Breadcrumbs
Corporate Plan End of Year Report for 2001/02 (AP02/17)
FOR INFORMATION
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Relevance to Strategy
and Corporate Plan:
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Staff and financial
implications:
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Main issues to
concern the Board:
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Background
1. This is the final report for 2001/02. It summarises financial performance and the extent to which the organisation achieved agreed corporate outputs as set out in the Corporate Plan 2001/02. A formal annual accounts and report will be prepared for placing before Parliament this autumn and a separate annual report for wider readership will be prepared for early summer.
2. It was a challenging year for the Agency, a new management structure designed around strategic programme delivery was introduced in April 2001, along with a new financial reporting system (CAMIS). In May 2001, a new government department was formed (DEFRA) which became the Agency's new sponsoring department. In addition to these changes, the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth disease dictated the diversion of resources and impacted on some programmes.
Achievements
3. The Agency delivered approximately 90% of its outputs identified in the Corporate Plan and achieved full out-turn of budget. In addition to the planned outputs, the Agency successfully;
- administered the Foot and Mouth Match Funding scheme and distributed £14,936,000.
- administered a rural recovery project within the Wider Welcome and Countryside Capital programmes worth £2,716,000. (this project delivered much needed practical and speedy help on the ground. It also received enormous goodwill and achieved a great deal for raising the Agency's profile.)
- launched a rights of way (ROW) recovery scheme distributing £3,800,000 to speed the reopening of ROW.
- launched special web pages for daily updates on footpath access
- published a major snapshot review of the economic, social and
environmental impacts of foot and mouth disease.
4. Summary reports for each programme, detailing performance against activities (highlighting progress and expressing areas of concern), are attached in the Annex.
5. Programme specific achievements include:
Rural Services; revised three-year Service Level Agreement for Rural Community Councils in place; Community Development Workers programme designed and delivered; the 'Pub is the Hub' good practice guidance launched; administration of the Foot and Mouth Match Funding scheme on behalf of HM Treasury.
Local Governance and Housing; successfully developed a programme of work on Parish Councils; brought together a disparate range of partners to develop, publish and pilot a national training strategy for parish and town clerks; developed an alternative planning policy for affordable housing which was incorporated into the Government's consultation on Planning Obligations.
Transport; Wheels to Work evaluation completed, good practice guide ready to launch; secured a role in the Cabinet Officer Social Exclusion Unit Interdepartmental Steering Group (transport), the Commission for Integrated Transport Best Value for Buses working group and Motorists' Forum Steering Group on car clubs; influencing papers presented at 15 external conferences, 1 national seminar held and 10 external consultations responses submitted.
Planning and Sustainable Development; success in influencing planning Green Paper and launching a much expanded community renewable energy initiative.
Enterprise, Land Management and Tourism; input to the DTI Cross Cutting Review on business support; launched the joint Countryside Agency/English Tourism Council Rural Tourism Strategy; successful delivery of the Government's Your Countryside: You're Welcome campaign; publication of the "Strategy for Sustainable Land Management in England"; submission of evidence to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food; submission of evidence to the Lessons to be Learned Inquiry, following the foot and mouth disease outbreak.
Enjoying the Countryside; advice to the Secretary of State helped achieve the best ever grant settlement to National Park Authorities; renaissance programme for Country Parks initiated; assessed opportunity for the Agency to be a distributor of Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, a role subsequently given to the Agency.
Rural Proofing; publication of the first Rural Proofing Annual Report; produced policy makers' rural proofing checklist; worked closely with 11 Government Departments and 8 regional Government Offices, ensuring that rural proofing was widely adopted and steps taken to implement it; supported the Agency Chairman and Rural Advocate in meeting a range of Ministers, with a programme of visits to rural communities, in attending the Cabinet Subcommittee and on the Rural Affairs Forum (where we established a Learning Network).
Research, Data and Information; launch of 2001 State of the Countryside Report (SOCR); launch of special SOCR recording the impact of foot and mouth disease; publication of National Rural Services Survey Report; interim revision of rural definitions leading DEFRA, DTLR and Online National Statistics in major revision from next year.
Countryside Capital; Foot & Mouth raised the profile of both LMI's and Eat the View, and both initiatives received positive comments in the Curry report.
Market Towns; Healthcheck successfully launched and accepted as 'standard' in 7 out of 8 regions; 75 Healthchecks underway; 14 Healthchecks completed and 14 Action Plan Managers in post; National Market Towns Forum established.
Vital Villages; high level of interest with over 26,000 application packs distributed and 50,000 flyers; Vital Villages database established and loaded with 2000 grants; Equipping Rural Communities Learning Network established in January 2002.
Wider Welcome; access maps produced for two regions, covering 20% of England; process to support the rediscovery of lost rights of way designed; work on the establishment of a National Trails Trust.
Countryside On Your Doorstep; Community Forests succession strategy agreed; Doorstep Greens team in place and programme under way; WHI well established, making big impact, and opening up other health-related opportunities for the Agency; creation of 245 Millennium Greens successfully completed; 7 REACT projects agreed and being developed; Rural Recovery successfully delivered.
Finest Countryside; the Designation Order for the New Forest National Park and Advice on Special Arrangements submitted to the Secretary of State; a draft boundary and administrative options for a South Downs National Park agreed and a public consultation launched which 7,175 people attended the 23 roadshows that took place, 6,500 written responses were received; a new funding package for AONBs was launched; 41% of AONBs had completed and a further 53% were undertaking a governance review at the end of the year; Chilterns and Cotswolds AONB have taken first steps to Conservation Board status.
Local Heritage Initiative; 202 LHI grants awarded with a total value of £2,277,000; the interim LHI web site has been improved and expanded and now includes a variety of media.
Communications; Agency branded contribution to the national rural tourism initiative, Your Countryside; Your Welcome; influenced Nationwide Foundation to fund rural regeneration; Foot and Mouth pages on Agency web site increased hits one-hundred fold over critical period (from 200 to 20,000 per day); substantial increase in national, regional, trade and broadcast coverage on previous years.
