 10. Future Provision and Improvements North Lanarkshire Council recognises the importance of securing period dignity for all and will commit to using intelligence from our consultation work as well as other feedback from partners and stakeholders, to continue to develop our approach to providing free period products within North Lanarkshire. From our recent consultation and engagement work a number of key developments are currently underway. Completion of which will assist with a further targeted expansion and the Page 121 of 186
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implementation of improvements aimed to improve processes, service deliver and the overall offer for residents and visitors. Further details are provided within the 2022 update report which can be accessed on our website. 11. Further information Additional information can be found on the NLC website free period products (northlanarkshire.gov.uk) The NLC interactive mapping tool can be accessed using the following link: Directory records | North Lanarkshire Council Scottish Government ‘Pick up my period’ app enables individuals to put in a town, city or post code and find out where to access products. PickupMyPeriod on the App Store (apple.com) PickupMyPeriod - Apps on Google Play Index - MyPeriod (myperiodlive.azurewebsites.net Page 122 of 186
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Appendix 4 *Please Note some questions were omitted due to personal information e.g. names and email addresses. Page 123 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref SP/LP Date 28/10/24 Community Ownership and Management of Assets: Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavillion From: Stephen Penman, (Chief Officer of Strategic Communication and Engagement) E-mail penmanste@northlan.gov.uk pollockle@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07947 997750 07814 916564 1. Background 1.1 The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 encourages community-based groups to take control of assets to be utilised for positive outcomes as driven and directed at a local level. Qualifying groups can apply to a relevant authority, which includes local authorities, to either lease or purchase an asset. Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide the Communities Committee with the details of a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request relating to Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavilion (as outlined in Appendix 1 of this report) made by Fir Park Corner Football Club and to provide information on the outcome of the assessment process together with a recommendation for approval of the request. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities Committee: (1) Considers the detailed assessment of the application against approved criteria, included at Appendix 2, of this report. (2) Approves the recommendation by the Community Ownership and Management of Assets Leadership Group for approval in principle of the request made by Fir Park Corner Football Club to take full ownership of the Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavillion. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Enhance participation, capacity, and empowerment across our communities Ambition statement (20) Improve the involvement of communities in the decisions, and development of services and supports, that affect them Programme of Work Resilient People Item 7 Page 135 of 186
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1.2 Upon a formal application being made, the relevant authority is bound to carry out an assessment of the request, establish that the applicant is a qualifying body and assess both the sustainability and likely benefit of the asset transfer. Benefits can include social wellbeing, economic benefit and provision of services and activities that would not otherwise be provided. 1.3 In general terms a where a group meets qualifying and eligibility criteria they can apply for any asset held by a relevant authority. The asset does not have to be surplus to the council’s operational requirements. Exclusions apply in a few circumstances including • NLP mortgaged properties • Common Good Assets • Where the council has entered into a legal agreement for sale or demolition of an asset 1.4 If it is determined that the asset is not surplus the council needs to assess the operational benefit of retaining the asset against the benefits brought by the transfer. An application can be rejected on grounds such as; the business model is not sustainable, the group cannot evidence community support or community benefit, or the group cannot demonstrate that they have the capacity to manage the asset. 1.5 The Policy and Strategy Committee approved a new Community Ownership and Management of Assets Policy and associated resources aiming to improve the council’s approach to building capacity and opportunity with organisations looking to take on ownership, lease or management of a council owned asset. The aim is to shift the focus to achieving positive outcomes and using available resources and tools to over time increase the pace and volume of successful outcomes while protecting the council and risk levels. The policy and approach can be accessed here and further information and tools are available on the council’s website. 2. Report 2.1 Fir Park Corner is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) (charity number SC051821). The organisation is a Community Football Club who currently have an amateur team, an over 35’s team and four children’s teams. 2.2 Fir Park Corner submitted a formal request to purchase Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavilion (as outlined in Appendix 1 of this report) inclusive of the pitch, pavilion and associated carpark, at a discounted rate of £17,500 to reflect social value / community benefit and planned improvement work. This pitch is one that the council agreed at the last Communities Committee meeting to remove as a bookable site based on low usage and that the council has no operational requirement for. 2.3 The organisation proposes to use the site as a base for their football teams to train, play matches and host local events for the wider community through collaboration with other local organisations. Acquiring the site would enable them to expand their offer by adding further teams and therefore opportunities for more local people across age ranges to participate in sport. This would also reduce the need for and cost of booking pitches and facilities to run the club and matches and enable them to divert these resources into the maintenance and upkeep of the site. Page 136 of 186
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2.4 The group commissioned a valuation of the site. The valuer utilised a per acre base rate to arrive at a value of £35,000. This value is within the anticipated range for this type of asset. The offered price is 50 per cent of the valuation (£17,500) and reflects characteristics of the site, its current use and the community benefit outlined in the submitted application. It is normal practice for the Estates Service to seek some form of legal ‘security’ over the site when a discount is applied. The form of security is dependent on various factors for example funding structure of the group or constitutional organisation matters. Such an agreement will be sought in this case but only where it is practical to do so. 2.5 Should the recommendation to approve this request be endorsed by committee, the Estates Service will look to agree Heads of Terms with the applicant. This will form the detailed terms for the title transfer, subject to approval of the Chief Officer of Assets and Procurement under delegated authority. 2.6 The scoring and assessment process overall provided assurance that community ownership of the Overtown sports pitch and pavilion by Fir Park corner Football Club has the potential to make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the club’s members and to provide a valuable asset to the wider community. 2.7 The application scored strongly with 7 of the 8 assessment criteria scoring as strong or very strong and 1 scoring as moderate. An overview of assessment can is at figure 1. The details of the assessment are attached at appendix 2. Figure 1. Summary Grading Very Strong Strong Moderate Weak Very Weak 1.Details of the asset x 2.Organisation information x 3.Type of Request x 4.Link to the NL Plan x 5.Community Proposal x 6.Support x 7.Financial Information x 8.Risk/Social Impact x 2.8 The organisation scored particularly strongly under community support where they demonstrated that they had developed a robust community engagement plan and consulted extensively with local stakeholders (community council, businesses, football teams operating in the wider areas, elected members, local politicians, local church and community groups) They also held a community information session and developed a questionnaire / survey for the wider community. Over 350 local residents completed the survey with the majority of respondents fully supportive of their plans. 2.9 It should be noted that the moderate assessment score was for ‘type of request’ and reflects that the amount offered is below what the council would expect to be market value. This is an expected score for an organising submitting an application to take on ownership of an asset at less than market value due to the assessment criteria applied, and assurance has come from the information related to community benefit. During assessment, the panel felt that some more detailed information could be provided within the finance section for example relating to cash flow and Page 137 of 186
