Recognising Community Spirit
Argyll and Bute Council · 29 June 2023
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL 29th June 2023 RECOGNISING COMMUNITY SPIRIT 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 In my role as Provost, I frequently encounter local people and groups who go above and beyond to enhance life in their local communities through a wide range of activities and volunteer efforts. 1.2 While there are national awards and recognition schemes, there is arguably scope for a more localised way to acknowledge the contributions made to local life in so many ways. In this short report, I propose the introduction of the Argyll and Bute Provost’s Certificate as a way to recognise exemplary community spirit across the area. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to consider the report and to note the proposed process for the Argyll and Bute Provost’s Certificate. 3. DETAIL 3.1 Community Spirit in Argyll and Bute: Since being appointed by the Council as Provost of Argyll and Bute in May 2022, it has been a tremendous privilege to be able to meet the significant numbers of people and groups across the area who, through their efforts and activities in their communities, embody completely community spirit at its finest. There are countless examples of those who make local life better in all sorts of ways. There are young traditional musicians who, as well as representing Argyll and Bute at national and international level to great success, are equally
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ready to step in and entertain at a local old people’s home or community function. There are the older people who work in partnership to bring their peers together in warm spaces for coffee, chat and companionship where there may otherwise be loneliness and isolation. There are the sporting champions who, like the young musicians, help to shine a spotlight on the Argyll and Bute name through their talent and prowess on the global stage. There are those who share their skills in all sorts of disciplines, from music to dancing to the Gaelic language and so much more, teaching young people who will themselves progress forwards to excellence and ensuring that future generations have vibrancy and culture in their communities. There are those who served their country, perhaps many decades ago, but who continue to remember sacrifice and to support others to keep remembering too. There are those who see what needs to be done in their communities and who quietly do it without fanfare, and without whom local life would not be quite so comfortable for many. And there are countless other examples for which a much longer report would be required. 3.2 Recognising Community Spirit: There are a number of national awards and recognition schemes through which volunteers (individuals and organisations) can be nominated in respect of their work and their achievements. Given the commitment, dedication and extent of such people and local groups right across the Argyll and Bute area that I have encountered in my role as Provost, I believe it would be highly appropriate to provide a way of recognising their efforts at a more local level. I have asked officers to draw up a process for an Argyll and Bute Provost’s Certificate – a way to recognise significant achievements and positive contributions made by people who believe in making life in their local communities better wherever they possibly can. This is intended to be a meaningful and valuable recognition of exemplary service or activity. Its significant value will be reflected in the fact that only a limited number of certificates will be awarded on an annual basis, and
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only in those circumstances where is clear evidence of very significant achievement, activity or levels of service. The Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support will have oversight of the operational process by which the scheme will be administered and certificates produced. An overview is noted below. To nominate people or groups for consideration of the award, a submission form should be completed and sent to memberservicesteam@argyll-bute.gov.uk in the first instance. This should include as much information as possible to demonstrate why the nominee is exemplary and significant – and should highlight the impact of their achievement, activity or service on their local community/wider Argyll and Bute area as appropriate. The Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support will be responsible for the consideration of submissions in consultation with myself and the Depute Provost. Submissions can be made at any time. This proposal offers a meaningful and appropriate way of ensuring that significant contributions to life in Argyll and Bute are recognised, and as such I commend it to Council. 4. CONCLUSION 4.1 There is incredible community spirit across Argyll and Bute. I am constantly humbled when I encounter yet another example of a person or group who consistently goes above and beyond for the sake of their communities. An Argyll and Bute Provost’s Certificate offers a meaningful way to acknowledge such significant contributions. 5. IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy: None 5.2 Financial: Limited costs in relation to in-house production of certificates and other arrangements - process is designed to be meaningful but cost- effective. 5.3 Legal: None 5.4 HR: None
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5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: None 5.5.1 Equalities – protected characteristics: None 5.5.2 Socio-Economic Duty: None 5.5.3 Islands: None 5.6 Climate Change: None 5.7 Risk: None 5.8 Customer Service: No direct implications but has potential to build closer links with people and communities across Argyll and Bute by recognising positive contributions to local life. Councillor Maurice Corry Provost, Argyll and Bute Council 15th June 2023 For further information please contact Aileen McNicol, Leadership Support and Member Services Manager, telephone 01546 604014 or email aileen.mcnicol@argyll-bute.gov.uk