Knowledge Management and ICT; KM and ICT strategies developed and approved, making CA recognised leading public sector body in KM field; 3 pilot Learning Networks established, winning plaudits and raising profile of Agency; major IT programme implemented, including upgraded desktop services, laptop services, remote access to Internet and network upgrade.
Finance; delivered new CAMIS financial and reporting system, including training key users and introduced new style of management reports; laid foundations for delivery of new Financial Management Handbook during 2002/03; established central purchasing contracts delivering cost savings to the Agency; introduced Gateway procedures and training; practical completion of major JDH refurbishment along with successful estates management across other Agency locations.
Human Resources; successful recruitment of staff to achieve over 95% full staff complement for the Agency; delivered an agreed 3 year pay award which provides scope for a fundamental review of the Agency's pay structure in 2002/03.
Areas of Concern
6. Programme specific areas of concern include:
Rural Services; delay in roll out of Community Development Worker guidance notes and appraisal guidance due to work on FMD. Slow receipt of applications and poor quality applications led to further delays.
Transport; the separation of DEFRA and DTLR has made it more difficult to gain influence the transport teams in DTLR.
Planning and Sustainable Development; some shortfall in staff resources for planning and sustainable development work, due to FMD priorities.
Enterprise, Land Management and Tourism; staff constraints within the CA and ETC are limiting the pace of progress on delivering the Rural Tourism Strategy; the development of 'more sustainable agriculture' part of the programme is under pressure and will remain so with the follow up activity to the publication of the report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food and DEFRA activity on the mid-term evaluation of the ERDP.
Market Towns; it is possible that some RDAs will adopt the healthcheck without the Agency's involvement. There is also a possibility that, with the advent of the single pot, some RDAs will reduce their involvement in Market Towns in favour of other projects.
Vital Villages; the uptake of grants by the local councils is of concern for both Parish Plans and Parish Transport grants. Market research may shed some light on this and an action plan will be drawn up in the first quarter of 2002/03.
Wider Welcome; delays within DEFRA are continuing to have a knock on effect on some areas. This has been compounded by the need to change some of the planning assumptions on DEFRA advice. There has been some rescheduling of the regional roll out of the mapping to allow time to analyse the larger than expected number of comments on the draft maps for regions 1 and 2 and to address other issues with the contractor. A revised schedule for regional commencement has been discussed with DEFRA. The Agency is, however, still on schedule to meet the PSA target date of 2005.
Financial Summary
- 7. At the year end position of 31 March 2002, the Agency outturned total expenditure of £71,543,000 (£45,232,000 programme spend and £26,311,000 running costs spend) against a cash budget of £72,531,000 (£45,531,000 programme budget and £27,000,000 running costs budget). This represents 98.6% achievement of budget which is well within our 2% year end carry forward rules.
- 8. At the third quarter the Agency forecasted that the Agency would outturn the budget in full and any over commitment, due to the success of the Rural Recovery project, would be managed at the year end by invoice control. This was carried out and resulted in £4,350,000 of invoices being held over, to be paid from 2002/03 cash budgets. This included the final salary invoice of approximately £1,400,000. The Executive made the decision (January 2002) that it would review 2002/03 cash budget allocations at the first quarter review for 2002/03 and realign budgets where necessary.
Annex 1
Quarter Report Summary Sheets for January to March 2002
The summary reports are attached in the following order:
Rural Assurance:
Rural Services
Local Governance and Housing
Transport
Enterprise, Land Management and Tourism
Planning and Sustainable Development
Enjoying the Countryside
Rural Proofing
East of England
East Midlands
North East
North West
South East and London
South West
West Midlands
Yorks and Humber
Countryside Capital
Market Towns
Vital Villages
Wider Welcome
Countryside on your Doorstep
Finest Countryside
Local Heritage Initiative
Equipping the Agency
Communications and PR
Knowledge Management
Finance
Human Resources
Internal Audit
RURAL SERVICES
Helen Thomson
Headline news for 2001/2002
- Revised three-year Service Level Agreement for Rural Community Councils in place, including a new funding formula for RCCs and a revised Rural Trends report.
- Community Development Workers programme designed and delivered.
- Objectives and remit of the second phase of the Social Exclusion Programme agreed.
- Secured the delivery of Surestart programmes with a specific rural remit.
- The Pub is the Hub good practice guidance launched.
- National Conference on Joint Provision of services held.
- Administration of the FMD Match Funding scheme on behalf of HM Treasury.
- Revised three-year RCC Service Level Agreement distributed to RCCs.
- Revised funding decisions for RCCs announced.
- Bids for Community Development Workers agreed..
- Progress againist outputs.
Summary of Progress: Cumbria early excellence centre national evaluation received. Interim evaluation report received on the social and economic benefits of the Post Office Your Guide pilot. Contract to evaluate rural SureStart now let.
Areas of concern: None.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 102): Undertake a series of community service fund demonstrations and research initiatives to show how communities can benefit from new approaches to service provision
Summary of Progress: Waters Upton Co-Location Project now back on track.
Areas of concern : None.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 103) : Put in place measures to identify and tackle rural social exclusion.
Summary of progress: Contributed to the Social Enterprise Unit strategy; agreed an action plan for rural social enterprise; submitted a spending review bid to DEFRA supporting community and social enterprise in rural areas; briefed and accompanied the Chairman on a visit to see the rural JobCentres; contributed to Ministerial discussions on targeting Community Fund resources in rural areas.
Areas of concern Underspend on rural social exclusion programme.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 104) : Support for Rural Communities through the provision of core funding.
Summary of progress
Areas of concern None.
Objective 5 (Activity Code 105) : Administer a Community Development Programme.
Summary of progress: 24 applications for Community Development Workers approved; tenders invited for a community development worker national post.
Areas of concern slow uptake of CDW posts.
Objective 6 (No Activity Code) : Provide Support to achieve Objectives 1 to 5
Summary of progress: Further meeting of RSSG held in this quarter. ERCLN discussion thread focused on government funding of community groups.
Areas of concern Vacancy in team caught in moratorium on recruitment but action in place to recruit in May.