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projected running costs. On request, the club has since submitted further information and clarification which the scoring panel and Leadership Group are satisfied with. One of the matters highlighted was that some of the costings presented did not match the councils’ expected costs based on internal projections, but the panel remains confident that the organisation has taken reasonable steps to adequately identify future operational costs based on their own operating model. 2.10 The club proposes that they will ensure that the asset will serve as vital resource for encouraging physical activity across many age groups. This will be achieved through the operations of amateur Saturday and Sunday adult football teams, as well as youth academy teams. Future plans outlined include the development of women’s football team and additional academy teams. 2.11 Additionally, the club have detailed a four-stage plan for improving the sports pitch and pavilion which when implemented aims to bring back to full use this underused and dated community facility. The improvement work will also enhance the local area and lead to increased community involvement with the club and the community activities it plans to deliver. The club also intends to deliver a range of community events and activities throughout the year. 2.12 The club has submitted, alongside their application, a request to access the Community Asset Fund for improvements to the asset to the value of £100k. They have provided information on the types of improvements and quotes that they have obtained for the works including plumbing, joinery, groundworks and roof works for the pavilion as well as works to upgrade the pitch, signage, perimeter security and car park area. 2.13 Community support for the proposal has been established through various community engagement activities and the club plan to build on the relationships that they have started to develop. 2.14 Overall, the scoring panel and leadership group felt satisfied and assured that the community ownership of this facility can create sustainability for this asset and will provide greater community benefit than is currently being achieved. 2.15 In line with the council’s Community Ownership and Management Policy and associated scoring process the findings of the Officer Assessment Panel were reported to the Community Ownership Leadership Group for consideration (comprising; Chief Officers for Strategic Communication and Engagement; Asset and Procurement; Community Operations; Legal and Democratic, and; Financial Solutions). The recommendation is that the Communities Committee approves the application in principle subject to final negotiation of terms through the council’s property and legal processes. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Support provided to community groups and organisations as a result of initial CAT or PR enquiries; and 3.2 Positive outcomes or referrals because of initial CAT or PR enquiries. 3.3 Increased completions for transfer of assets to community organisations Page 138 of 186
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4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Community Ownership and Management of Assets Policy and approach here 4.2 Further information and tools are available on the councils website. 4.3 Appendix 1 Map of Asset 4.4 Appendix 2 Assessment of Fir Park Corner request to purchase Overtown Sports Pitch and Pavilion 4.5 Equality Impact Assessment will be published here Stephen Penman Chief Officer (Strategic Communication and Engagement) Page 139 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact?, The recommendation involves the transfer of an asset to community ownership for community use and recognises the associated community benefit that is expected from the proposal. This should benefit the community positively but an EQIA has been undertaken to consider any impact on equalities groups and will be available here If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The proposed purchase price is below what the council would consider as the marketable value of the asset. However assessment of the application as well as the condition, location and current use of the concluded that community benefit of the proposal outweighs the true value of the asset to the council. Financial Solutions are involved in the assessment process and the Leadership Group responsible for making recommendation to committee. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The council approach to community Ownership and Management of Assets reflects and supports the requirements of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act Page 140 of 186
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2015. Representatives from Legal and Democratic Services are involved in the Corporate Community Ownership and Management of Assets Working Group and the Leadership Group as required. 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? There is inherent risk in transferring an asset for community ownership. However the club has demonstrated strong community support, cognisance of the research, business case and diligence checks completed as part of the application process. The demonstrated knowledge, and experience of the management committee has provided assurance of the organisations capacity to take ownership of the asset and to implement their plans to bring the sports pitch and pavilion in full use. The risk has been determined as low but the organisation will be encouraged to consider strengthening their contingency planning and to review their plans for dealing with potential drainage issues on the pitch. Page 141 of 186
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5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 142 of 186
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Appendix 1 Asset location map Page 143 of 186
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Appendix 2 Assessment framework used to inform the recommendation on a Community Asset Transfer Request Name of Organisation/Applicant Fir Park Corner Football Club Details of the Asset Overtown Sport Pitch and Pavilion Community Area/Ward Overtown (Wishaw Community Board) Wishaw - Ward 21 Date submitted 12 June 2024 Date of Decision 2 September 2024 Recommendation Approve/Reject/ Defer (delete as appropriate) Approve Summary comments The scoring panel are of the view that community ownership of the Overtown sports pitch and pavilion by Fir Park corner Football Club has the potential to make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the club’s member. Evidence from across Scotland and from the description provided by the club indicates many benefits from having accessible local sports facilities on health outcomes. The club will serve a vital resource for encouraging physical activity across many age groups. This will be achieved through the operations of amateur Saturday and Sunday adult football teams, as well as youth academy teams. Future plans include the development of women’s football team and additional academy teams. The club have indicated a four-stage plan for improving the sports pitch and pavilion which when implemented will go some way to bring back to full use an underused and dated community facility. The improvement work will also enhance the local environs and will hopefully lead to increased community involvement with the club and the community activities it plans to deliver. Although football training and matches will be the mainstay at the facility the club intend to deliver a range of community events and activities throughout the year. The transfer of this asset to the community football club will also support efforts to address Page 144 of 186
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local inequalities. By offering members affordable access to physical activity. Additionally, the facility will create volunteering opportunities and pathways for young people interested in sports and leisure careers. This should contribute to the local economy through skills development of the volunteers Community support for the proposal has been established through various community engagement activities and the club plan to build on the relationships that they have started to develop. Overall, we are confident that the community ownership of this facility will foster long-terms sustainability for this asset. Final Decision Summary Grading Very Strong Strong Moderate Weak Very Weak 1.Details of the asset x 2.Organisation information x 3.Type of Request x 4.Link to the NL Plan x 5.Community Proposal x 6.Support x 7.Financial Information x 8.Risk/Social Impact x 1 Details of the Asset – Includes asset status and proposed use This section asks the council to ensure they are in a position to transfer the asset Very Strong: The proposal has a cost saving, does not impact on council direct delivery or service and there are no restrictions on the asset transfer Strong: The proposal is cost neutral to the council, it does not impact on council direct delivery of services and there are no restrictions on the asset transfer. The asset is currently managed and operated by Active and Creative Communities Team. However, over the last few years has been significantly underused, with occasional ad-hoc bookings. The holding service has reviewed the asset as part of the sports pitch strategy and have identified that the site is no longer needed for operations. The transfer of ownership to Fir Park Corner Football Club presents an opportunity to safeguard the pitch and pavilion for long-term community use and remove the cost burden for the council. With the applicant proposing a full transfer of ownership and a commitment to secure funding to improve the facility, provides a positive solution for the site, which otherwise would be earmarked for closure. Page 145 of 186
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The applicant if successful, is proposing to use the pitch and pavilion for training and football matches for all of the teams which they operate. The site has the potential of enabling the club to further develop additional teams and services. Moderate: the proposals presents difficulties on the council in terms of one or two of the following – direct cost, council direct delivery of services and or restrictions on the assets transfer. Weak: the proposals presents difficulties to the council in terms of cost, council direct deliver of services and restrictions on the asset transfer. Very Weak: unlikely to proceed because of ownership restrictions on the asset this would prevent a transfer of responsibility or ownership to another organisation. 2 Organisational Information – Includes governance and capacity to deliver ÿ Very Strong: Applicant has clearly evidenced that they are a robust and viable organisation with effective governance arrangements in place. Strong: Applicant has provided adequate evidence that they are a robust and viable organisation with satisfactory governance arrangements. The organisation has outlined the strengths and experiences of their management committee. Currently seven North Lanarkshire residents are involved in the management and day-today operations of the club. The management committee come from various professional backgrounds and most have significant experience in terms of community football operations. They have demonstrated a strong personnel base, which should be a positive in terms of implementing their plans and further developing and improving the club. The club meet regularly throughout the year and all meetings and decisions made are noted. The club are set up as Scottish Charity in the form of a Scottish Charitable Incorporated organisation. The trustee of the charity (management committee) is elected from within the membership. Initial checks made, have identified that the club have relevant policy, procedures and safeguards in place. Moderate: Applicant has evidenced some signs of being robust and viable and partial information provided on governance arrangements. Weak: Applicant has shown no evidence of being robust and viable and no/little information being provided on governance arrangements. Very Weak: Applicant has provided no evidence of being robust or viable. Governance arrangement does not meet the criteria for asset transfer. Page 146 of 186
