14 - Proposals for Community Investment Fund Expenditure
North Ayrshire Council · 29 August 2023
Back to Cabinet — 29 August 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 29th August 2023 Cabinet Title: Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure Purpose: To determine applications by Locality Partnerships to allocate CIF funding to proposed projects. Recommendation: That Cabinet: a) Reviews the enclosed applications from the Arran, Three Towns and Kilwinning Locality Partnerships in line with CIF criteria; b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Arran Geopark; c) Approves the CIF application in relation to Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Team (SALT) ; and d) Approves the CIF application in relation to the Corra Foundation. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided a funding allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified though Locality Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. In June 2021, Cabinet approved a further £1m top-up for the funding, with a further £2m added in November 2021. 1.2 Locality Partnerships have subsequently continued to work on their local action plans and are refining proposals for expenditure in line with their locally identified needs. This is a difficult process, and it is a testament to the dedication of the Locality Partnerships and their community partners that proposals are now emerging to provide creative approaches to addressing local challenges. 1.3 This report brings forward proposals which respond to the specific need of the local community, and which have been developed based on local circumstances and opportunities. 1.4 These proposals have been approved to be submitted to Cabinet through a process of collaboration and consensus by the Locality Partnerships.
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2. Background 2.1 Within its budget for 2017-18, North Ayrshire Council provided an allocation for the creation of an innovative fund to enable communities to address the priorities they have identified though Locality Planning Partnerships and within the context of North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership’s Fair for All Strategy and the Council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy. A further £3m was added to the funding in 2021, to be distributed among Localities as follows: 2.2 It was agreed that the CIF awards range between £5,000 and £100,000 for the community organisations, as defined in the CIF guidance, in order to support proposals and projects that connect with: • The North Ayrshire Fair for All Strategy, with consideration for how applications contribute to community support for the cost-of-living crisis; • The Community Planning Partnership and Locality priorities; • North Ayrshire Council’s values, priorities, and business objectives; • The Community Wealth Building and Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategies; And will also: • Fulfil a compelling need and not duplicate existing services or facilities; • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon request) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; Locality Value of CIF from first funding allocation (2017-18) Expenditure to date Value of CIF from second funding allocation (June 2021) Value of CIF from third funding allocation (Nov 2021) Total balance available Irvine £754 000 £558 435 £290 000 £580 000 £1 065 565 Kilwinning £286 000 £286 190 £120 000 £240 000 £359 810 Three Towns £598 000 £861 973 £240 000 £480 000 £456, 027 Garnock Valley £390 000 £341 805 £150 000 £300 000 £498 195 North Coast £468 000 £429 066 £170 000 £340 000 £548 934 Arran £104 000 £45 226 £30 000 £60 000 £148 774 TOTAL £2 600 000 £2 522 695 £1 000 000 £2 000 000 £3 077 305
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• Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. 2.3 The proposal development and application process has been agreed as follows: • Locality Partnerships should continue to engage with their communities and stimulate interest in the CIF. Each Locality Partnership will then strategically assess the applications, make links, and look at the funding ‘in the round.’ • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form, which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. 2.4 The enclosed applications have been developed by community partners and North Ayrshire Council officers and are now recommended for approval by Cabinet. The proposals are as follows: 2.5 The Arran Locality Partnership The allocations and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Arran Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £194,000 Arran Youth Foundation and Arran High Joint Bid - Young People's Mental Health £45,226 Balance £148,774 2.6 Proposal: Arran Geopark (£79,853) (See Appendix 1) 2.6.1 Arran Geopark are seeking funding to appoint a Project Director who will develop and implement the Geopark’s management plan, which is aligned with the Local Island plan. The aim within the two-year project period is to gain UNESCO Global Geopark status for the whole of the Isle of Arran. There are two proposed stages with funding only being released when the milestone is passed: • Stage 1 – submission and management of the UNESCO application process, including desktop and field assessment. A milestone for the project will occur when notification is received (late 2024) from UNESCO that the application is successful or if a decision is deferred, requiring further information; • Stage 2 – responding to UNESCO’s recommendations, which will be given if the application is successful or deferred. An “improvement report” will be submitted to UNESCO if the application is deferred. 2.6.2 If the application is unsuccessful at stage 1, the stage 2 funding will not be released. Stage 1 funding amounts to £40,291 and stage 2 would be a further £39,562. 2.6.3 UNESCO Global Geopark status would act as a catalyst to drive diverse benefits to