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD:
Total of £14,936,00 per full year payments made under the FMD Match Funding scheme; reporting on grant take up and audit work on the use of FMD resources by grant recipients.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Helen Thomson
Contact details: Rural Services, Dacre House Tel 020 7340 2918
LOCAL GOVERNANCE & HOUSING
Jo Lavis
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Over the year we successfully developed a programme of work on Parish Councils. Over the year we brought together a disparate range of partners to develop, publish and pilot a national training strategy for parish and town clerks.
- We successfully developed an alternative planning policy for affordable housing which has been well received by those involved in trying to improve the supply of affordable housing in rural areas. In all but name it was incorporated into the Government's consultation on Planning Obligations.
- Within a space of six weeks we organised on behalf of the Audit Commission, in conjunction with SLCC and NALC, a training event for Parish Councils on the new 'lighter touch' audit arrangements.
- We ran a successful seminar on the financing of local government which has informed our response to DTLR on its Local Government White Paper proposals.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 111/112) : To carry out our policy assurance role to assist in the development of local and regional governance in ways which reflect the needs of rural areas and enable communities to influence their own futures
Summary of Progress: We are developing a well informed response to government proposals for LG finance and the roll out of local PSAs. DTLR interested but looking to us to take the lead.
Areas of concern : The DTLR seem to have done little work on more rurally sensitive approaches to LG finance and more generally their approaches to LG policy assume a unitary authority structure. In consequence there is a need for more fundamental rural proofing if we are to meet our objective.
Regions continue to express concern over the nature and extent of their involvement in LSPs.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 113): To develop more effective parish councils through helping them achieve quality parish status in particular through training and exchange of good practice
Summary of Progress: Pilots are running and feeding back, production of training materials and video on target.
Areas of concern : The deadline for spending funds has been delayed but the funds underspent this year will be required as the roll out of the new training starts from September.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 114): To increase the supply of affordable housing, including making effective use of existing housing stock and ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable people in rural housing need are met.
Summary of Progress
Areas of concern : The amount of staff time needed to work-up and support RHE posts is causing concern.
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD:
None.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Jo Lavis
Contact details: Dacre House, 0207 340 2947
TRANSPORT
Canda Smith
Headline News for 2001/2
Rural White Paper
- All Rural White Paper commitments on track.
- Wheels to Work evaluation completed, good practice guide ready to launch.
- Local Transport Plan research completed, good practice guide underway.
- Community Rail Partnerships supported through their umbrella association.
- Rural car club demonstrations under way.
- Parish Transport Grant slow to get under way, but developing.
Influencing
- Countryside Agency secured a role in ;
- - Cabinet Officer Social Exclusion Unit Interdepartmental Steering Group (transport),
- - Commission for Integrated Transport Best Value for Buses working group,
- - Motorists' Forum steering group on car clubs.
- Papers presented at 15 external conferences.
- 1 national seminar held.
- 10 external consultations responses submitted.
- Research carried out to support roads programme work, resulting in;
- - advice to DTLR on Hastings decision,
- - internal guidance on involvement in other multi-modal studies.
Good practice
- Two good practice guides supported and disseminated with;
- - over 6,000 copies of Great Ways to Go ordered from the Agency (free)
- - over 1,000 copies of Let's Get Going ordered from the Community Transport Association (priced).
Rural Transport Partnership
- Improvements to Rural Transport Partnership;
- - new guidance revised and issued,
- - internal systems and structures developed,
- - external training needs analysis carried out and training events held.
- DTLR/DEFRA mid-year reporting against 10 year plan targets completed.
Objective 1 (Activity Codes 121 & 122): Improved access to transport for those without a car and realistic alternatives available for those who have, whilst meeting sustainable development criteria
Summary of Progress: Overall policy paper progressed to draft stage despite high staff vacancy rate. Timetable for final version altered to respond to external influences (eg outcome of DTLR projects etc). However, made strides in influencing as evidenced by new Agency involvement in external steering groups, invitations to speak at conferences/seminars, etc. Internal organisation for policy work developed, with guidance issued on multimodal studies and other areas (RTS and LTP) under development.
Areas of Concern: Increasing amount of time being absorbed by DEFRA briefings, and the separation of DEFRA and DTLR has made it more difficult to gain influence with DTLR.
Summary of Progress: New systems, staff and structures made this a challenging target. Improvements in place with new guidance, liaison arrangements, PR material etc.
Areas of Concern: Continuing need to clarify internal roles and responsibilities. Slow development of learning network because of pressures on BISG.
Summary of Progress: Guidance issued, all activity handed over to Vital Villages apart from annual reporting aspect.
Areas of concern: Extent to which slow take up is due to community capacity, and how cost effective it will be to overcome this barrier.
Summary of Progress: All projects on target (including Rural White Paper commitments), except for one lower priority project delayed by staff vacancy
Areas of Concern: No major concerns
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD: None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Canda SmithContact details: Dacre House, 020 7340 2946
PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Terry Robinson
Headline News for 2001/2002 and for Quarter 4
- Success in influencing planning green paper and launching a much expanded community renewable energy initiative
Objective 1 (Activity Code 141): Planning policies and decisions which contribute to achieving a long term vision for rural areas.
Summary of Progress: We have remarshalled our plan and programme in the light of government announcements on planning and related matters, sewn up relevant work for this FY and agreed a new plan for 2002/3 and beyond, recast in the light of government activity.
Areas of concern: Continuing shortfall in staff resources for planning and sustainable development RAT work and the need to manage better the provision of advice to Countryside Agency staff on planning.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 142): Demonstrate and promote the creative use of planning tools.
Summary of Progress: The four research studies have helped us position ourselves to address the planning aspects of the forthcoming "Linking Town and Country Review" and to try and achieve a sensible set of proposals on the reform of planning obligations.
Areas of concern: . The "Linking Town and Country" review must take full account of the role of planning in achieving our aspirations for the countryside around towns: our research suggests the role of planning has been underplayed in the past.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 143): Show how to deliver community led Renewable Energy Provision
Summary of Progress: Initiative launched
Areas of concern: . Need to deal with an extensive array of administrative tasks we now need to attend to to secure financial approval and gateway processes for this initiative, which because of DTI money has now become subject to these processes.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 144): Complete the development of Quality of Life Capital as a decision making tool.
Summary of Progress: On track but not a lot of activity.
