Terms of Reference…

The Partnership

Purpose

To provide a coherent united voice for rural Conwy in order to:
- Highlight perceived priorities
- Provide lobbying potential and influencing messages as necessary
- Work to counter the effects of external policy which are detrimental to Conwy
To lead and co-ordinate partnership working and engagement to bring together resources and potential to meet the needs of rural Conwy.
To take a strategic view of rural issues, expressing it through continual refinement of the Conwy Rural Development Strategy and upholding its principles.
To co-ordinate implementation of solutions to normal issues and maximise opportunities within rural areas and communities with the maximum involvement of the communities.
To regularly communicate the progress and development of Conwy Rural Development Strategy to the wider community and in particular annually by an open forum.

Members agree to:

Supply up to date details for the CRP contacts database and abide by these Terms of Reference, and provide details of a formal alternate.
Work together as effectively and efficiently as possible to deliver the agreed aims of the CRP – while respecting the views of all members.
Promote inclusivity – operating and promoting equality of opportunity and involvement of all.
Assist the Partnership’s core to focus on strategic issues that need to be delivered or co-ordinated at a Conwy-wide level.
Promote the Conwy “cause” at Regional, National and European level whenever possible.
Develop the partnerships necessary to deliver the Conwy Rural Development Strategy and the CRP Business Plan.
To abide by the Equalities, Welsh Language and ICT policies of the Lead Body - Conwy County Borough Council.
To identify to the Chair any conflicts of interest and absent themselves from relevant debates accordingly.

The CRP will establish management groups on a partnership basis for specific initiatives as and when necessary.
The membership of such groups will be agreed by the Partnership and be drawn from the environmental, social/community, and economic sectors, keeping a balance between statutory agencies, private sector and voluntary bodies, and where applicable between the natural areas of rural Conwy.
Nominations to management groups may be put forward by sectors.
There is no restriction on the time served on a management group, or as the Chair of it.
If a member stands down a replacement may be co-opted until a new appointment can be made by the Partnership.
Each management group will appoint a chair and vice chair at its first meeting.
As at 31 December 2007 the CRP has the following management groups:
- Menter Nant Conwy
- Rural Conwy Community Network
- Rural Conwy Local Action Group – Leader+
- Rural Development Plan Local Action Group
- Menter Hiraethog

Develop, review and monitor the implementation of the Conwy Rural Development Strategy.
To provide an advisory role in relation to the implementation of the Conwy Community Strategy.
Ensure effective synergy between policies, strategies and initiatives affecting the rural communities of Conwy.
Monitor the activities of the delivery organisations.
Ensuring that those initiatives which are robust, good value for money and well developed are put forward, and selected for appraisal and funded.
In particular, but not necessarily excluding other funding, develop, review and monitor those initiatives delivered via the Rural Development Fund through a Service Level Agreement with the Rural Conwy Local Action Group.
Promote the Conwy Rural Development Strategy and Business Plan.

The Rural Development Plan Local Action Group (RDPLAG) will have a membership of 12.
The RDPLAG will, on behalf of the CRP, manage and monitor delivery of the Conwy Rural Development Plan Business Plan.
The RDPLAG will report to the CRP in regard to progress of the Business Plan including financial/monitoring claims and progress/issues of particular projects.
The RDPLAG will develop and promote the Business Plan.
The RDPLAG and CRP will have a service level agreement with CCBC for the financial management and staffing in respect of the RDP.
The RDPLAG will develop, consider, and award contracts, targets, grants, etc in accordance with the Business Plan.
The RDPLAG will, with the support of the staff and the community, develop ideas, solutions and recommendations for the best use of the RDP resources at the CRP’s disposal and facilitate related work of the CRP.
The RDPLAG will enter into Service Level Agreements with appropriate bodies, where necessary to take forward the RDP Business Plan.
The RDPLAG will ensure compliance with the requirements of EAFRD and the Lead Body in delivering the Business Plan.