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the island’s community, environment, and economy with a particular focus on the following groups: • Local people and visitors will benefit from an increased understanding and appreciation of the island's heritage. • Visitors from new geographical areas and backgrounds will be enticed to visit by the increased visibility provided by the UNESCO designation. • Local businesses will benefit as a result of the global platform afforded by the UNESCO designation. This will be true for local service providers as well as producers/exporters. • Young people (e.g. from local and visiting schools) will benefit through the Geopark’s outreach programme and educational resources. 2.6.4 The project would particularly support the locality priority of reducing social isolation by providing residents with a deeper sense of belonging and pride in their island and its heritage, and offering volunteering opportunities, as well as providing young people in particular with enhanced knowledge of their local environment. It would also support community wealth building aspirations by encouraging visitors to the island and increasing the potential for local businesses to generate income. 2.7 The Three Towns Locality Partnership The allocation and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Three Towns Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £1,318,000 Ardrossan Community Development Trust £25,000 Three Towns Growers £100,000 The Training Station £50,000 Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society £17,912 Raise Your Voice For Ardeer £100,000 Ardrossan Community Sports Hub £43,320 Winton Circus Playpark £48,288 Ardrossan Community Development Trust - Development Officer £53,100 Raise Your Voice For Ardeer – increased cost for multipurpose hub) £130,000 Ardrossan Community Association (Whitlees) £48,586 Ardrossan Community Sport - Winton Park 3G £100,000 CHAP – Advice Outreach £45,767 Ardrossan Scouts £100,000 Balance £456, 027 2.8 Proposal: Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Group (SALT) (£45,600) (see Appendix 2) 2.8.1 SALT is a constituted voluntary community organisation which was established in August 2021.Their aims and objectives are to advance the emotional and physical wellbeing of the inhabitants of Saltcoats
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through the provision and regeneration of such facilities which enable this. 2.8.2 They have recently successfully completed the upgrade and regeneration of the local playpark and secured the total funding package of over £100,000. This has led to a safe space for the provision and development of play for the children and young people of the town. 2.8.3 SALT are looking to install CCTV adjacent to the playpark to safeguard the facilities and create a safe space where children, young people and adults come together to enjoy the playpark. Recent survey analysis has concluded that the installation of CCTV would create a greater sense of community safety and lead to increased use of the park. The project will be delivered in partnership with NAC and the SALT group. Once the camera is in place NAC will add this to their existing network and monitor the area. The SALT CCTV has been able to be included in the Council’s system on this occasion only due to the availability of a licence which was freed up from another site. 2.8.4 The project supports the delivery of the 3 Towns locality partnership priorities, promoting the local economy and tourism and regenerating community facilities by providing a safe and attractive play area, increasing civic pride and community engagement by reducing anti- social behavior and improving community wellbeing by helping residents feel safer and encouraging children and families to be active outdoors. 2.9 Kilwinning Locality Partnership The allocation and funds committed to date are outlined in the table below. The Kilwinning Locality Partnership CIF allocation to date: £646 000 Kilwinning McGavin Park £35 000 Multi-Purpose Youth and Community Hub £41 190 Multi-Purpose Youth and Community Hub – Phase 2 £15,000 Kilwinning McGavin Park – Phase 3 £45,000 Almswell Park Pitch replacement £45,000 Corsehill Playpark £50,000 Kilwinning Tennis Club £55,000 Balance £359,810 2.10 Proposal: The Corra Foundation (£36,000) (see Appendix 3) 2.10.1. Corra Foundation exists to make a difference to the lives of people and communities. It works with others to encourage positive change, opportunity, fairness, and growth of aspirations which improve quality of life. Corra wants to see a society in which people create positive change and enjoy fulfilling lives.
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2.10.2. Since 2016 Corra and North Ayrshire Council have been working in partnership alongside the community of Blacklands. This long-term work has supported strong connections to be built and established a firm foundation of increased confidence, capacity, and community-led action. This partnership has been underpinned by a simple pledge designed to support, what was then, a new way of working alongside communities. 2.10.3 Corra plan to build their ongoing work in Blacklands around three key elements: • Priorities – we know that communities’ priorities are changing and can offer a supportive space to explore, define and articulate them. • Plans – supporting communities to set out their priorities and actions to achieve them in a ‘community-owned’ plan. • Partnerships – connecting with partners who can help to produce the plan and/or help deliver on community priorities. 2.10.4 Corra see their role within North Ayrshire as integral to supporting community members in Blacklands to be aware of the Locality Plan, engage in the structures and processes and help shape the evolution of the plan and priorities to recognise community need. This will involve supporting community members to develop confidence and capacity to deliver and lead on activity that directly contributes to the priorities identified. 2.10.5 The requested funding would contribute to the overall running costs of the People in Place project over the next three years and see a strengthening of the relationship that already exists between Corra, North Ayrshire Council and the Kilwinning Locality Partnership. 2.10.6 Getting Alongside Communities will directly contribute to the Kilwinning Locality Priorities of supporting skills and work, alleviating poverty and promoting equality of access to opportunities, improving community wellbeing, and building strong communities. As community confidence and capacity to grow in terms of participating in locality planning structures and providing their ideas, there is also potential to make a more significant contribution to the priority of ‘Improving our local environment’ which has been a feature of some smaller scale local action to date. 3. Proposals That Cabinet: a) Reviews the enclosed applications from the Three Towns and Kilwinning Locality Partnerships in line with CIF criteria; b) Approves the CIF application in relation to Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Team (SALT) ; and c) Approves the CIF application in relation to the Corra Foundation.