Areas of concern: Need to do more on this in next FY to re-establish momentum.
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Terry Robinson
Contact details: John Dower House, 01242 533 431
ENTERPRISE, LAND MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM
Richard Lloyd
Headline News for 2001/2002
- the development of effective working relations with the Small Business Service, where a rural issues team has been established.
- inputs to the DTI Cross Cutting Review on business support.
- inputs leading to a more effective Farm Business Advisory Service.
- the launch of the joint Countryside Agency/English Tourism Council Rural Tourism Strategy.
- successful delivery of the Government's Your Countryside: You're Welcome campaign.
- the running of a fully subscribed programme of outsourced craft training.
- the publication of the "Strategy for Sustainable Land Management in England".
- submission of evidence to the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food.
- submission of evidence to the Lessons to be Learned Inquiry, following the foot and mouth disease outbreak.
- running a successful workshop in Brussels on modulation.
- initiating the training programme for the Agency's partners with programmes for market towns and access, and completion of a training needs analysis for other implementing programmes.
Headline News for Quarter 4
- completion of preparatory work for the CA Strategy on rural economies.
- excellent progress with the Your Countryside: You're Welcome campaign.
- completion of preparatory work for the Exmoor IQM project.
- staff training to enable the CA to act as consultee for the new EIA regulations over improvement to uncultivated land.
- analysis of the report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food to identify where the CA should be inputting to further work .
- progressing the major European project Europe's Rural Futures.
- submission of evidence to the Lessons to be Learned Inquiry.
- completion of the contract to develop a set of high level environmental standards for farm assurance schemes.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 131): Rural economies effectively monitored and understood.
Summary of Progress
Areas of concern : None.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 131): To enhance the competitiveness of rural businesses.
Summary of Progress: A large area of work, mainly on course. Highlights include: completion of preparatory work for the CA Strategy on rural economies, new work to promote use of IT in the local food chain, completion of the regional study in the East Midlands on social enterprise and receipt of final reports for the contracts investigating aspects of IRD. Also included under this theme is the work in support of the Your Countryside: You're Welcome campaign. This is going well with a major launch in Leicester Square in March. Aspects of planned work on the Structural Funds have been moved to the Funding and Relationship Development group.
Areas of concern : Work on Your Countryside: You're Welcome will now continue to the end of the calendar year with implications for the 2002/03 business plan.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 134): To sustainably increase the contribution of tourism to local economies, communities and the environment.
Summary of Progress: Solid progress being made but rather slower than hoped for. Promotion of the Rural Tourism Strategy has continued both nationally and regionally and a successful workshop was held in January on the Strategy aimed at RTBs and RDAs. Other highlights are: completion of preparatory work for the Exmoor IQM pilot, the letting of the contract for the work on increasing the local retention rate of visitor spend, and initial work with ETC towards a national sustainability scheme for tourism businesses.
Areas of concernYour Countryside: you're welcome campaign will have to be accorded first priority. Discussions with ETC will take place in April about their contribution to the Strategy.
Objective 4 (Activity Codes 132 & 135): - Support and training that meets the needs of rural business and enterprise.
Summary of Progress: On course. A meeting has been held with the new Retail Sector Skills Council. The development of a new national rural crafts apprenticeship scheme has been proposed in an initiative with Lantra to take over and expand our programme of craft training. The External Training programme is running well with strategies and programmes in place for Market Towns, Vital Villages, Finest Countryside and Transport.
Areas of concern
Objective 5 (Activity Code 133): - A more sustainable agriculture and effective implementation of the England Forestry Strategy.
Summary of Progress: A large area of work, mainly on course. Highlights include: the final stages of work on integrated advice to land managers which is feeding into a DEFRA review, completion of work on high level environmental standards for farm assurance schemes, staff training to enable the CA to deliver its responsibilities as consultee in the new EIA procedures for improvement to uncultivated land, analysis of the report of Policy Commission on Farming and Food to identify where the CA should input to follow up activity, various activities associated with implementing the England Rural Development Programme including gearing up for the mid-term evaluation, and developing proposals with the Forestry Commission to promote woodfuel. Inputs have been made to a number of DEFRA consultations including agri-environment access, the use of the Sheep National Envelope in England, organic farming standards and the future of UKROFS, and hedgerow regulations. Work has begun in preparation for the major review of agri-environment schemes, including a staff seminar. This work area includes our joint work with the other UK countryside agencies under the LUPG banner. We are leading on the Europe's Rural Future's project where a seminar in Brussels in April will discuss the emerging findings.
Areas of concern
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD.
Considerable additional work has been undertaken as a result of FMD. The main activities in this quarter have been our contribution to the Your Countryside: You're Welcome campaign (covered above) and completion and submission of evidence to the Lessons to be Learnt Inquiry.
Completed by:
Name: Richard Lloyd
Contact details: John Dower House, 01242 533 239
ENJOYING THE COUNTRYSIDE
Jeremy Worth
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Advice to the Secretary of State helped achieve the best ever grant settlement to National Park Authorities.
- Renaissance programme for Country Parks initiated.
- Assessed opportunity for the Agency to be a distributor of Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, a role then given to the Agency by the Government.
- Major effort put into influencing Public Space Cross Cutting Review and Urban Greenspace Task Force.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 155): - To promote a strategic approach to providing green space in urban areas and better care for parks, play areas and public spaces.
Summary of Progress: Lots of influencing work in relation to the Public Space Cross Cutting Review and Urban Greenspace Task Force. 2002/03 to be the year in which we develop new policy advice for Government on the strategic management of the countryside around towns and green space linking town and country.
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 155): - To revitalise Country Parks and bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their renaissance
Summary of Progress: Research programme underway - draft history of country parks and case studies on 10 country parks completed. Agency grant aiding three country parks to develop national and development plans.
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 156): - To provide improved access and green space to all who want to use it
Summary of Progress: Six pilot projects to improve access for disabled people are running well and expect to report at the end of 2002.
Work on the rights of way good practice guide has resumed following delays due to staff changes.
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 4 (Activity Codes 151 & 152): - Promote good practice and best value in strategic countryside management by drawing on examples from the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - to include the production of a good practice guide and the establishment of a learning network.