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3 Type of request, payment and conditions This section confirms the type of request and seeks and whether or not the price reflects a fair price for the asset taking into consideration community benefit Very Strong: Applicant has proposed acceptable terms, with prices reflecting Market/Fair Value. (score would reflect acceptable terms; for example – the right timescale for being able to complete the sale or lease and funds are already in place) Strong: Applicant has proposed terms, with prices reflecting Market/Fair Value. Moderate: Applicant has proposed terms, with prices well below Market/Fair Value. The club are proposing a full purchase of the title inclusive of the pitch, pavilion and associated carpark, at a discounted rate to reflect social value / community benefit and planned improvement work. An offer of £17,500 has been made by the club, and whilst this is under our internal estimate of value, the scoring panel on advice from Estates agree that the offer is within an acceptable range reflecting the site is landlocked and an agreement to allow a discount for the social value described by the club. However, consideration of imposing a standard security may be needed. Additionally, a check on the site by Estates and Operational Property has identified encroachment issues, which means the title cannot be transferred with full vacant possession to the club. These matters will need to be considered as part of the negotiation for the heads of terms. Weak: Applicant has failed to propose terms or prices. Very Weak: Applicant unsure of securing funding to afford costs. 4 Link to Strategy– How the project links into the vision and ambitions set out in the Plan for North Lanarkshire (TPFNL) Very Strong: Applicant has clearly evidenced that their project links in to the key themes of TPFNL Strong: Satisfactory evidence that the applicant understands the importance of linking to the outcomes of the TPFNL The club have demonstrated satisfactory understanding of their contributions to the Plan for North Lanarkshire and the proposed activities should positively contribute to priorities agreed for the Wishaw Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP). The scoring panel view that the plans developed by the club will align closely with our ambition for improving the health and wellbeing of our communities and enhancing participation, capacity and empowerment across our communities. Moderate: Limited evidence that the applicant understands the need to ensure the projects reflect one of more of the strands of the TPFNL. Page 147 of 186
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Weak: Little or no evidence that the applicant has made a clear connection to the TPFNL Very Weak: Applicant has no understanding of the TPFNL 5 Community Proposal – Includes project aims, community engagement and community benefit/need Very Strong: Full consideration has been given to the aims, objectives and vision with clear thought to the future direction of the proposal. The proposal provides, for example, a social/economic/environmental impact. Comprehensive evidence of need/demand provided including consultations, research and surveys. Strong: Adequate description of aims, objectives and vision for the proposal. A good understanding of the community benefits including adequate evidence. Need/demand evidence include some consultation and research. The organisation has presented a strong case for need behind this asset transfer request and have outlined a plan which will help address the availability issues of local pitches for football clubs, this include allowing other clubs to access the facility when it is not in use. The club have also identified a need and gap in terms of local football options within easy reach of Overtown. Their plan brings football back to the heart of the local community and the transfer of the facility will enable them to develop new additional academy teams for children and young people to access. The club have clearly articulated the social benefits for their plans and if their application is successful, they envisage offering a route into healthy, low-cost physical activity with positive contributions to the securing improving the general health and mental health of residents. The club have also outlined the contributions to the community wealth building agenda, and anticipate that supporters will bring additional footfall to local businesses on match days. Moderate: Limited description of the aims, objectives and vision for the proposal. Some understanding of the community benefit but not underpinned by substantive evidence. Some evidence of need/demand provided including limited consultations, research and surveys. Weak: Inadequate or no description of aims, objectives and vision for the proposal. Limited reference to community benefit and associated opportunities. No evidence of need/demand provided. Very Weak: No description of aims, objectives and vision for the proposal. No reference to community benefit. No evidence of need or demand provided. Page 148 of 186
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6 Support – Includes stakeholder engagement and partnership working This section looks Including evidence community and stakeholders have been engaged Very Strong: Applicant has clearly demonstrated links with relevant stakeholders and groups as well as strong local partnership and community engagement. Evidence of joint responsibility for delivery of other projects/service. The organisation created a robust community engagement plan and consulted with many local stakeholders (community council, businesses, football teams operating in the wider areas, elected members, local politicians, local church and community groups) They also held a community information session and developed a questionnaire / survey for the wider community. Over 350 local residents completed the survey with the majority of respondents fully supportive of their plans. No formal representations were received during the formal 4 week consultation period. Strong: applicant has evidenced some partnership working arrangements. Relevant links with groups also evidenced along with strong community engagement activity. Moderate: Applicant has demonstrated limited links with groups and community engagement activity. Some evidence of partnership working provided. Weak: No/poor evidence of community involvement. No/poor evidence of partnership Working. Very Weak: No evidence of community involvement. No evidence of partnership working. 7 Financial Information – Includes fundraising, financial planning and management We will seek clarification of funding being in place or any potential delay in funding being in place in time for the final transfer deadline. Very Strong: Clear Evidence that sufficient financial resources are/will be in place by the time of transfer and good resource planning for short/ medium/long term sustainability demonstrated. Detailed, realistic and achievable income and expenditure, cash flow forecast provided along with a comprehensive contingency plan. Strong: Evidence indicates that sufficient financial resources are/will be in place by the time of transfer and some resource planning has been demonstrated. Satisfactory income and expenditure and cash flow forecast. Some consideration has been given to contingency planning. The organisation has provided a three-year forecast of income and expenditure. The improvement work for the facility has been designed to be completed in four stages and the club are confident of being able to complete this work whilst operating the site. They intend to apply to funders and to fundraise also. Initial conversations have taken place with National Lottery and Sports Scotland. The scoring panel requested that the club provide some more detailed information related to this section for example around budget, cash flow, running costings etc and the club has since provided additional clarification. Some of the concern was linked to the costings provided by the club not matching the councils costings for similar. However on receipt of further information and Page 149 of 186
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discussion with the club the panel is confident that the organisation has taken reasonable steps to adequately to identify future operational costs for their own operating model. Moderate: Applicant has demonstrated there are some financial resources in place but all finances may not be available within the timeframe. There is limited evidence of resource planning. Basic income and expenditure and cash flow forecast induced with limited consideration given to contingency planning. Weak: Insufficient financial resources currently in place and unlikely to be ready within the Time frame. No evidence to demonstrate resource planning. No income and expenditure and cash flow forecast provided and no contingency plan outlined. Very Weak: No evidence of financial resources in place. No evidence of resources or financial forecast to predict cash flow. 8 Risk/Social Impact – Includes potential impact and barriers/challenges and understanding of managing the asset. Very Strong: Full evidence that applicant has in place the necessary capabilities to manage the asset. Considerable awareness of the potential impact of the transfer on others, and barriers/challenges clearly identified. Comprehensive information provide on the anticipated social benefit/impact of the transfer and how this will be measured. Strong: Satisfactory evidence that applicant has the necessary capabilities to manage the asset. Sufficient awareness of the potential impact of the transfer on others with consideration given to potential barriers/challenges. Adequate information provided on the anticipated social benefit/transfer. With the club demonstrating strong community support for the community asset transfer and taking cognisance of the research, business case and diligence checks completed by the club as part of the application process; and combined with the knowledge, understanding and experience of the management committee in terms operating a community football club, it has been deemed that the organisation has demonstrated that they will have the capacity to take ownership of the asset and to implement their plans to bring the sports pitch and pavilion in full use. The organisation has outlined the social benefits which they expect to see from their ownership and management of the asset. Risk has been determined as low but the organisation will be encouraged to consider strengthening their contingency planning and to review their plans for dealing with potential drainage issues on the pitch. Moderate: Limited evidence to demonstrate capabilities to manage the asset. Some awareness of the potential impact of transfer on others and consideration given to potential barriers/challenges. Minimal information provided on the anticipated social benefit/impact of the transfer. Weak: Inadequate or no evidence of capabilities in place to manage the asset. Little or no awareness of the potential impact of the transfer on others or possible barriers/challenges identified. No social benefit/impact monitoring outlined. Page 150 of 186