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4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 CIF funding is allocated within existing resources. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The purpose of Locality Planning is to reduce inequalities, increase community cohesion and advance community empowerment. Each of the CIF proposals is tested against that purpose before being presented to Cabinet. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 Environmental and sustainability along with Climate Change and Carbon issues are considered in relation to each CIF application. Key Priorities 4.6 The proposals contained within the report support the North Ayrshire Council Plan priorities: • Active and strong communities • Inclusive, growing, and enterprising local economy • People enjoy good life-long health and wellbeing. Community Wealth Building 4.7 The applications support the following pillars of community wealth building: • Advancing community enterprises; • Advancing local ownership of underused land and buildings; • Making financial power work for local places; and • Supporting local business activities and increasing the variety of ownership models. 5 Consultation 5.1 The proposals contained within this report have been developed by the Locality Partnerships, through consultation with local people, including young people.
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Audrey Sutton Executive Director (Communities & Education) For further information please contact Rhonda Leith, Head of Service (Connected Communities), on (01294) 324415. Background Papers Appendix 1: CIF Application: Arran Geopark Appendix 2: CIF Application: Saltcoats Active Lifestyle Group (SALT) Appendix 3: CIF Application: The Corra Foundation
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP The CIF will support proposals and projects that: • Connect with: o The North Ayrshire Fair for All Inequalities Strategy; o the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and Locality priorities; and o North Ayrshire Council’s (NAC) values, priorities and business objectives. • Fulfil a compelling need and do not duplicate existing services or facilities; • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon request) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. When to apply and how? • LPs should continue to engage with their communities, and stimulate interest in the CIF. The Locality Partnership will then strategically assess the applications, make links and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form (attached), which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The finalised proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. • Forms should be returned to your Locality Officer, by email if possible: Anne-Marie Hunter Engagement and Participation Officer North Ayrshire Council Connected Communities 2nd Floor (West) Cunninghame House Irvine KA12 8EE Email: Anne-MarieHunter@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01294 324706 For more information see the guidance form here: http://www.northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/sites/60/2018/06/community-investment-fund-guidance-notes-17-12-17.pdf Appendix 1
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 1. Details of your organisation Name of Organisation Arran Geopark Postal Address for Correspondence Click or tap here to enter text. Name of Contact Person Malcolm Wilkinson Position in Organisation Coordinator Telephone Number Click or tap here to enter text. Email Address Click or tap here to enter text. 2. Brief description of your organisation Please include its legal status, aims and objectives, activities or services provided and how long it has been in existence. Arran Geopark is managed by the Arran Access Trust (charity no. SC029027) and the project has been in existence since 2017. We are in the process of forming a separate SCIO. Arran Geopark’s vision is that “our environment and heritage are conserved, enhanced, and valued for their contribution to people’s well-being and Arran’s sustainability”. We aim to achieve this by: • Increasing understanding and appreciation of our remarkable environment and heritage to local people and to visitors. • Supporting sustainable local economic development through education, interpretation, practical conservation work, and nature-based tourism. • Collaborating with communities, businesses, and other local stakeholders who share our vision. • Provide opportunities for all to contribute to enhancing Arran’s environment through a programme of volunteering, thereby increasing participants mental and physical wellbeing. We see the UNESCO status as a catalyst to drive diverse benefits to our island’s community, environment, and economy.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 3. Title and summary of proposal Tell us about your idea. Please describe in as much detail as possible, what the funding will be used for. Please include: • where it will be held / delivered • who is your target audience • who will benefit from it and how • any partners that are involved. We are seeking funding to appoint a Project Director who will develop and implement the Geopark’s management plan, which is aligned with the Local Island plan. The aim within the two-year project period is to gain UNESCO Global Geopark status for the whole of the Isle of Arran. There are two proposed stages with funding only being released when the milestone is passed: • Stage 1 – submission and management of the UNESCO application process, including desktop and field assessment; o Milestone - notification is received (late 2024) from UNESCO that are application is successful or if a decision is deferred, requiring further information; o If application is rejected, Stage 2 funding will not be released. • Stage 2 – responding to UNESCO’s recommendations, which will be given if the application is successful or deferred. An “improvement report” will be submitted to UNESCO if the application is deferred. Where it will be held / delivered? The project, and the boundary of the proposed UNESCO Global Geopark, will cover the entire area of the Isle of Arran (inclusive of Holy Isle and Pladda). This is an area of almost 800 square kilometres and it includes the entirety of the South Arran Marine Protected Area and No Take Zone. Who is your target audience? Our target audience is both local people and visitors to the island. Who will benefit from it and how?