Summary of Progress: This work has been put on a slower tranche as the result of a Board decision in the autumn of 2001. We are supporting Somerset County Council and the Levels and Moors Partnership (LAMP) to establish a 'Cultural Landscape Trust' for the Somerset Levels. This work was agreed before the Board decision and is designed to move forward with minimal Agency staff input. But it will help to provide a route for returning to this area of work with more resources in the future.
Areas of Concern: The lack of resources continues
Objective 5 (Activity Codes 151 & 152): - Improve the management of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Summary of Progress: Advice to the SoS on NP grant allocation achieved the best ever settlement for NPAs; A NP Members Guide published and a Members development programme established and supported; The management of the SoS appointments to NPAs was successfully completed and new guidelines for managing the process developed; An Awareness Programme on the social, economic & environmental benefits of AONBs & NPs started to deliver results and both ANPA & the AAONB received support for improving their public profiles, including new Web sites; Submission to the NP Policy Review and influence of the outcome; Relationships between the Agency and protected landscape partners strengthened and increasingly positive.
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 6 (Activity Code 153): - Provide an expert advisory service to achieve the better management of and access to land of outstanding scenic and cultural interest subject to Inheritance Tax exemption
Summary of Progress: All Quinquennial Inspections (27) have been completed and validated to target, together with the validation of c220 annual reports. Development of joint-agency Heritage Management Plan Guidance has continued, but completion has been delayed by remaining differences in approach between the Agency and English Heritage. These are to be resolved during the lst quarter 2002/2003 FY.
Areas of Concern Reduced staffing within the NHU during the financial year has delayed follow-up work on inspections which may become an issue during 2002/03 FY.
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Objective 7 (Activity Code 154): - Preparatory and scoping research to provide a basis for the Lifescapes Programme
Summary of Progress: No further work carried out as a result of a board decision in Autumn 2001. .
Areas of Concern: None.
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD: None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Jeremy Worth
Contact details: John Dower House, 01242 533 383
RURAL PROOFING STUDIES
Brian Wilson
Headline News for 2001/2002
- the Agency produced a well received policy makers' rural proofing checklist;
- we worked closely with 11 Government Departments and 8 regional Government Offices, ensuring that rural proofing was widely adopted and steps taken to implement it;
- we created a monitoring system for rural proofing and produced a first annual report to Government, assessing its progress;
- supported the Agency Chairman and Rural Advocate in meeting a range of Ministers, with a programme of visits to rural communities, in attending the Cabinet Subcommittee and on the Rural Affairs Forum (where we established a Learning Network).
- the Agency's first rural proofing annual report was produced and taken through the Cabinet Subcommittee on Rural Renewal;
- a Learning Network went live in time for the first meeting (in January) of the Rural Affairs Forum for England;
- the Agency Chairman and Rural Advocate visited rural teachers in Shropshire, farmers in North Yorkshire and a rural community in Suffolk.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 161) : To ensure that the rural dimension is considered so that government and others act in ways that reflect the particular needs of rural business and communities, and deliver a better quality countryside environment-
Summary of Progress: the Agency produced its first rural proofing annual report within a tight timescale. In doing so, it identified many examples of good rural proofing practice and developed a clear sense of progress and what more needs to be done. There are more signs of progress with implementing rural proofing in regional Government Offices. A Learning Network was established for the January launch of the Rural Affairs Forum for England. Most regional Forums have now been established, with the Agency as key members. Three rural proofing studies are now underway.
Areas of concern: i) good progress was made with funded projects in the 4th quarter, but slippage earlier in the year (due to staff vacancies) means they remain behind schedule. There are no critical implications from this. ii) we need to clarify the Agency role in relation to the Rural Affairs Forum for England and ensure the Learning Network is fully used.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 162) : - Support the work of the Rural Advocate with Government Departments, the Cabinet Committee on Rural Affairs and the National Rural Sounding Board
Summary of Progress: despite postponements, the Agency Chairman and Rural Advocate met 7 Ministers specifically about rural proofing issues in 2001/02 and secured dates for 4 further meetings. He made 3 more visits in the 4th quarter, meeting rural teachers in Shropshire, farmers in North Yorkshire and a community in Suffolk. The Agency's rural proofing report was presented to the Cabinet Subcommittee.
Areas of concern: none
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD
None this quarter.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Brian Wilson
Contact details: Dacre House, 020 7340 2919
EAST OF ENGLAND REGION
Michael Carroll
Headline News for 2001/2002
- State of the Countryside report disseminmated through 6 local radio interviews and regional press coverage.
- Board visit to the East of England which took in the Wet Fens Project, a community visit in Thetford and a visit to the Eco Tech wind turbine in Swaffham.
- 5 training events organised with the objective of sharing regional roles and responsibilities. These were funded by HR as a regional pilot scheme and run by Countryside Training Services.
- Market Towns - 'a new focus' conference held in July 2001, part funded by the Regional Partnership Fund. Speakers included Michael Meacher MP and the Right Reverend Graham James.
- Established an effective RRAF (Regional Rural Affairs Forum)
- Conference at Duxford on 'ICT and rural areas' organised by the East of England Forum of which the agency is a member. Presentations from Margaret Clark, Michael Carroll and Emmy Smart.
- The Dyke's End Public House in Reach received excellent local coverage through the 'Pub is the Hub' campaign on local radio, newspapers and our own Countryside Focus publication.
- Richard Wakeford visit to the Regional Office - opportunity to share successess, build relationships and identifying areas for improvement.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 186): Regional Partnership Fund to be used as a mechanism to support out influencing activity.
Activity 1: Deliver Regional Partnership Development Fund.
Summary of Progress:. 12 completed projects have been funded through the regional partnership development fund in this financial year. These projects vary from holding seminars and conferences to relaunching regional farmers markets to aiding rural tourism in Essex post the Foot and Mouth outbreak. In addition we have contributed towards a feasibility study of wood fuel installations & markets and carried out a Quality of Life pilot study of Epping Forest.
Areas of concern: None
Activity 2 : Activity Code 901 External Communication & PR.