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Very Weak: applicant has provided no evidence of capabilities to manage the asset. No awareness of the potential impact of the transfer on others. No social benefit or impact monitoring in place. Page 151 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref KH/GR/RB Date 28/10/24 Digital North Lanarkshire PoW Update: Immersive Experience Project From Katrina Hassell, Chief Officer (Business and Digital) E-mail HassellK@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07903 096 121 Executive Summary At its most recent meeting held on 19th August, members acknowledged that activities contained within the Digital North Lanarkshire Programme of Work (PoW) which are linked to the Council’s ambition statement 18 below would be reported to future meetings of the Communities Committee. Members will be familiar with the Council’s approved Digital & IT Strategy (the Strategy) 2024- 2027, which illustrates how embedded digital thinking and practice support the Council to embrace available technologies to find new ways to interact with its communities – at pace and scale - to ultimately turn the Council’s overall ambition of inclusive growth and prosperity for all in The Plan for North Lanarkshire into a reality. The Digital North Lanarkshire PoW theme contains twelve key deliverables, categorised as: (a) Digital Culture, Leadership and Knowledge; (b) Improved Customer Experience; (c) Digital First Operations and (d) Performance Optimisation. When taken together, these deliverables enable the Council to deliver on its Digital Communities, Digital Economy and Digital Council aspirations. This report is focused on the following key activity within the ‘Digital First Operations’ theme: The report highlights the steps taken from initial scoping and option appraisal to procurement and installation of immersive rooms across the council estate, using key performance for the Motherwell Library immersive room (launched in January 2024) to illustrate progress against this key PoW deliverable. The report also outlines the operational and governance structures that have been put in place to manage the development post build. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities Committee: (1) Acknowledge the content of the report, and progress to date in delivering community access to immersive pods across the Council area. Develop and deliver community access to the immersive pods (sensory spaces which can be utilised to house the latest sensory technology to provide support, in such areas as mental health and employability) across North Lanarkshire. Item 8 Page 153 of 186
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1. Background 1.1 Reports presented to committee in recent years illustrate that the Council and the communities we support need to function in a modern digital world, which is fast moving, forever changing, and increasingly reliant upon technology for work, learning, business, and connecting with others. 1.2 As technology continues to play an ever-increasing role in the way in which service users, residents, and businesses live, learn, work, invest, and visit within North Lanarkshire both now and in the future, it is vital that the council - as a critical provider of public care, supports, and services – embraces developing technology to improve user access and experience. 1.3 The Council’s approved Digital & IT Strategy 2024 to 2027 (‘the Strategy’) provides direction on what ‘being digital’ means for the council and the services it delivers. By delivering against its strategy, the Council aims to deliver on its Digital Communities, Digital Economy and Digital Council aspirations. 1.4 The Digital North Lanarkshire theme of the Programme of Work for 2023 to 2028 sets out a roadmap to deliver on the Council’s digital aspirations, a key aim of which is to promote innovative, connected, and secure service delivery for our communities. 1.5 Initially approved by the former Transformation and Digitisation Committee in November 2020, the Council has been developing Immersive Experience pods to transform community access to and experience of digital services. Following contract award approval at Finance and Resources Committee in September 2023, the Council is expanding the number of immersive rooms available within its area. 1.6 Funding for this project was secured via the ERDP programme and Business and Digital’s capital programme. The project focusses on developing three immersive rooms in sites across the authority, as well as an upgrade of the initial immersive room within the Muirfield Centre, Cumbernauld. 1.7 The aim of the development is to offer interactive learning environments that use digital projection to create an interactive 360- or 270-degree experience on three and four walls. Rooms are designed to be accessible to all community groups, schools, partners, local businesses and in some cases individuals who work, study, live, visit or invest in North Lanarkshire. 1.8 A working group was created made up of representatives from key partners from across the council, including Education & Families, Active & Creative Communities, Community Learning & Development and Business & Digital Services, to conduct an option appraisal on sites for the three new rooms and to manage the tender for a supplier. BT were successful in securing the tender to design and build the rooms (working with their partners at Immersive Interactive) and upgrade the room in the Muirfield Centre. The option appraisal process identified the following sites for the new immersive rooms: (a) Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life, (b) Motherwell Library and The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Enhance participation, capacity, and empowerment across our communities Ambition statement (18) Ensure our digital transformation is responsive to all people's needs and enable access to the services they need Programme of Work Digital North Lanarkshire Page 154 of 186
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(c) Airdrie Library. 1.9 This report provides details of progress made to date in achieving the targeted aims and describes the status of the operational and governance structures which are required to manage the development and operation of the facilities post-build phase. 2. Project Development Update Build Update 2.1 To date two of the three new immersive rooms (in Motherwell Library and Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life) have been built and are operational. The immersive room in the Muirfield centre has also been upgraded and is operational. The room being created at the Airdrie Library site is due for completion by the middle of November 2024. 2.2 The upgrade to the immersive room in Muirfield (a free standing 360-degree immersive space) included a full upgrade to the projection unit, a refurbishment of the walls and floor, and installation of aroma technology. 2.3 The room built in Motherwell library (a free standing 360-degree immersive space) has been developed as part of a wider digital hub development within the building. It is situated on the first floor alongside flexible learning spaces and the Letitia McKell Makerspace. 2.4 The immersive room in Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life is a 270-degree designed multifunctional space with projectors fitted to the ceiling and the option to use the space for other events and activities when the immersive experience isn’t being used. 2.5 The immersive room in Airdrie Library will also be a 270-degree multifunctional space which has been specifically designed to be sympathetic to this historic library and the community needs that the library fulfils. 2.6 Each of the rooms are within existing operational buildings with their own history, uniqueness, established use and relationship to the surrounding premise and community operations. It was therefore critical that the designs were cognisant to these factors with each therefore designed to incorporate that need for flexibility and access. 2.7 The build of these unique multipurpose environments has been a learning curve for all involved, requiring understanding of the technical requirements of the technology and the physical environment they operate in. This has delayed the overall delivery timescale but has resulted in better designed multi-purpose spaces. Immersive Room Operating Model 2.8 A draft immersive room operating model has been developed, which will address the following operating issues: 2.8.1 Opening Times and Booking Periods - Opening times for each immersive room will vary and are dependent on the opening times of the buildings within which they are located, and the availability of staff to support access. 2.8.2 Access Controls - Access to the immersive rooms will be controlled via an agreed booking process 2.8.3 Charging - Where possible access to each immersive room, for general use by schools, council partners, charities and local groups will be free. A charging mechanism will apply to Page 155 of 186
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business and other interested parties who wish to access the room. A breakdown of the draft charging model can be seen in appendix 1 2.8.4 Content Creation - Where possible the service will look to develop bespoke learning resources, based around local need. Colleagues within Active & Creative Communities and Education and Families will work together, where appropriate to develop bespoke learning resources. 2.8.5 Training and Sharing - A training and sharing Teams channel has been set up in order for relevant NLC staff to sharing information and ideas. Onsite training and information sharing sessions, beyond initial induction, will also be delivered. Immersive room development governance structure 2.9 A two tier governance and operational management structure has been developed as part of the immersive rooms project. 2.9.1 Governance group - An Immersive Room Governance Group has been created to retain an overview of the general performance and use of all immersive room services, create and maintain a service-wide action plan -, which incorporates the vision and direction of travel for the Immersive room services - and monitor contract performance. 2.9.2 Operational group - An operating group, made up of representatives from the services managing the immersive room, has been formed with a remit of sharing good practice, sharing content, trouble shooting and developing and managing the immersive room operating plan. Impact of the immersive room project to date 2.10 The access of and use of the completed spaces, to date has been significant. The space in Motherwell library, for example, has held 80 engagement sessions since its opening in January 2024, for 34 different partner organisations, with 1046 visitors. See appendix 2 for further details. 2.11 There are plans to continue to expand the outreach of the offer by working with a range of groups such as Hope for Autism, Partners in Play, The Gaelic Medium Unit and Saint Mary’s Guild church group. 3. Measures of success 3.1 General performance will be measured by the number of bookings taken within a specified period and the number of users of each interactive room within a specified period. 3.2 Specific outcomes will be developed for each immersive room that will focus on a range of areas such as digital skills development, health and wellbeing improvement, social skills development, attainment of knowledge, employability and pathways to future learning opportunities. 4. Supporting documents 4.1 Appendix 1 Draft Charging Model 4.2 Appendix 2 Immersive Room Usage – Motherwell Library Digital Hub Page 156 of 186
