Axis 4 LAG Terms of Reference…
1. Purpose of Statement
1.1. To implement activities under Axis 4 of the Conwy Local Development Strategy (LDS) on behalf of the Conwy Rural Partnership (CRP) inform and influence the development of wider activities in this field of work.
1.2. The Conwy Local Action Group (LAG) is a formal sub-group of the Conwy Rural Partnership.
1.3. The key purpose of the Conwy LAG is to ensure that Axis 4 activities achieves its objectives submitted in the Conwy LDS.
2. Activities and Main Tasks
2.1. The Conwy LAG will be responsible for implementing Axis 4 activities on behalf of CRP.
2.2. To assist with the development of the LDS and provide specific input on the Leader approach.
2.3. Steer and advise development and activities under Axis 4.
2.4. Share expertise and information within the identified sector as listed in the LDS.
2.5. Steer business plans for Axis 4 delivery.
2.6. Set a yearly work programmes and targets in the business plans.
2.7. Ensure that the delivery organisations have a clear work programme for effective delivery and agree minor changes to the project i.e. reallocations between budget headings or financial changes less than 10% of the total cost of the project.
2.8. To assist with the preparation of a publicity strategy and the associated implementation arrangements and assist with the delivery of this strategy.
2.9. Report to CRP on the main recommendations.
2.10. To assist the Lead Body with the preparation of annual progress reports on the LDS and quarterly report on the Business Plans
2.11. To ensure compliance with the Welsh Assembly Government monitoring requirements in relation to Axis 4 activity.
2.12. Members of the group will be expected to disseminate information to their own organisations, and to inform other organisations and parties which may benefit form receiving information about the programme.
2.13. Conwy LAG members are expected to support the Conwy RDP team to guide and manage activities.
2.14. Ensure that grant is applied and used properly for Axis 4.
2.15. Monitor progress on the implementation of the Business Plan and report to the CRP on a regular basis.
2.16. To work with the lead body and Welsh Assembly Government to resolve difficulties and agree any remedial action.
2.17. To enhance the quality of life in rural areas, promote diversification of the rural economy and where appropriate support or deliver chosen Axis 4 activities of the Wales Rural Development Plan (2007-2013).
2.18. To implement co-operation projects.
2.19. To develop the communication and networking of local partners and partnerships.
3. Conwy LAG Membership
3.1. The Conwy LAG has a pivotal role to play in the implementation of Axis 4 activities in Conwy and informing wider activities in this field of work.
3.2. The LAG will comprise of public and private partners and be well balanced and representative of the existing local interest groups drawn form different socio-economic sectors in the area.
3.3. The Chair will be selected by nomination and vote by LAG members to serve on a two yearly basis. The decision is to be endorsed by CRP.
3.4. All decisions will be made by a majority. The quorum for a management committee meeting shall be 5, with representatives from non public sector organisations making up a minimum of 50% of the quorum.
3.5. In accordance to the requirement of Article 62(1) of 1698/2005 members of the group will include the economic and social partners as well as other representatives of the civil society, members of the group are as follows:
Chair
National Trust
SNPA
Menter Siabod
CVSC
Betws y Coed Tourism Association
FUW
NFU
Farming Connect
Rural Housing Enabler
Coleg Llandrillo
2x Community Sector
2x Voluntary Sector
4. Secretariat
4.1. The Secretariat support will be provided by the Rural Development Plan Team within the Community Development Rural Team, Conwy County Borough Council, which will assist and advise the LAG in respect of all the functions and procedures set out within.
5. Written Procedures
5.1. At the initiative of the chair or with the agreement of the chair, at the initiative of another member, proposals may be submitted for adoption by written procedure. Members will normally be asked to give their written opinion on any such proposal within 15 working days. The proposal shall be deemed agreed by the members in the absence of any written objections within that period.
5.2. Where written objections from any member are received by the secretariat within 15 working days, the chair will determine whether:
a) the proposal shall be deemed lost
b) discussion should take place with the relevant member concerning their objection; or
c) the proposal should be referred back to the LAG for further consideration.
5.3. A member may withdraw written objections to any proposal at any time and, when every written objection is withdrawn, the proposal shall be deemed agreed by the Partnership.
5.4. Following the 15 working day period, the secretariat shall inform the Partnership:
a) whether any proposal submitted to the LAG for adoption has, in the absence of any written objection, been deemed agreed, or
b) if any member has registered written objections to a proposal and, if so, what the Chair has determined.
6. Meetings of the Conwy LAG
6.1. Meetings will be held as required (usually 6 weekly) but it will be a requirement of the Conwy LAG to meet at least once a quarter.
6.2. The Rural Development Strategy Manager will be responsible for calling meetings.
6.3. Minutes of the Conwy LAG meetings will be published on the CRP website.
6.4. The LAG or any member may call a meeting at any time.
7. Declaration of interest
7.1. Members are expected to declare when there could be a perceived conflict of interest regarding matters arising during discussions. Any such declaration will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. Having declared their interest, members are expected to leave the meeting during discussion. Members must be open regarding any factor which may, in the opinion of an independent person, influence their opinion.
8. Confidentiality
8.1. Conwy LAG members recognise that ideas and projects submitted to them are completely confidential and will not use the information gained to further their own or their organisations interests without the prior permission of the originator.
Read more…
