SSP Sub-Groups – Stronger Communities Group
Terms of Reference (Draft)
1. Purpose of the Stronger Communities Group
1.1 Somerset Stronger Communities Group is one of six subgroups of the Somerset Strategic Partnership (SSP). The aim of the partnership is to improve the strength of local communities in Somerset by promoting the participation of all people in the life of their community, and helping to tackle the root causes of isolation and exclusion that may be experienced by vulnerable individuals and groups.
1.2 The objectives of the Stronger Communities Group are:
1.2.1 To provide leadership and co-ordinated action to promote vibrant local communities and to reduce social isolation and exclusion.
1.2.2 To assess and consult on the needs and aspirations of local communities in Somerset in order to inform jointly agreed priorities and influence the community related policies of agencies represented on the Group.
1.2.3 To help to create the conditions for a thriving third sector that will serve local communities by:
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Supporting front line community groups and organisations
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Promoting all forms of participation, including volunteering and engagement in cultural activities
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Helping to offer ‘voice’ to citizens and communities, including those who are at particular risk of exclusion
1.2.4 In conjunction with the Community Cohesion Forum, to develop a coordinated approach aimed at promoting social cohesion and reducing the isolation, exclusion and hostility felt by minority groups
1.2.5 To enable effective joint commissioning of community related programmes and projects, and to improve the coordination of community grant programmes.
1.2.6 To oversee the development and implementation of the Somerset Compact, setting the terms for a fair and transparent relationship between public sector agencies and the third sector
1.2.7 To be responsible for the development, overall delivery and performance management of the Stronger Communities section of the Sustainable Communities Strategy and the Stronger Communities theme of the Local Area Agreement (LAA), and to contribute towards the Comprehensive Area Assessment in relation to stronger communities.
1.2.8 The Group will also abide by the Generic Terms of Reference for all SSP Sub-groups
2. Working Arrangements
2.1 The Stronger Communities Group will be informed and supported by various thematic officer groups as identified below. There will be a two-way dialogue between these groups and the Stronger Communities Group to report on progress and consider proposals for future developments in line with priorities:
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Somerset Compact Steering Group
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Somerset Voluntary Sector Commissioning Officer Group
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Somerset Cultural Officers Group
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Somerset Equality Officers Group
2.2 The Stronger Communities Group will link closely with relevant District LSP sub-groups as well as other SSP subgroups (including the Community Cohesion Forum) to ensure appropriate links are made between different geographical areas and across themes within the Sustainable Communities Strategy and the LAA.
2.3 The Stronger Communities Group will also link with other groups, networks and organisations relevant to its sphere of activity, for example:
3.1 The core membership of the Stronger Communities Group will be nominated from the agencies (see below). A coordinated approach to nominations will attempt to achieve a balance of representation and ensure the number of members is controlled to promote effective and efficient partnership working. There should be at least two elected Members on the Group.
3.2 In addition to the core membership, others may be invited to attend meetings on a one-off or for a limited period, in order that they might offer specific expertise or knowledge. This will include those who might offer a ‘user perspective’.
3.3 The Stronger Communities Group will appoint a Chair and a Vice Chair. Both positions will be reviewed on an annual basis. However, in the interests of continuity, it is anticipated that the appointees will serve for at least one full LAA period.
3.4 The membership of the Stronger Communities Group will be in accordance with the generic terms of reference for SSP sub-group.
3.5 Administrative support will be provided to the Chair and the Group by SCC’s Community Development Team.
4. Meetings
4.1 The Stronger Communities Group will meet a minimum of four times per year. The timing of the meetings will be co-ordinated with the quarterly reporting of the LAA and SSP Joint Board meetings.
4.2 The agenda will contain the following standing items:
4.3 Each meeting will focus (in part) on a particular theme or topic. A programme of themes / topics to be discussed will be produced in advance to ensure that the full range of interests are covered.
4.4 Meetings will be held in accordance with the generic terms of reference for SSP sub-groups.
5. Reporting / Accountability
5.1 The Chair (or another member of the group) will represent Stronger Communities Group on the SSP Forum and SSP Joint Board.
5.2 The Stronger Communities Group will report directly to the SSP. Reporting will be through:
5.3 Relevant points will be reported from and to the District LSPs as appropriate.
5.4 The Chair will ensure that all decisions and actions have due regard for the agreed policies of the SSP.
5.5 All members of Stronger Communities Group are responsible for ensuring that the business of the Group is conducted in accordance with the generic terms of reference for SSP sub-groups.
6. Responsibilities of the members of the Stronger Communities Group
6.1 It is the responsibility of all members of the Group to ensure representation at all meetings.
6.2 In the event of nominated members being unable to attend, a suitable, fully briefed substitute with the authority to represent his/her organisation, network or partnership should be found to ensure continuity of the agency’s participation.
6.3 Members shall represent the views of the agency, network or partnership that they represent in accordance with the generic terms of reference for SSP sub-groups. Each Member will have the authority to speak on behalf of their organisation(s) and to report back.
7. Review
7.1 These terms of reference will be reviewed annually or as and when it is felt appropriate with full agreement of the Stronger Communities Group core members, in accordance with the generic terms of reference for SSP sub-groups.
Core Membership
Somerset Stronger Communities Group Proposed Membership
Organisation/network Representative
NHS Somerset
Somerset County Council Head of Service – Partnerships and Community Development
Mendip District Council
Sedgemoor District Council
South Somerset District Council
Taunton Deane Borough Council
West Somerset District Council
Somerset Voluntary Sector Network
Capacity Builders
Parish and Town Council Representative(s)