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Katrina Hassell Chief Officer (Business and Digital) Page 157 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? An Equality / Fairer Scotland Duty Impact Assessment was undertaken when developing the Digital and IT Strategy 2024 to 2027. This assessment highlighted key impacts may exist for older people, low-income groups, those with a disability, and people who are homeless, asylum seekers or whose first language is something other than English. Deploying fibre-enable immersive experience rooms across the Council area doesn’t materially change the impacts which were previously identified for the Digital & IT Strategy. These will therefore remain as an area of focus and consideration as we look to maximise the capabilities available through these technologies. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality-and-fairer- scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts have been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Funding for this project was secured from a combination of Business and Digital’s capital Budget, and grant funding available to Active and Creative Communities. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts have been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e-mailed Page 158 of 186
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to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Digital North Lanarkshire priority in the Programme of Work to 2028 envisages significant changes to applications, software, hardware, and connectivity, with all duly considered from a Digital First and Enterprise Architecture perspective through the key governance groups of the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG) and Data Governance Board (DGB). The solution utilises the Council’s network, with network redesign required to ensure successful deployment. Equipment deployed to individual sites will be maintained by the supplier. Support for ongoing use is expected to come predominantly from local users and solution champions. Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Communication with all stakeholders will remain a key priority in implementing the Digital and IT Strategy 2024 to 2027 and deploying the roadmap and delivery plan in pursuit of a Digital North Lanarkshire. There is also opportunity to promote these immersive experience rooms to communities through the Council’s Driving Digital Locally sub-group. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? The governance structure described above will ensure that appropriate controls exist to minimise any further impacts on the existing corporate risks of: ➢ Information Security and Information Governance (current score of 20), ➢ ICT Operational Capability (current score of 20), ➢ Digital and IT Strategy (current score of 12), and ➢ Digital Adoption (current score of 20). Page 159 of 186
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5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex-Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Implementation of the Digital and IT Strategy 2024 to 2027, and therefore its key deliverables around the use of immersive experience rooms, is considered to have an indirect impact on children. In particular, article 2 (non-discrimination) and article 23 (children with a disability). It is recognised that the rights of the child, and the needs of certain groups, require to be considered throughout the journey to a Digital North Lanarkshire. The technologies described within this report aim to make services more accessible, with opportunity to improve people’s lives though digital technology, solutions, and skills. If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☒ No ☐ Page 160 of 186
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Appendix 1 Draft Charging Model If access to the room to use existing modules is required Monday to Friday £22 per hour Saturdays £32 per hour Sundays £50 per hour If access is required in order to utilise learning resources supplied by the customer Monday to Friday £22 per hour Saturdays £32 per hour Sundays £50 per hour An additional £20 per hour up to a maximum of 3 hours to cover staffing costs to upload the module(s) to the system. If the customer requires any amendments to existing learning resources £20 per hour for the amendments a maximum of 7 hours to cover staffing costs and the following per hour for access to the room: Monday to Friday £22 per hour Saturdays £32 per hour Sundays £50 per hour (Summerlee only) Page 161 of 186
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Appendix 2 Immersive Room Usage – Motherwell Library Digital Hub The official opening date for Motherwell Library / Digital Hub was Thursday 25th January 2024. On that occasion a number of pupils from Ladywell PS had the opportunity to explore the Immersive Room and be photographed in it as part of the publicity. Thereafter visitors, including elected members, were able to experience the Immersive Room as part of the official tours. Thereafter a number of technical issues were dealt with, the skin attached to the front of the unit, and additional training for staff continued. Staff from other departments visited to explore IR and begin discussions around usage. Content development continues. Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 15/2/2024 School visit 3 26 Glencairn Primary School 16/02/2024 CLD Adult learning Men’s group 5 16/02/2024 Macmillan volunteer coordinator 1 Introduction to IR following initial discussions about volunteers visiting 29/02/2024 School visit 6 52 Joint event with NLC Heritage Centre – pupils visited the Millie Frood art exhibition and workshop, other class in hub using Immersive Room and also creating AI inspired art in Flexible space 5/03/2024 School visit: World Book Day events 10 90 Cathedral PS 06/03/2024 School visits: World Book Day events 11 75 Cathedral PS 06/03/2024 NLC Performing Arts team 1 Initial visit to explore concept 07/03/2024 School visits: World Book Day events 10 83 Cathedral PS 08/03/2024 School visits: World Book Day events 6 50 Cathedral PS 08/03/2024 Visit Clare Adamson MSP and staff 2 Marion Fellows MP should also have attended but was unwell 12/03/2024 Code Club Motherwell visit to IR 5 8 Page 162 of 186
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Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 14/03/2024 School visit 2 12 St Brendan’s 14/03/2024 Hope for Autism 2 Initial visit by senior staff in group to explore possible usage 18/03/2024 Macmillan volunteer leads 5 Opportunity for Macmillan volunteers to learn more about IR so that they can refer individuals in for use 18/03/2024 Motherwell Town Hall project 6 Architects, contractors and NLC staff involved in project. Discussion around using this space later in the project to be able to show visual walkthrough of proposals 19/03/2024 Motherwell Heritage Centre staff 3 Introductory visit to build knowledge base and begin content creation conversation 21/03/2024 Routes to Work 13 Course tutor used the room to provide a mock up scenario for delegates attending mock interviews. 26/03/2024 Code club (Wishaw) 4 6 Youngsters and parents visited 02/04/2024 Content generation meeting 11 Number of possible partners (NLC and 3rd sector) 03/04/2024 Let’s Go Easter activities (2 sessions) 8 18 Opportunity for public access as an easter holiday activity 03/04/2024 St Mary’s Church Guild 1 1 Pre-planning visit with committee member 04/04/2024 North Lanarkshire Carers 2 Initial visit to discuss possible use 04/04/2024 NLC SumIt Up team members 2 Initial visit to discuss possible uses with groups Page 163 of 186
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Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 05/04/2024 Macmillan volunteer leads 6 Opportunity for Macmillan volunteers to learn more about IR so that they can refer individuals in for use 09/04/2024 Let’s Go Easter activities 9 10 Opportunity for public access as an easter holiday activity 10/04/2024 NLC Care team 3 Learning disability adult supported by two carers from NLC (not prebooked) 11/04/2024 Let’s Go Easter activities 6 10 Opportunity for public access as an easter holiday activity 12/04/2024 NLC Motherwell Locality Adult care 3 Learning disability adult supported by two carers 30/04/2024 School visit 5 45 Combined visit with NLC Heritage Centre. (non NLC school) 01/05/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises. 02/05/2024 NL Carers Group 1 Ailsa Tweedie 02/05/2024 Mobile Play in Action (out of school care) 3 12 Airdrie based OOS care 03/05/2024 NLC Motherwell Locality staff planning visit 2 Planning ahead of visit with learning disability adults and carers 06/0502024 Hope for Autism training team 2 2 (teens) Initial visit to view room and discuss use within the group and training delivery 07/05/2024 Catherine Johnstone 1 1 (teen) Ex Cllr / Head Teacher (Gaelic unit) – exploring possible use with community. Individual is involved with the procurement and installation of similar pod in Islay. Page 164 of 186
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Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 09/05/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises. 08/05/2024 Motherwell Locality Learning Disability Week events 27 Adults with learning difficulties and carers 09/05/2024 St Mary’s Church Guild 2 Committee members exploring IR before looking to arrange to bring 20+ to event in November 09/05/2024 Wishaw Locality SW staff 2 Staff development / training session in advance of exploration of use by clients. 15/05/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises. 15/05/2024 Content creation meeting 3 NLC Corporate Comms & Gaelic staff – exploration of use in Community Gaelic funded project. To be developed further in Autumn 16/05/2024 New College Lanarkshire: Art students & staff 26 Initial visit for students to see and experience space ahead of Art Show at end of month 20/05/2024 Motherwell Locality support & clients 3 21/05/2024 School visit 2 26 Glencairn PS 22/05/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises 23/05/2024 Heads of Public Library services visit 0 Page 165 of 186