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP Gaining UNESCO Global Geopark status will act as a catalyst to drive diverse benefits to our island’s community, environment, and economy – with a particular focus on the following groups: • Local people and visitors will benefit from an increased understanding and appreciation of the island's heritage. • Visitors from new geographical areas and backgrounds will be enticed to visit by the increased visibility provided by the UNESCO designation. • Local businesses will benefit as a result of the global platform afforded by the UNESCO designation. This will be true for local service providers as well as producers/exporters. • Young people (e.g. from local and visiting schools) will benefit through the Geopark’s outreach programme and educational resources. Project partners Arran Geopark’s growing board is comprised of representatives of the following organisations: • Arran Access Trust; • Arran Community Council; • Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST); • Lochranza Centre CIC; • National Trust for Scotland; • VisitArran; and • Community representatives. We have received or continue to receive funding from the following organisations, who we work closely with: • Arran Trust; • NatureScot; and • North Ayrshire Council.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 4. What difference will this project make within the locality and to local services and programmes? Please include: • The outcomes you aim to achieve • How you will approach reducing inequality • How this proposal fits with Communities, Economy and Environment. We are seeking funding to appoint a Project Director who will implement the Geopark’s management plan, which is aligned with the Local Island plan, and aims to gain UNESCO Global Geopark status for the island. The Geopark’s work, over this crucial two-year period, will tackle the following Island Plan themes: ● Community: o Opportunities for practical conservation work; o Increased mental and physical health through volunteering and outdoor activities; o Increased understanding & appreciation of natural heritage, amongst residents young and old; o Inclusion: reach out to more vulnerable groups to engage them in their local environment; and o Provide a forum for local representatives from land managers, tourism, community groups and economic groups to discuss issues relating to the environment and develop island-wide solutions to visitor management and mitigate impacts. ● Environment: o Education and awareness of our natural environment and the human impacts on it; o Engage with the island community to develop local solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation; o Support and monitor local efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals; o Enhance the local environment through conservation programmes aimed at increasing biodiversity and reducing the impact of visitors on our landscape; and o Develop partnerships with Universities and Colleges to encourage the use of our island resource for research and furthering our understanding of the island and its environment.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP ● Economy: o Gain international exposure, benefiting local businesses both through tourism and increased exports; and o Work with partners to develop a sustainable tourism strategy and to provide opportunities to increase visitor stay duration and spend. Longer term sustainability is at the core of the proposal. We will seek new and innovative funding streams to ensure the Geopark can continue to operate indefinitely; such as commercial sponsorship, memberships and supporter fees. We will also lobby with partners across Scotland to secure Scottish Government core funding for the nation’s UNESCO sites. The success of the project will be measured and reported using a range of specific and measurable goals – these are outlined in Question 8, below. How does proposal seek to reduce island inequalities? ● Inclusion of a wide spectrum of groups through education and practical activities; ● Outreach to all ages enabling them to participate in volunteering and/or educational experiences; and ● Development of a Geopark Community Liaison Group where all aspects of the island’s society is represented and where solutions to issues can be developed.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 5. What engagement has taken place in relation to the project? Please include the number of people who have been engaged with or consulted as well as the range of people. Due to the partnership structure of the Geopark, where representatives of various local community groups sit on the board, community consultation has been an intrinsic part of the organisation since it was formed in 2017. In addition to the membership of the board, project staff and board members have engaged with the following groups and representative of these groups: ● Archaeology Scotland ● Arran Community Council ● Arran Distillers ● Arran Eco Savvy ● Arran Estates ● Arran Farmers’ Show ● Arran Heritage Museum ● Arran Natural History Society ● Arran Trust ● Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST) ● Dougarie Estate ● Drumadoon Estate ● European Geoparks Network ● Forestry and Land Scotland ● Foundation Scotland ● Local outdoor activity providers ● NAC Islands Plan Working Group ● National Trust for Scotland ● NatureScot ● North Ayrshire Council ● Scottish Geology Trust ● Taste of Arran ● UK Geoparks Network ● UNESCO ● VisitArran ● VisitScotland
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 6. How will the project be managed? Please include: • How the finances will be managed • Does the proposed project contribute to volunteering or employment opportunities on Arran? Please include the number of volunteering opportunities and employment opportunities • If there are any staff requirements, please outline your HR plans The following chart shows the proposed management structure of Arran Geopark and where the Project Director role fits in (circled in red): How the finances will be managed? Finances will be managed by the Geopark’s treasurer in close cooperation with other board members and project staff. Two signatories will be required to make withdrawals from the account. We have included fees for a bookkeeper to reduce staff admin time and to ensure that the charity is meeting its regulatory requirements.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP Does the proposed project contribute to volunteering or employment opportunities on Arran? Volunteering opportunities are integral to the Geopark’s management structure and operations and are split between three distinct areas: • Community Liaison Group, • Working Groups, and • Practical outdoor work meets. A Community Liaison Group is to be formed to inform the Geoparks overall strategy and delivery. This is an open invitation for local people to get involved and ensure that they have a strong voice in the overall vision of Arran Geopark. This is particularly important as all Geoparks are “grass roots” community-led organisations. Working Groups are to be formed in order to serve particular functions of the Geopark (see organisation chart, above). There groups are to be formed largely of volunteers and to be managed by Geopark staff. Practical outdoor work meets have been in action for several years now. These popular activities have involved path maintenance, beach cleans, non-native species work and installing/maintaining footpath and information boards. Providing employment opportunities is also a key part of the Geopark’s work. The key aim of Geoparks is to encourage sustainable economic growth while protecting and conserving natural heritage. Indeed, the motto of UNESCO Global Geoparks is "Celebrating Earth Heritage, Sustaining Local Communities". Encouraging new high growth markets (identified by VisitScotland) of “localism”, “authentic experiences”, and “voluntourism” are key to the Geopark’s vision of a diverse island economy. Since its inception in 2017, Arran Geopark has employed a variety of staff including rangers, educators, a path maintenance team, and apprenticeship scheme. Our NatureScot funded Ranger Service is now in its third year of operation. We look forward to continuing this work. Outline of HR plans To ensure the best candidate is recruited for the post, it will be advertised locally and nationally (e.g. Arran Banner, Countryside Jobs Service, EnvironmentJob.co.uk, etc).