Summary of Progress: Good local coverage of a number of activities and press releases during the period - notably the 'Your Countryside Your Welcome' launch at Thetford Forest through local radio interviews, the unveiling of an extension to the 'Sea Palling' Post Office by the local Member of Parliament and Ewen Cameron's Rural Advocate visit to Cambridgeshire. Ewen witnessed a Deals on Wheels scheme in March, where mopeds were provided to facilitate their access to work.
Areas of concern:. Loss of momentum due to the retirement of our RPA at the end of the financial year.
Activity 3 : Activity Codes 907/908 - Accommodation/Human Resources.
Summary of Progress: Full IT connection installed at our temporary accommodation. All IBM desktop computers upgraded. Alternative VC facilities sourced due to lack of suitable space/forthcoming proposed office move. Initiation of a working group to review current regional working practices with links to flexible working. New accommodation sites being viewed due to loss of Kett House, business case to be submitted for accommodation at City House in Cambridge.
Areas of concern: Loss of preferred new accommodation site (Kett House) to private organisation. Contingency plans required as the lease at our current temporary site lapses at the end of July, this site currently houses 11 members of staff. Upheaval at Ortona House due to current marketing of property for sale purposes.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: David Overton
Contact Details: Ortona House, 01223 354462
EAST MIDLANDS REGION
Peter Stovey
Headline News for 2001/2002:
- Strong EMRO input to new Rural Affairs Forum
- Joint research with EMDA "Beyond Foot and Mouth"
- Ongoing promotion of new CA strategy to key regional partners
Headline News for Quarter 4:
- EMRO speech leads rural debate by Regional Assembly
- Sir Martin Doughty to chair East Midlands Rural Affairs Forum
Objective 1: Regional partnership fund to be used as a mechanism to support our influencing activity.
Activity 1: (Activity Code 184) Influence both individual key partners and the broader regional agenda through chairmanship of East Midlands Rural Action Group and Funding of the East Midlands Regional Action Group development Officer.
Summary of Progress:
- Successful evolution of EMRAG into New Rural Affairs Forum - first meeting of which is Friday 15th March, 2002.
- The development officer has co-ordinated and steered on behalf of GOEM, the framework within which the forum will operate. Our funding for this post has insured a strong input from EMRO
Activity 2: (Activity Code 184) Crosscutting regional research affecting implementation and / or assurance theme work. Establish of Learning Network type initiatives to encourage the progress of the Rural White Paper's objectives.
Summary of Progress:
Reports underway:
- Beyond Foot and Mouth
- Environment Economy Study
Activity 3: (Activity Code 184) Influence Local Authorities to include the CA strategy in Local plans. Provide a forum for questions which relate to all CA themes.
Summary of Progress:
- EMRO hosted seminar to promote CA Strategy to E.M. Local Authorities and encourage joint action.
- Established framework for future liaisons
Completed by (in the case of queries)
Name: Susan Rogers or Peter Stovey
Contact details: 01949 876 200
NORTH EAST REGION
Keith Buchanan
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Co-operation between CA, GONE, Regional Development Agency and Regional Assembly in producing regional Rural Action Plan.
- Fully functioning Regional Rural Affairs Forum.
- Regional Sustainability framework produced
Objective 1 (Activity Code 181) :
Activity 1 (Activity Code 181) : Regional Contact Group
Summary of progress: North East Rural Affairs Forum well established and charged with the scrutiny of the Rural Action Plan delivery.
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 2 (Activity Code 181) : Regional Assembly
Summary of progress : Well connected at Officer level. Chair of Rural Affairs Forum holds the rural seat.
Areas of Concern : Don't yet have formal observer status
Activity 3 (Activity Code 181) : Sustainability Round Table
Summary of progress : Regional framework document produced January 2002
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 4 (Activity Code 181) : Objective 2 Structural Fund; Leader+
Summary of progress: Complete and 2 Leader + projects selected
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 5 (Activity Code 181) : Valuing the Environmental
Summary of progress : Useful report well received
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 6 (Activity Code 181) : Durham Heritage Coast
Summary of progressHeritage Coast defined. First draft of management plan
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 7 (Activity Code 181) : Regional Partnership Fund
Summary of progress : Full out turn
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 8 (Activity Code 181) : Government Office and One North East
Summary of progress : Established good links with new Rural Director in GONE. Good officer links with ONE.
Areas of Concern : New senior staff in both GONE and ONE need to be 'groomed' re rural issues.
Activity 9 (Activity Code 181) : FMD recovery
Summary of progress : Text for Rural Action Plan agreed.
Areas of Concern : None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Martin Shaw
Contact Details: Cross House, 0191 269 1600
QUARTERLY REPORT SUMMARY - Q4 JANUARY TO MARCH 2001
NORTH WEST REGION
Colin Maddison
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Countryside Agency, GONW and North West Development Agency worked together through Regional FMD Task Force to Develop Regional Rural Recovery Plan
Headline News for Quarter 4
- Regional Strategy Board established to oversee implementation of Rural Recovery Plan - CA membership
- Regional Rural Forum established March 2002 - CA member of steering group
- Action for Sustainability Management Group established - CA membership
Objective 1 (Activity Code 182): Regional Partnership fund to be used as a mechanism to support the region's influencing strategy.
- Active Manchester - Promoting Greater Manchester's countryside as a tourist destination - Completed
- Distibctly Cumbria - Support for Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency to develop local produce marketing initiative - Completed
- Rural Proofing LSPs - Audit of LSPs to identify priorities for CA influence - Completed
- Cumbria Landscape Regeneration - Development of action plan for landscape regeneration to feed into Cumbria RAZ post FMD - Completed
- Lancaster University - WOW Public Consultation Research on Internet - Slipped to 2002/03
- Lake District World Heritage Site - study of cultural significance of Lake District landscape against WHS criteria - underway, completion now due in 2002/03.
Completed by:
Name: Colin Maddison.
Contact details: Bridgewater House, 0161 237 1061
SOUTH EAST & LONDON REGION
Duncan Mackay
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Allocation of 50k for RPDF fully spent by end of financial year.
- Green Space conference was a successful event held for over 150 attendees.
- SE Walks Partnership continued to promote the SE as a walking destination and encouraging people back to the c/side.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 187) : Regional Partnership to be used as a mechanism to support the region's influencing strategy.