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Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 29/05/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises 05/06/2024 New College Lanarkshire NOW exhibition – staff preview / final testing 1 06/06/2024 New College Lanarkshire NOW exhibition – private launch for students and their invited guests 34 Students from 6 course (NQ and HNC level) had their final pieces of art digitised and transformed into an immersive gallery (created by libraries Digital Hub staff). Students work was exhibited in large format on walls of interlinked galleries and also included some short video pieces. 08/06/2024 New College Lanarkshire NOW exhibition – open to public 7 As above – students from the course were on hand to curate the gallery space 10/06/2024 New College Lanarkshire NOW exhibition – open to public 19 As above 17/06/2024 NLC Supported Employment 3 Staff training / development around possible uses of content 17/06/2024 Townhead Primary School Wellbeing Hub 2 1 pupil with complex needs, parent and staff member 18/06/2024 NLC Performing Arts team 3 exploration of possible community projects 19/06/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises 20/06/2024 School visit 2 24 Glencairn PS P5 Ancient Egypt 20/06/2024 Driving Digital Locally group visit 8 Page 166 of 186
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Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 25/06/2024 Wishaw locality staff visit 9 NLC Carers teams’ awareness visit 26/06/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises 27/06/2024 Airdrie Astronomical Society initial visit 2 Demonstration / exploration of content 01/07/2024 Mobile Play in Action 2 7 Out of hours care summer activity 01/07/2024 NLC Planning & Regeneration team 5 Exploration of how room could be used during consultation and development meetings 03/07/2024 CLD Adult Learning: Motherwell Men’s Group 8 Seasons for Growth project – IR being used as part of scene setting and reflection exercises 08/07/2024 NLC Gaelic 1 Content development session 08/07/2024 Partners in Play 3 Use of room with non-verbal young adult and carers 08/07/2024 Partners in Play 2 Staff development - demonstration of space to inform identification of possible client use 26/07/2024 Safety Zone (Bargeddie) / Hope for Autism 4 15 06/08/2024 Mobile Play in Action 2 12 Out of hours care summer activity 13/08/2024 NLC Creative Arts 1 Demonstration / exploration of content 21/08/2024 Supported Employment (Motherwell) 6 Job interview preparation scenarios with established supported employment group 29/08/2024 NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 7 Visit at request of BT / Immersive to allow partners to explore possible uses of room to help inform their consultation exercises Page 167 of 186
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Date Group No of Adults No of Children Notes 03/09/2024 Catherine Johnstone plus 2 colleagues (1 remote) 3 Ex Cllr / Head Teacher (Gaelic unit) – exploring possible use with community. Individual is involved with the procurement and installation of similar pod in Islay. 06/09/2024 NHS Lothian 3 Visit at request of BT / Immersive to allow partners to explore possible uses of room to help inform their consultation exercises 12/09/2024 Partners in Play 3 Young adult with severe learning difficulties and carers 17/09/2024 CLD Women’s Group (Wishaw) Mindfulness project 2 Exploration of content with CLD staff for possible upcoming group 18/09/2024 School visit 3 25 Glencairn PS P3s France 18/09/2024 East Dumbartonshire Libraries staff visit 5 23/09/2024 Partners in Play 4 2 adults 1x Downs Syndrome, 1 physical disability and carers Page 168 of 186
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TOTALS: ❖ Events / engagements – 80 (of which school visits – 11) ❖ Total visitors : 1046 ( of which school visits – 568) ❖ Adults – 435 (of which school visits – 60) ❖ Children – 611 (of which school visits – 508) Pending projects : CLD : • Request to run another Seasons for Growth project with a Wishaw group • Women’s group – Mindfulness group being established in October / November who will use room and space outside • Newly established Motherwell Women’s Group exploring ideas for use. NLC : • Gaelic team looking to develop translation of content for community use and events • Care teams – looking to establish a timetable of regular sessions that they can use with clients • Regeneration teams looking at ways in which to develop content for public consultations / meetings with colleagues to show visual plans for buildings and spaces Schools : Glencairn Primary: awaiting information regarding topics in order to timetable a series of visits for classes throughout year. Expression of interest from HT at Muir Street Partners in Play (Welcome to Partners in Play - Partners in Play) Charity who offer support and information to families of children and young people with disabilities have identified a number of their young adult clients who would benefit from use of the room with their families and/or carers. Some of these clients are non-verbal. Currently trying to timetable a schedule of visits Page 169 of 186
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Hope for Autism Looking to explore possible development with their Scotrail link person involved too BT / Immersive Have requested another site visit for their clients to see working space and explore content as part of their development process. Church group • St Mary’s Guild are scheduled to visit on November 11th NOTES : Activities over summer in particular were limited by staff vacancies and the delivery of other Robotics summer activities. Training – new DA receiving training on room and content development Agreed to explore with Librarian and Supervisors ways in which library assistants can receive training on controlling content in room. This would allow them to be involved in sessions and thus increase capacity in available appointment times. This is the only way we can see to be able to look to accommodate requests from NLC Care teams, Partners in Play etc for regular usage by those with additional learning needs. Page 170 of 186
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Communities Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref AA/LJ Date 28/10/24 Democracy Matters 2 From Archie Aitken, Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) E-mail AitkenA@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07939 280102 Executive Summary In 2017, the Scottish Government and COSLA launched the Local Governance Review to ensure Scotland’s diverse communities and different places have greater control and influence over decisions that affect them most. To aid the review process, during 2018 Scottish Government launched the Democracy Matters engagement process. A second phase launched in August 2023 with the intention that it would last for a period of six months. The outcome report was published in late September 2024. This report provides an overview of the outcomes of the Democracy Matters 2 engagement which sought to gain a deeper understanding and facilitate conversations around future governance arrangements for the public sector and decision-making bodies. A summary of the emerging themes from the one hundred and sixty-six responses is contained herein as well as a number of next steps. Overall, the key message was that whilst there is support for greater community-decision making in Scotland, it is highlighted that multiple considerations need to be addressed to ensure a new layer of decision-making could work effectively. Further developments from Democracy Matters 2 will be incorporated within the Programme of Work to 2028 with future reports to the Communities Committee encompassing such areas from the One Service Programme Board which are linked to the Council’s Ambition 19: Improve engagement with communities and develop their capacity to help themselves. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities Committee: (1) Acknowledge the contents of this report; (2) Acknowledge the themes emerging from the Democracy Matters 2 consultation (3) Endorse the next steps outlined herein, including the submission of this report to the Strategic Leadership Board and Community Boards thereafter. Item 9 Page 171 of 186
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1. Background 1.1. In 2018, Scottish Government advised of the intent to consult with communities, as part of their ongoing Local Governance Review. The aim of this wider Review was to look across all of Scotland’s public services to consider how power, responsibility and resources should be shared across national and local government and with different communities. 1.2. That initial conversation, Democracy Matters, encouraged over 4,000 individual responses with feedback being gathered on a number of broad questions relating to communities: • Would they like to be involved in making decisions about their community? • If they would like their community to have more control over some decisions and what these might cover? • The different types and sizes of communities that would make the most sense when taking decisions about their future? • What needs to change for communities to have more power? 1.3. Approximately forty public sector partners also submitted feedback to various aspects of the consultation. 1.4. The second phase deliberation on the future of community decision-making, Democracy Matters 2, was launched by the Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, the Minister for Local Government, Empowerment and Planning and the COSLA Presidential Team in August 2023 and ran for a period of six months through multiple engagement channels. 1.5. Financial support, circa £300, was made available for community organisations to help support venue hire, catering, creche facilities and transport with the aim of helping communities of all backgrounds to join the conversation. 1.6. Democracy Matters engagement is recognised as an important part of the Local Governance Review with the aim of helping to deliver community, fiscal and functional empowerment for Scotland’s different places and diverse communities of interest and place 2. Report 2.1 Democracy Matters 2 sought to generate deeper learning by engaging with communities using a specific set of questions (Appendix 1) to consider what different government arrangements could be like in different places. 2.2 The questions looked across all public services and the roles that communities might play in their design and delivery to improve local people’s lives. Engagement was open to everyone across Scotland and communities were encouraged to discuss and respond The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement (19) Improve engagement with communities and develop their capacity to help themselves Programme of Work One Service Page 172 of 186