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP Arran Geopark has equality and equal opportunities policies, available on request. 7. Amount of funding being requested Please supply details of funding being requested and any other funding you have had over the past 5 years, both financially and “in kind”. Amount of funding requested (£) 79,853 Please give a breakdown of cost and recent quotations where appropriate. Costs Stage 1 Stage 2 TOTAL Salary @ 0.8 FTE £ 24,000 £ 24,960 Pension & NICs £ 2,816 £ 2,928 Office & utilities £ 5,000 £ 5,200 Conference fees, travel & accommodation £ 1,750 £ 1,820 UNESCO assessment (assessors' travel, accommodation & expenses) £ 3,500 £ - European Geoparks Network membership annual fee (€1,500) £ - £ 1,300 Other travel & expenses £ 450 £ 468 Bookkeeping & charity administration £ 1,250 £ 1,300 Insurance £ 875 £ 910 Training & development £ 350 £ 364 Website £ 300 £ 312 TOTALS £ 40,291 £ 39,562 £ 79,853 The following table lists the total funds (both restricted and unrestricted) received by the Arran Access Trust over the last 5 years: Year Total funds Funding source (only funders >£1k listed) 2017 £ 78,335.00 Coastal Communities Fund 2018 £ 117,688.00 Coastal Communities Fund, NatureScot 2019 £ 143,824.00 Coastal Communities Fund, NatureScot, Arran Trust, Betty and Roy Ure Trust 2020 £ 36,809.00 Coastal Communities Fund, Betty and Roy Ure Trust 2021 £ 25,173.00 NatureScot, Betty and Roy Ure Trust, Betty and Roy Ure Trust 2022 £ 19,565.00 NatureScot, North Ayrshire Council, Arran Trust, Betty and Roy Ure Trust 2023 TBC NatureScot, North Ayrshire Council, Betty and Roy Ure Trust
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP We have recently received project funding from NatureScot for two seasonal Island Rangers (£25,428) and Heritage and Culture funding from NAC (£40,000). We have no outstanding grant applications with other funding bodies.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ARRAN LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 8. Monitoring and evaluation process Please include detail on the monitoring and evaluation processes planned or in place. The project will be managed by the Project Director who reports to the Arran Geopark board. This will be done at project meetings, board meetings and by weekly email updates. Project spend and projected spending will be included in the weekly reports. A summary of the above will be provided to the Locality Partnership, in time for its scheduled meetings. The success of the project will be measured and reported using the following outcomes: ● Gaining UNESCO Global Geopark status (staged approach to funding); ● Securing long-term funding; ● Number of business partners sign-ups; ● Number of volunteer hours logged; ● Number of inclusion groups engaged with; ● Number of participants in education/outreach activties; ● Number of school groups visiting Arran; ● Number of university groups visiting Arran; ● Social media reach; Longer term indicators in the success of UNESCO Global Geopark status are likely to be: ● Increase in the average stay time of visitors; and ● Increase in the average spend of visitors.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND **** LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP The CIF will support proposals and projects that: • The North Ayrshire Fair for All Strategy, with consideration for how applications contribute to community support for the cost-of-living crisis. • The Community Planning Partnership and Locality priorities. • North Ayrshire Council’s values, priorities, and business objectives. • The Community Wealth Building and Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategies. And will also: • Fulfil a compelling need and not duplicate existing services or facilities. • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible. • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council. • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon request) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project. • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. When to apply and how? • LPs should continue to engage with their communities and stimulate interest in the CIF. The Locality Partnership will then strategically assess the applications, make links and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form (attached), which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The finalised proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. • Forms should be returned to your Locality Officer, by email if possible: Name Colin Ferris Locality Officer (Three Towns Locality) North Ayrshire Council St John’s Primary School Morrison Avenue Stevenston KA20 4HH Email: colinferris@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 475912/212 Mob: 0758461250 Appendix 2
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND **** LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP For more information see the guidance form here: http://www.northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/sites/60/2018/06/community-investment-fund-guidance-notes-17-12-17.pdf 1. Details of your organisation Name of Organisation Saltcoats Active Lifestyles Team (SALT Postal Address for Correspondence Position in Organisation Donna McGregor Chairperson Telephone Number Click or tap here to enter text. Email Address 2. Brief description of your organisation SALT is a constituted voluntary community organisation which was established in August 2021. Our aims and objectives are to advance the emotional and physical wellbeing of the inhabitants of Saltcoats through the provision and regeneration of such facilities which enable this. We have recently successfully completed the upgrade and regeneration of the local playpark and secured the total funding package of over £100,000. This has led to a safe space for the provision and development of play for the children and young people of the town.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND **** LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 3. Title and summary of proposal We are looking to install CCTV adjacent to the playpark to safeguard the facilities and create a safe space where children, young people and adults come together to enjoy the playpark. Our recent survey analysis has concluded that the installation of CCTV would create a greater sense of community safety and lead to increased use of the park. The project will be delivered in partnership with NAC and the SALT group. Once the camera is in place NAC will add this to their existing network and monitor the area. . 4. What difference will this project make within the locality and to local services and programmes? The installation of a CCTV camera adjacent to the park will have the following benefits: • Reduction in crime i.e vandalism and anti-social behaviour • Protect and safeguard community assets which would otherwise be expensive to repair/replace. • Greater use of the playpark as sense of community safety increases • NAC are a key partner in the delivery of this project. The 3 Towns locality partnership priorities which will be met are as follows: • Promoting the local economy and tourism • Regenerating Community Facilities • Increasing civic pride and community engagement • Improving community wellbeing The successful development of the playpark has had a positive impact on all of the above and this will be further enhanced with the addition of CCTV.