Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet Member and Advisers for Community Planning and Social Inclusion, held on 3rd December, 2004, be approved as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report of the Partnership Officer (Voluntary and Community Sector) concerning the document ‘Firm Foundations’, published in December, 2004, by the Home Office Civil Renewal Unit. ‘Firm Foundations’ contained the Government’s framework for community capacity building, which is defined as “activities, resources and support that strengthen the skills, abilities and confidence of people and community groups to take effective action and leading roles in the development of their communities”.

The report included the six principles underpinning Government action to produce change and also identified the four priorities for action. It was noted that the Community Development Strategy for Rotherham and the Council’s commitment to community planning were evidence of the Council’s effective engagement with the public.

The report also referred to the importance of Community Partnerships as “anchor organisations” within the community sector infrastructure and the problems they will face with the impending loss of external funding.

Members debated the practical application of the aims and objectives of ‘Firm Foundations’ throughout the Rotherham Borough area. Particular reference was made to the need to develop a comprehensive package of learning opportunities to support everyone involved in community engagement and to address the issue of sustainability.

Resolved:- (1) That the close alignment of local progress in Rotherham, in terms of community development support and community planning, with the Government’s priorities as set out in ‘Firm Foundations’, be noted.

(2) That initiatives to embed community development values and skills across the Council be supported.

(3) That a further report be submitted to a future meeting concerning the ways in which the Council may continue to support community development and the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector infrastructure.

Resolved:- That the next meeting be held on Friday, 18th February, 2005, commencing at 10.00 a.m.