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to the questions with their families, friends and neighbours to understand different perspectives. 2.3 In total Democracy Matters 2 received 166 unique responses with the vast majority, 159, submitted directly to the consultation hub or Scottish Government. Of these: • 83 responses arose from conversations within communities • 46 organisations submitted their views • 30 were sent by individuals who responded directly to the consultation 2.4 The final 7 responses were from facilitated conversations. 2.5 A response on behalf of the North Lanarkshire Partnership was prepared and submitted by the due date, this was signed off by the Strategic Leadership Board at their meeting in February 2024 Appendix Two. However, further analysis of the information contained within the Democracy Matters 2 report suggests that there was no further representation from North Lanarkshire in either the community conversations nor facilitated events. Analysis and Key Findings 2.6 Analysis to understand the full range of views expressed was carried out by a 3rd party organisation, The Lines Between. This was to ensure that a robust, independent analysis of the responses to the public consultation was provided. 2.7 The report itself Democracy Matters 2 Analysis Responses provides a thematic analysis and these have been identified as follows: 2.7.1 Powers There was a clear desire amongst participants to have a greater say in community decision-making and to have resources which can be directed independently without ringfencing. A range of services for the involvement of communities included – transport and environmental services including running transport services, repairing roads and maintaining green spaces. Levels of desire for community involvement varied. 2.7.2 Representation Strong support among participants for community decision-making to be representative of the whole community and that there should be a concerted effort to include people with protected characteristics. Involving young people was also a frequent suggestion. 2.7.3 Participation Seeing the impact of community governance leading to positive change was a key message and a way of encouraging participation in community decision-making. Further suggestions focussed on support for attendees through cash payments, paid childcare, vouchers or paid time off to volunteer. 2.7.4 Boundaries There was little consensus about boundaries for any new decision-making arrangements. There was, however, recognition that the definition of “local” can vary considerably. 2.7.5 Accountability and Standards Many respondents suggested that community decision-making bodies could be held accountable by ensuring that communications are clear and that future community action Page 173 of 186
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plans feature SMART (Specific, Measurable, Relevant and Timebound) objectives. Support for frameworks covering clarity of purpose, accountability as well as regulatory and legal issues to ensure trust were suggested. Developing a community charter was supported which would be agreed by the public, community decision-making bodies and other community groups. 2.7.6 Funding Community decision-making Whilst there is support for community decision-making bodies to have direct funding from national and local government some participants expressed scepticism as to whether or not this was a realistic ask. A funding model was suggested to allow communities to take a long-term view and plan effectively, however, others advocated that funding should remain with local authorities to prevent disagreement within communities on how the money is spent. 2.7.7 Support to develop skills and knowledge A need for support and training to enable community decision-making bodies to make important decisions, take on more responsibilities and deliver effective services was highlighted. Participants also suggested that such bodies should be able to employ staff to take on responsibilities such as administration, financial management and HR and legal functions. This was in addition to such roles as youth work. It was felt essential that as communities take on more responsibility roles carried out by paid staff should not be transferred to volunteers. There was a call for more community development professionals to act as critical bridges between institutions and communities. 2.7.8 Implications for public bodies There was recognition that the role of public bodies would change and perhaps allow them to take a more strategic approach to their future responsibilities. It was noted that there needed to be a clearly thought-out role for Community Councils in any future governance arrangements. Key Findings 2.8 In summary, the main findings from the discussions and consultations responses were: • Arrangements for community decision-making should be flexible and responsive to the needs of the community and place. • Decision-making bodies should be a platform to influence decisions and shape services in a structured and meaningful way, and be representative of their community, including groups with protected characteristics. • Ensuring accountability and trust was seen as critical. • Clear participative mechanisms should be in place to make decisions with various approaches used to maximise accessibility and encourage participation. • A decision-making body should have a sustainable budget that can be directed independently. • Community capacity building and skills development will be important to enabling communities to deliver more. Page 174 of 186
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Next Steps 2.9 A number of next steps will be developed including: • Oversight of the direction of travel and the emerging approach from Scottish Government will be maintained through the Programme of Work to 2028 One Service Programme Board. • Any course of action deemed appropriate by Scottish Government will be developed in line with Community Wealth Building requirements and is the subject of a separate report to the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee. • This report, if approved, will be submitted to the Strategic Leadership Board on 6 December and thereafter to Community Boards. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Success with be measured through the implementation of the direction of travel outlined in due course by Scottish Government as part of the Local Governance Review. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 Democracy Matters 2 – Consultation Questions 4.2 Appendix 2 Democracy Matters 2 – Consultation Response – North Lanarkshire Partnership Archie Aitken Chief Officer (Legal and Democratic) Page 175 of 186
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your- community/equalities/equality-and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e-mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 176 of 186
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in- Service or ex-Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the Page 177 of 186
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relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 178 of 186
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Democracy Matters 2 – Consultation Questions Appendix 1 The following 16 open questions were included in the Democracy Matters Phase 2 consultation paper. Q1. How could your community use these types of powers to achieve its ambitions, now and into the future? Q2. What other powers should be added, and are there some which should be retained by existing decision-makers? Q3. When thinking about who might be part of new decision-making bodies, what are the best ways to ensure they truly reflect their communities and enhance equality? Q4. Thinking about your own community, what groups would you like to see represented through other selection methods, and what should these methods be? Q5. What would the role of local elected representatives be, and what would incentivise other people to take on/be part of decision-making? Q6. What do you think are the best ways to ensure new decision-making bodies are accountable to their community? Q7. Are community events a good way to involve local people in scrutinising progress and setting future direction? Q8. What other mechanisms would help achieve high levels of community participation in local decision-making processes? Q9. What else should this process include to provide new community decision- making bodies with a strong locally agreed mandate? Q10. Are there ways to ensure new bodies are still wanted – for example by making them time-bound and subject to renewal ballots? Q11. How do you think community decision-making bodies should be resourced? Q.12. Are these the right set of standards to provide reassurance that new community decision-making bodies will be effective and treat everyone with dignity and respect? Q13. How could a charter be designed to best ensure a positive relationship between community decision-makers and their partners in national and local government and the wider public sector? Q14. What types of support might communities need to build capacity, and how could this change the role of councils and public sector organisations? Page 179 of 186
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Q15. Are there specific additional powers and resources which would help public sector organisations to work effectively in partnership with new community decision- making bodies? Q16. Thank you for considering these questions. When sending us your views, please also tell us about anything else you think is important for us to know at this stage. Questions used in facilitated conversations The seven facilitated conversations and several of the community conversations held by participants used a shorter version of the questionnaire. This focused on six wider themes encompassing the consultation questions. Q1: What powers do communities need to take democratic action? Q2: How would people be selected, and how can people best reflect their communities? Q3: How can we make sure any new structures are accountable to the community? Q4: How can the wider community participate in decision-making? Q5: What resources and standards are required for democratic involvement? Q6: How can we share and grow skills and knowledge for local democracy? Page 180 of 186
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Appendix 2 Our Ref: SD/LJ/JL Your Ref: Contact: Linda Johnston Tel: 07939 280883 E-mail: johnstonl@northlan.gov.uk Date: 26 February 2024 Community Empowerment, Reform and Governance Division Scottish Government Area 3F North Victoria Quay Edinburgh EH6 6QQ Dear Sir/Madam Local Governance Review – Democracy Matters 2 Consultation I refer to the ‘Democracy Matters 2’ consultation currently underway by the Scottish Government and CoSLA. North Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership’s Strategic Leadership Board has kept abreast of the progress of Democracy Matters 2 and encouraged community and voluntary organisations and local people to participate. While the consultation materials and ‘community conversations’ are rightly targeted at local communities, we would like to provide some feedback, observations and suggestions for further engagement. Place Based North Lanarkshire Partnership has previously identified community empowerment and the development of Community Hubs as strategic priorities. Through North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Hubs, partner agencies, including the community and voluntary sector, are working jointly with local communities and individual families in designing and developing services and whole system approaches that address what matters most to local people at each stage in their lives. We have developed a Memorandum of Understanding amongst partners to facilitate and support their access to the partnership zones, bookable spaces and amenities available in the Community Hubs and this helps to foster a culture and commitment to collaboration. Local Outcome Improvement Plans for each of our 9 communities of place provide a partnership focus for place-based action with communities around jointly agreed priorities. The supporting partnership delivery mechanisms provide a structure for co design and delivery of the council and partnership ambitions. Participatory Democracy Page 181 of 186