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND **** LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 5. What engagement has taken place in relation to the project? We have success delivered a community consultation event at Winton Circus playpark with 600 residents. There was overwhelming support for our CCTV initiative with almost no negative responses. In addition, online surveys with local residents have also been carried out which further support the need for CCTV. 6. How will the project be managed The finances for the project will be managed by our voluntary management committee. Our financial procedures ensure the efficient and safe management of funds. Whilst this project does not directly create any specific paid employment opportunities there is the opportunity to volunteer and join the voluntary management committee and get involved in future projects. There is also the opportunity for local young people and children’s organisation who are more likely to use the facilities as their concerns around safety will be somewhat be alleviated with the installation of CCTV. 7. Amount of funding being requested Please supply details of funding being requested and any other funding you have had over the past 5 years, both financially and “in kind”. To date in excess of £100,000 has been secured for the successful development of the playpark. Amount of funding requested (£) - £45,600 These are the costs to purchase and install a CCTV camera adjacent to the playpark provided by Graham Emans (Co-ordinator Homeless and Community Safety)
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND **** LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 8. Monitoring and evaluation process Monitoring will be carried out by NAC as the new CCTV camera will be added to their existing network and be monitored directly by trained staff who understand the legislative and legal requirements around the use of CCTV The data from crime stats will provide evidence on the impact of the camera and its success. The SALT group will carry out further community consultation after the installation of the camera to look at the impact of the camera on user numbers of the parky and the sense of security and safety which has resulted.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP The CIF will support proposals and projects that: • Connect with: o The North Ayrshire Fair for All Inequalities Strategy; o the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and Locality priorities; and o North Ayrshire Council’s (NAC) values, priorities and business objectives. • Fulfil a compelling need and do not duplicate existing services or facilities; • Provide long-term, sustainable, positive results for the greatest number of people possible; • Exhibit project and/or organisational innovation in their approaches to their work in their way of addressing community challenges and in their request to Locality Partnerships and the Council; • Come from (an) organisation(s) that is financially viable (can provide financial statements upon request) and efficiently and effectively managed. This can include an organisation to be created to deliver the project; • Include options or potential for NAC and CPP employee engagement and volunteering where possible; and • Include measurable outcomes and can report to NAC on outcomes on a regular basis. When to apply and how? • LPs should continue to engage with their communities, and stimulate interest in the CIF. The Locality Partnership will then strategically assess the applications, make links and look at the funding ‘in the round’. • If the partnership supports a bid then the group will be encouraged to submit a full application form (attached), which they will decide upon before making a proposal to Cabinet for final approval. • The finalised proposal will go to the next suitable Cabinet for final approval. • Forms should be returned to your Locality Officer, by email if possible: Louise Riddex Locality Officer (Kilwinning & North Coast) Economy and Communities Community Development Team St John's Primary School Morrison Avenue Stevenston KA20 4HH Email: lriddex@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Tel: 01294475913 Mob: 07980964858 For more information see the guidance form here: http://www.northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/sites/60/2018/06/community-investment-fund-guidance-notes-17-12-17.pdf Appendix 3
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 1. Details of your organisation Name of Organisation Corra Foundation Postal Address for Correspondence Name of Contact Person: Gordon McLean Position in Organisation: National Programme Manager Telephone Number: Email Address: 2. Brief description of your organisation Please include its legal status, aims and objectives, activities or services provided and how long it has been in existence. Corra Foundation is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC009481) and is also a company limited by guarantee (No SC096068). The organisation was previously known as Lloyd’s TSB Foundation for Scotland from 1985 until it rebranded as Corra in 2018. Corra Foundation exists to make a difference to the lives of people and communities. It works with others to encourage positive change, opportunity, fairness and growth of aspirations which improve quality of life. Corra wants to see a society in which people create positive change and enjoy fulfilling lives. Corra achieves this through grantmaking and its place-based programme of which Getting Alongside Communities is a key part. In 2020 Corra launched a ten-year strategy. It is long term because making a different on the big challenges will take time. At its heart is the strong belief that when people find their voice, they unlock the power to make change happen. www.corra.scot