Activity 1 (Activity Code 187) : Green Space conference
Summary of Progress: Successful conference held and conference proceedings circulated.
Areas of concern : None
Activity 2 (Activity Code 187) : SE Walks Partnership
Summary of Progress: Utilised additional partnership fund money to complete outputs.
Areas of concern : This initiative is not yet full economically sustainable and will require further grant aid for up to 2 yrs.
Activity 3 (Activity Code 187) : SE Environmental Economy Project
Summary of Progress: Project report to be completed in May 2002. The report investigates the importance of the environment in the economy of SE England and businesses and quality of life of people living and working in the region.
Areas of concern : None
Activity 4 (Activity Code 187) : SE Good Practice Guide
Summary of Progress: The structure of the guide has been agreed, editing started and on target.
Areas of concern : There may possibly be two or three weeks slippage.
Activity 5 (Activity Code 187) : SE Photographic library
Summary of Progress: Two photographers have been appointed to take seasonal photographs over a full calendar year. There will be an update meeting to assess progress during April 2002.
Areas of concern : None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Duncan Mackay
Contact Details: Dacre House, 020 7340 2900
SOUTH WEST REGION
Jeremy Worth
Headline News for 2001/2002
- The Regional Partnership Fund in the South West enabled the Agency to give regional advice on environmental issues - via Sustainability South West, and via appointments to the Objective 1 and 2 teams in Cornwall and Devon. It also enabled us to advise on rural transport issues to the South West Multi Modal study. The Fund enabled us to prepare some scenarios for the future of farming post Foot and Mouth in the region, and to support the South West Local Food Partnership promotion of local products.
- Key reports on the future of farming post Foot and Mouth and on public transport in relation to the SW Multi Modal Study received and circulated, promotional campaign
Objective 1 (Activity Code 188) : Regional Partnership Fund to be used as a mechanism to support out influencing activity.
Activity 1 (Activity Code 188): Influencing the development of projects eligible for Objective 1 and 2 funding.
Summary of Progress : Projects being evaluated
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 2 (Activity Code 188): Support for the regional Sustainable Development Roundtable.
Summary of Progress :. Sustainability South West carrying out a useful advisory role
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 3 (Activity Code 188): Support our involvement in the South West Multimodal Study.
Summary of Progress : Report received and fed into SWARMMs Multi Modal Study
Areas of Concern : SWARMMs is proving difficult to influence
Activity 4 (Activity Code 188): Scenario building Study for the future of farming in the South West post F&M.
Summary of Progress : Report from consultants received. A useful local complement to the Curry report. Will be published in 2002/03
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 5 (Activity Code 188) Rural Recovery: SW Local Food Partnerships promotional campaign
Summary of Progress: Results are already showing from this vital stepping stone to rural recovery, and the partnership is continuing with further publicity and recruitment
Areas of Concern: None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Jeremy Worth (for Louise Thornhill)
Contact details: 01242 533 383
WEST MIDLANDS REGION
Mike Grace
Headline News for 2001/2002
- The establishment of the Rural Accord, as identified in the Regional Concordat, set the way for the rurally-focussed regional organisations to develop a common understanding of the rural issues for the region and work co-operatively to identify joint priorities and integrate programmes. The successful development of the RRAF building on the model developed by the WMRN has given strong endorsement for the role of the Countryside Agency in the region and influence in shaping the future direction of the RRAF alongside GOWM.
- The establishment of the RRAF (see above)
Objective 1 (Activity Code 185) : Regional Partnership Fund to be used as a mechanism to support our influencing activity
Activity 1 (Activity Code 185) : West Midlands Rural Network/Rural Sounding Board
Summary of progress: Regional Rural Affairs Forum established and first meeting held.
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 2 (Activity Code 185) : Sustainable Development Round Table
Summary of progress: WMSDRT Director now appointed; Business Plan being taken forward.
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 3 (Activity Code 185) : Rural Accord
Summary of progress: Rural Framework for co-ordinating regional activity being developed. Appointment of Rural Accord Co-ordinator planned for May/June. Co-funded by CA AWM and GOWM
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 4 (Activity Code 185) : West Midlands Rural Housing Forum
Summary of progress: To be undertaken next FY
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 5 (Activity Code 185) : Regional Observatory
Summary of progress: Went 'live' on 1st April, data still under development
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 6 (Activity Code 185) : Worcestershire Distinctiveness Project
Summary of progress: Completed
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 7 (Activity Code 185) : Farmers Market Recovery Plan
Summary of progress: Completed
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 8 (Activity Code 185) : WM Rural Task Force
Summary of progress: Phase one research contract completed and paid for
Areas of Concern : Further research needed to maximise value and usefulness to Rural Accord framework.
Activity 9 (Activity Code 185) : Young Farmers Club Newsletter
Summary of progress: 2 out of 4 issues produced. Will complete by June 2002.
Areas of Concern : None
Activity 10 (Activity Code 185) : Reaching key audiences, influencing the agenda, making connections
Summary of progress: Support for action under this heading has progressed slower than anticipated.
Areas of Concern : None.
Activity 11 (Activity Code 185) : Middle Marches Working Community
Summary of progress: Preparation of strategy document completed
Areas of Concern : None
Completed by (in case of queries)
Name: Mike Grace
Contact details: Vincent House, 0121 233 9399
YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER REGION
Ian Deans.
Headline News for 2001/2002
Headline News for Quarter 4Objective 1 (Activity Code 183): Regional Partnership fund to be used as a mechanism to support out influencing activity.
Activity 1 (Activity Code 183): Yorkshire Tourist Board FMD Recovery
Summary of Progress: Paid in full money helped with short term recovery marketing in the wake of foot and mouth.
Areas of concern : None
Activity 2 (Activity Code 183): Coastal Communities Training.
Summary of Progress: Capacity building for Coastal Communities. Project completed and paid in full.
Areas of concern : None
Activity 3 (Activity Code 183): North Yorkshire and Cleveland Community project.
Summary of Progress: Exit strategy from Community project. Project has been fully paid and is completed.