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Community Boards are our key delivery vehicle for community empowerment and participatory democracy. The network of nine Community Boards encourages local involvement in identifying and agreeing local priorities and service design with decision making through the Local Development Programme and Participatory Budgeting, plus consultation and engagement events. At a strategic level, Community Boards are responsible for ensuring that the shared ambitions in The Plan for North Lanarkshire are implemented locally, while at a community level, each Board has developed its own Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) that sets out the locally determined priorities and actions. Local Partnership Teams, whose membership comprises officers with a geographical or thematic responsibility, support the Community Boards and drive and embed delivery of the LOIPs across the Community Planning Partnership and ensure effective monitoring and management of progress. Community Solutions provides a further example of place-based decision making. Established in 2013, Community Solutions is a partnership between: University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire; Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire; and the community and voluntary sector. Six Locality Consortia, with membership from community and voluntary sector organisations and representatives from the council and NHS are responsible for the co-production of an “Improving Lives Locality Development Plan”, informed by residents’ and service users’ views and priorities. Delivery of this plan is supported by: • collective management of an “Improving Lives Local Activity Fund”, providing small grants to community and voluntary sector organisations to support delivery of the agreed plan; and, • collaboration on community and voluntary sector capacity building to strengthen their ability to support local people. The Locality Fund is supplemented by further thematic funds awarded to community and voluntary organisations to provide support on issues such as mental health and wellbeing; carers’ support; and provision of community support following discharge from hospital. University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire provides recurrent, annual funding for the programme at around £1.2 million, supplemented by additional fixed-term funding from Health and Social Care and other sources. Representation The Community Boards have formal Terms of Reference and membership includes organisations that are representative of the local community. It is important that the membership clause within the Terms of Reference for any community decision-making body makes provision for a wide range of representation and reflects the demographic profile, diversity and needs of the local community. As such representation should include communities of interest as well as geographically based organisations and representation by groups that support and promote equalities and inclusion – for example: disabled people; people living with long term conditions and challenges relating to their health; people from the LGBTQIA+ community; people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities; and other people who may be traditionally under-represented within the local area. Potential barriers to engagement, such as transport to attend in-person meetings; carers’ needs and responsibilities; language and accessibility needs; and digital skills, connectivity and access to devices should be identified and addressed, with support provided as required to ensure maximum participation. Through North Lanarkshire Council’s Equalities Board work is underway to examine barriers to participation for equalities groups and to establish a baseline of information to identify improvement actions aimed at increasing participation. Thereafter awareness raising and development work will be delivered through Community Boards to identify and agree Page 182 of 186
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improvement actions. A North Lanarkshire Partnership Lead Officers’ Group, established in response to research jointly undertaken by the council with Heriot Watt University and the University of West of Scotland, is examining the lived experiences of people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities to address barriers and unmet needs as well as supporting the actions above to increase participation. Accountability and Transparency Accountability and transparency are key to the success of any community decision-making model. As such, the Terms of Reference must clearly articulate the objectives of the community decision-making body and provide clarity and a universally shared understanding of the powers that rest with the decision-making body. The expectations and responsibilities placed on representatives should be widely understood to avoid misunderstanding and minimise the potential risk of conflict and dissatisfaction or disillusionment in the process. Training It is essential that local representatives serving on community decision-making bodies are confident in their roles and equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake their responsibilities, including reporting and being accountable to the communities or organisations that they represent. Similarly, local representatives should have the skills and capacity to enable them to consider and take decisions that will benefit their area and improve outcomes. North Lanarkshire has developed an online training and development portal aimed at Community Board and Local Partnership Team members. Informed by training needs’ analysis, with content developed by North Lanarkshire Council’s People Resources and Libraries Teams, the portal hosts a wide range of modules including: Participatory Budgeting; Community Planning Structures and partners; being an effective chairperson; Your role on the Community Board; Community Asset Transfer and Participation Requests. Culture Change Training, empowering staff and creating a culture amongst and within individual partner organisations that values and actively supports community empowerment and decision making is also critical. NHS Lanarkshire has established a Lived Experience Advisory Panel to strengthen community informed research and participation in its health inequalities programme. Engagement between health practitioners, policy advisers and the Lived Experience Advisory Panel aims to develop models of working that encourage successful interfacing between community assets and better integrated health and social care systems. North Lanarkshire Partnership is in the process of finalising the Implementation Plan to support delivery of our ‘CommUnity Agreement’. Developed over the past two years, through an Appreciative Inquiry approach that involved 500+ participants including the community and voluntary sector, elected members and partnership staff, the CommUnity Agreement sets out shared values and approaches to empowering and investing in local communities to support improved wellbeing, equality and sustainability. It is designed to enhance trust and joint working between local communities, voluntary organisations and partners with a combined focus on improving the wellbeing of North Lanarkshire’s communities and people. Partners have already adopted the CommUnity Agreement and the implementation stages require individual agencies to cascade the principles and approaches within their own organisations to ensure collective ownership, awareness and delivery. Page 183 of 186
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Communications All communications between statutory bodies, partners and the community decision-making body must be straightforward, accessible and inclusive. This should also be in place for communications between the community decision-making body and the communities it represents. Communications should be published digitally and/or in formats that best meet the needs of targeted audiences. Honest conversations on resources, priorities and any matters where there is limited scope, or very specific parameters on how services are developed and delivered, are also essential. Evaluation and Review Structured and transparent review arrangements, with the purpose of the review, process and reporting arrangements shared and agreed locally, can help to instil trust and ensure that the participatory democracy arrangements are effective and achieving their intended benefits in terms of increased engagement, participation and local decision making. Evaluation and review of effectiveness should examine representation, wider engagement, decision-making, outcomes and the types and levels of support provided. Strategic Direction and Subsidiarity Achieving the effective balance between strategic direction, that is determined corporately or at an authority wide level, and local community planning can be extremely powerful. At an authority wide level, public sector bodies set the strategic priorities to address inequality, poverty or disadvantage and ensure fairness and equity across the wider population. They can use their scale and influence to excellent effect to promote prosperity and inclusive growth for all. Local elected members, as the only locally democratically elected body in each authority area, are key to ensuring the principles of subsidiarity and local self-determination and are able to balance representing the views and needs of their constituents with developing wider strategic priorities and resources to benefit the local authority area and the people and communities served. Conclusion Other community planning partnerships will have similar place-based decision-making arrangements to those described above. There is an opportunity to learn from these in terms of representation, encouraging people to participate and communicating the work of the community decision-making body. To this end, targeted engagement with community planning partnerships on existing community decision-making and participative processes that enable local people to be involved in the design, delivery, review and implementation of services should be considered. I trust this information is useful and if you have any questions or would like to explore further any of the examples or points made by North Lanarkshire Community Planning Partnership please contact North Lanarkshire Council’s Business Strategy Manager at the address above. Yours faithfully Page 184 of 186
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Stephen Dolan Chair on behalf of North Lanarkshire Partnership Strategic Leadership Board Page 185 of 186
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