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP About Getting Alongside Communities Established in 2015, as part of Corra’s People in Place programme, Getting Alongside Communities is currently working alongside eight communities across seven Scottish local authority areas, supporting local people to connect, collaborate on ideas, and take action to create positive change. The community is at the heart of everything we do. Each community we work alongside has a dedicated Community Co-ordinator whose long-term relational approach - based on listening, bringing people together for conversations, and helping to identify shared priorities – has established deep knowledge, trust and connections with local people and partners. The approach is designed to help facilitate and enable capacity building within the community; widening community participation, seeking out voices that are seldom heard; and ultimately resulting in locally-led actions being taken. The ambition for each community is set by the people in that place. Corra’s commitment is to help create the conditions and connections needed for bold change to happen. 3. Title and summary of proposal Tell us about your idea. Please describe in as much detail as possible, what the funding will be used for. Please include: • where it will be held / delivered • who is your target audience • who will benefit from it and how • any partners that are involved. Getting Alongside Communities: Blacklands The proposal is for a partnership funding contribution towards the continued delivery of the Getting Alongside Communities programme in Blacklands for a three-year period between 2023 and 2026. The work builds upon the community capacity that has been developed since Corra’s partnership with North Ayrshire Council began in 2016, and will focus on increasing
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP the sustainability of community initiatives through the development of local capacity, infrastructure and connections with wider structures, including Locality Planning. Since 2016 People in Place has invested £235k directly into the work alongside Blacklands. In addition, Corra’s local knowledge and trusting relationships have connected local groups with other funding sources, including £46k to support pandemic response work. During that time the programme has: • Supported 13 community ideas into action • Engaged over 538 people • Benefitted from 587 hours of volunteering • Partnered with Council colleagues to support community and strategic development • Created opportunities for communites and colleagues to share learning, ideas and amplify community voices at a national level. Some notable areas of activity include: Increased Participation & Decision Making: connecting with existing groups, supporting new community activity and strategic developments - including participatory budgeting through - Blacklands Community Kitty. System Changers: co-designed programme to explore systems and design thinking – and how this knowlegde can be applied to support positive change in Kilwinning. Community spaces: supporting community use of and investment in local facilities. Tackling poverty and stigma: including dignified food provision and clothing initiative. Partners that the Community Co-ordinator regularly works with include: North Ayrshire Council and HSCP, NHS Ayrshire, KA Leisure, Blacklands Community Association, Kilwinning Community Football Academy, Blacklands Primary School. The Community Co-ordinator has developed strong relationships with community members and local partners and has been supporting and facilitating conversations and responses to alleviating poverty, ensuring equality of access and improving wellbeing. Integral to this approach is enabling individuals, groups and organisations to identify and develop ideas – building confidence and capacity, which in turn results in empowerment and a stronger and more sustainable community.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP In addition to directly working alongside Blacklands, Corra has supported the development and delivery of a System Changers project for Kilwinning and will continue to facilitate this work over the next two years. The ‘system changers’ are a mix of public and third sector staff and community members. They have developed a deep understanding of systems change and are exploring ways to put this theory into practice in Kilwinning. The group has identified metal health and wellbeing as a particular focus and are developing experiments to test how best to meet need and improve outcomes. An example of this is the coffee, cake and chat sessions, which libraries across North Ayrshire are currently looking to establish following the positive impact – including improved wellbeing and reduced in isolation - of pilot sessions in Kilwinning Library. The overall budget will include an annual ‘Ideas into Action’ allocation of £7,500 to support community members and groups to test ideas and develop them. This provides experience of managing funds and evidencing impact, which builds confidence and the capacity to access larger sums of funding available through third sector funding programmes in the future. 4. What difference will this project make within the locality and to local services and programmes? Please include: • The outcomes you aim to achieve • How you will approach reducing inequality • How this proposal fits with the Locality Partnership priorities of 1. Supporting skills and work 2. Improving our local environment 3. Alleviating Poverty and promoting equality of access to opportunities 4. Improving Community Wellbeing. Since 2016 Corra and North Ayrshire Council have been working in partnership alongside the community of Blacklands. This long-term work has supported strong connections to be built and established a firm foundation of increased confidence, capacity and community-led action. This partnership has been underpinned by a simple pledge designed to support, what was then, a new way of working alongside communities. Six years into the work, it feels timely and important to review and deepen that collaboration. Collective investment from partners, with a shared interest in learning from and resourcing communities to tackle deep-rooted social challenges, has always been at
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP the heart of the People in Place programme. This approach is now vital, if we are to move beyond immediate financial pressures and achieve lasting change. Communities are facing a critical moment of transition as they emerge from the pandemic and begin to grapple with the rising cost of living. We are seeing and hearing, in addition to difficult issues, new priorities emerging and an urgency to act. This proposal sets out how partner funding from North Ayrshire Council can support a deeper collaboration with Corra and communities that can deliver new ways of working. Through recent discussions we know that there are a shared ambitions - between communities, Corra and North Ayrshire Council - including in relation to the wellbeing economy, increasing community participation and how long-term funding models can support strategic partnerships and key community organisations. To help achieve these ambitions, Corra will build our work around three key elements: • Priorities – we know that communities’ priorities are changing and can offer a supportive space to explore, define and articulate them. • Plans – supporting communities to set out their priorities and actions to achieve them in a ‘community-owned’ plan. • Partnerships – connecting with partners who can help to produce the plan and/or help deliver on community priorities. These ‘three P’s’, and the evolution of approach they support, build on the strong foundations – of trust, relationships, skills and knowledge - that have been established to date and will continue to be instrumental in the work. This approach will help North Ayrshire Council and communities deliver key outcomes including: • An enhanced understanding of new and emerging community priorities. • Communities taking action to achieve these priorities contributing to lasting change. • Improved connections between local action and strategic priorities. • Leading examples - including in relation to the wellbeing economy and public service transformation - for other Local Authorities to follow. • Enabling structures that support increased community capacity, local leadership, genuine sharing of decision-making and power. • Financial and social returns on investment.