THE NSP IS CHANGING!

What is changing?

At its meeting on 17 October 2008 the NSP Board agreed a new structure for the Partnership.  The new structure, which will be in place from April 2009, will consists of:

• A more developed stakeholder forum with an enhanced role
• A more focused Board with a reduced number of seats (from 20 seats to between 12 and 15) to give strategic direction
• An Executive of 8 places to implement Board decisions
• A reduced number of delivery partnerships - three instead of ten - to coordinate delivery of the Sustainable Community Strategy shared priorities

Why is it changing?

The Board wants to ensure that the partnership is in a strong position to deliver on the shared priorities of the North Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy - 'Improving our communities together',  and other supporting work programmes.   The Board therefore asked the sub-group to lead a governance and performance management review.

Who has been involved in the review?

Following the  May Board meeting, when the Board asked the NSP sub-group to lead on the review, a considerable amount of work has been undertaken and discussions have taken place with board members, delivery partnership chairs and representatives, partner management teams and Government Office South West.

What did the sub-group look at?

The sub-group considered:

• Lessons learned from the current board and delivery partnership members as the first Community Strategy was developed and delivered
• The strengths and weaknesses of the current structure - which has been in place since 2004
• Different structures used by strategic partnerships around the country
• Government guidance for local strategic partnerships in 'Creating strong and prosperous communities' July 2008

What happens next?

The NSP sub-group will oversee the move to the new arrangements.

By January 2009

• Each sector, that is the public, private and voluntary and community sectors, will nominate representatives to the new Board for their sector.
• The new Board will have its first meeting on 20 January 2009.
• Terms of Reference and Governance guidelines will be developed.

Between October 2008 and April 2009

• A process will be developed to move delivery partnerships to the new arrangements.
• Membership of delivery partnerships will be considered in light of ensuring delivery of the shared priorities within 'Improving our communiites together'.
• Delivery partenrships will be in place by April 2009.  They will elect their Chairs and agree NSP terms of reference.

January - April 2009

• The Executive will be established by April 2009 and have appropriate representation including Chairs of delivery partnerships.
• NSP terms of reference wil be agreed.