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP Corra has a strong understanding of the Locality Plan and governance structures for Kilwinning. We see our role within North Ayrshire as integral to supporting community members in Blacklands to be aware of the Locality Plan, engage in the structures and processes and help shape the evolution of the plan and priorities to recognise community need. This will involve supporting community members to develop confidence and capacity to deliver and lead on activity that directly contributes to the priorities identified. Getting Alongside Communities will directly contribute to the following Localotu Partnership priorities: • Supporting skills and work • Alleviating Poverty and promoting equality of access to opportunities • Improving Community Wellbeing • Building strong communities As community confidence and capacity to grow in terms of participating in locality planning structures and providing their ideas, there is also potential to make a more significant contribution to the priority of ‘Improving our local environment’ which has been a feature of some smaller scale local action to date. 5. What engagement has taken place in relation to the project? Please include the number of people who have been engaged with or consulted as well as the range of people. Corra has worked alongside 538 different community members and partners within Blacklands over the past 6 years and has established trust and effective relationships. This has included children at Blacklands Primary and older people engaging in chair-based exercise and the highly valued tea and chat afterwards, which is often group members main chance for company each week. Corra also supports parents to be involved and lead the local parent and toddler’s group. The community-led grant making work (Community Kitty) involved a range of community members including children and young people, who designed the process and identified criteria and worked very effectively together. 6. How will the project be managed? Please include: • How the finances will be managed
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP • Does the proposed project contribute to volunteering or employment opportunities in Kilwinning? Please include the number of volunteering opportunities and employment opportunities • If there are any staff requirements, please outline your HR plans The investment will contribute to the overall budget for Blacklands and be managed by Corra’s National Programme Manager. Volunteering and potential employability will be increased through development of skills and confidence. As community members are supported to develop ideas, community participation and volunteering increases. The intention is that some ideas and activity will result in the creation of governance structures and local organisations that will develop over time and result in paid employment. There has been 587 hours of volunteering provided so far and we expect that to increase at a faster rate as momentum builds. The Community Co-ordinator is line managed by the National Programme Manager. Corra has a central HR department that supports all staff in the organisation. 7. Amount of funding being requested Please supply details of funding being requested and any other funding you have had over the past 5 years, both financially and “in kind”. Amount of funding requested (£) £36000 over 3 years Please give a breakdown of cost and recent quotations where appropriate. Getting Alongside Communities: Blacklands 23/24 24/25 25/26 Total Staff & Delivery Costs 43,579 43,579 43,579 130,737 Ideas into Action budget 7,500 7,500 7,500 22,500 153,237 From 2023–26 projected investment in Blacklands is £153k. A contribution of £36k (£12k p.a.) from North Ayrshire Council would be integral to the success of this approach – and leverage further investment of £117k that would not otherwise reach the area. Corra’s Board has confirmed investment in the People in Place programme for the next 3 years. Corra is also actively exploring investment from other partners. A funding commitment from North Ayrshire Council would be instrumental in securing additional new investment, a significant endorsement of the work to date, and underpin its continued success.
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COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND KILWINNING LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP 8. Monitoring and evaluation process Please include detail on the monitoring and evaluation processes planned or in place. Monitoring and evaluation is underpinned by reflective logs, produced by Corra’s Community Co-ordinator, which include a mix of qualitative and quantitative data and input from community members. This informs the analysis of our approach in Blacklands and across the programme. We use the qualitative data analysis to identify emerging themes, challenges and opportunities within and across communities. The data collected through the reflective logs also informs the Annual Update that is produced alongside community members to describe the activity that has taken place, its impact and what has been learned. There are also several case studies within each Annual Update, the most recent of which is included as an example: Blacklands Annual Update 2022. Annual Updates from 2017 onwards can be accessed here. The Getting Alongside Communities team regularly meets with Corra’s learning team to discuss the learning gathered and identify opportunities to evolve the approach. Corra also supports community members to share their experiences and impact through community stories. An example of a Blackland’s story is: School Costs: A community pulls together - Corra An annual event brings communities and partners - including council staff - together from across the People in Place programme to share learning, exchange ideas and plan ahead. In addition, Corra facilitates a Community of Practice that brings colleagues from across different partner local authorities together to explore shared challenges, opportunities and exchange learning. An example of this includes collaboration between Fife and North Ayrshire Council colleagues that was instrumental in supporting dignified food provision in communities across North Ayrshire.