Areas of concern : None
Activity 4 (Activity Code 183): Sports Board - Funding of publication.
Summary of Progress: Project Completed, booklet produced and circulated.
Areas of concern : None
Activity 5 (Activity Code 183): SCOSPA regeneration company.
Summary of Progress: Partner no longer requires funding in this financial year.
Areas of concern : This could lead to the partnership fund being under committed and excess funding will be left at the end of the year.
Activity 6 (Activity Code 183): Environmental Economy Study.
Summary of Progress: Contract awarded, seminar held, contractor has produced report.
Areas of concern : None.
Activity 7 (Activity Code 183): Regional Environmental Forum Activity.
Summary of Progress:. No longer required by Partner
Areas of concern : Could lead to a surplus in the Regional Partnership fund budget. Not aware that the funding was not required until very late in the year.
Activity 8 (Activity Code 183): Production of a Regional Folder.
Summary of Progress: Production of a regional folder for sending out leaflets etc. Offers regional CA branding recognisable by partners. The folder has been completed and received in the Leeds Office.
Areas of Concern: None
Activity 9 (Activity Code 183): Regional Rural Services Reports contribution to printing costs.
Summary of Progress: Help for branch with the printing costs for the above.
Areas of Concern: None.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Ian Deans
Contact details: Victoria Wharf, 0113 246 9222
COUNTRYSIDE CAPITAL
Liz Newton
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Foot and mouth has caused more delay in some LMI's than originally anticipated and this has affected spend in 2001/02.
- F&M has raised the profile of both LMI's and Eat the View, and both initiatives received positive comments in the Curry report.
- Excellent progress being made in several regions to achieve a more strategic, joined up approach to local sustainable products, with a wide range of activity encouraged by our input.
- It has become clear that state aid regulations will constrain activity under Eat the View.
Headline News for Quarter 4
- Useful visit by Alun Michael to the High Weald in December.
- Positive coverage for the LMI's in the Curry Commission report, particularly for their work on integrated farm appraisal.
- Eat the View given positive publicity by HRH Prince of Wales at the launch of the BiTC publication on local sourcing.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 201): Inform how further policy development and reform of CAP can foster a viable and sustainable agriculture and sustainable rural development
Summary of Progress: Progress has been made in defining the outputs expected from the LMIs and the policy issues these will inform. The team is currently working with ELMT and the LMI project officers to draw out the main lessons for the Agri - environment review. Significant steps have been taken to improve project information management and monitoring with the completion of work to establish monitoring indicators for each project and the award of a contract to establish an LMI information database. Curry report made positive reference to the LMI's.
Areas of Concern: Peak District LMI -. We are currently awaiting a response from DEFRA re funding. If this is unsuccessful we need to decide whether it is worth investing resources to proceed beyond the feasibility phase.
SW LMI - the extent of Foot and Mouth in the SW means that this project has not progressed as quickly as we would have liked. Unlikely to continue into second phase.
High Weald LMI - Following resignation of the project team, it has not been possible to recruit new staff. This has caused considerable disruption to progress. The future of the initiative is now under review.
Forest of Dean. - Need to review outputs and planned spend following failed Leader bid.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 203): More tourist activity, and tourism businesses operating in ways that support the special characteristics of the countryside
Summary of Progress: Contract to draw together current good practice and point to areas where further work needed is underway and due to report at the end of April. This will assist in the development of new demonstration projects. Agreement has been reached with other branches on funding for a new visitor transport advisory service, and a brief is about to go out to tender.
Areas of Concern: Need to better co-ordinate tourism activity within the Agency. Discussions already held with ELMT
Objective 3 (Activity Code 202): Double the number of consumers aware of the links between the products they buy and the special quality of the countryside
Summary of Progress: Now have a communications and information officer in post which has greatly helped progress under this heading. Good practice publication underway, with planned publication in May 2002.
With advice from the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) which has been measuring basic consumer understanding and interest in food production issues for the last two years (2000/2001) we are undertaking more in depth research to help us better understand what motivates those consumers already interested in the links between what they buy and how the countryside is managed. This will be completed in June 2002.
Areas of Concern: State aid regulations mean that the business plans for the branding pilots in the Cotswolds and Peak protected areas have had to be revised . Still awaiting comments from the EU on original state aid notification and receiving help from DEFRA for other EtV projects not in original submission. Regulations are likely to pose a problem for us and others in promoting local products.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 202): - Help at least 100 producers per year to find new and stable or growing markets for local produce
Summary of Progress: Despite a very difficult year due to FMD, farmers and growers left in business appear keener than ever to drive their businesses forward by considering alternative production/processing methods. We continue to help this process through our work with the Soil Association Local Foodworks project and the Regional Food Groups which continue to report good progress, particularly in areas of consumer awareness, product marketing and farmer membership. Excellent progress is also being made in several regions to encourage a more strategic, joined up approach with a wide range of partners involved. Some have seen substantial investment from RDA's and others.
Areas of Concern: Recommendations in the Curry report have implications for all our work under EtV but particularly the role we have taken in seeking to achieve greater co-ordination and investment in this area . To be the subject of a separate Board paper in May.
Objective 5 (Activity Code 202): Increase to at least 400, the number of farmers' markets operating to standards set out by the National Association of Farmers' Markets
Summary of Progress The NAFM Certification of Farmers' Markets to promote high standards and integrity was launched at their recent Conference by Lord Whitty on 7th March. The CA is funding NAFM on a digressive basis over 5 years. Work has been growing exponentially for this organisation and they will clearly need to find more income sources if they are to continue to be effective.
Assisted the re-launch of Farmers Markets following the Foot and Mouth crisis in Cumbria with support for new guide to farmers markets publication (£1,250)
Areas of Concern: State Aid regulations only allow start up aid to be paid to producer organisations on a temporary and digressive basis. NAFM will have difficulty surviving unless they can find additional non public sources of income.
Objective 6 (Activity Code 202): - Establish and promote best practice across the production, distribution and retailing chain with a learning network
Summary of Progress: A new timetable is now in place with proposed launch of first CA Learning Networks in June. Some regional activity also planned eg. NW are developing a programme of work to promote 'Countryside Products' in the region with DEFRA and NWDA. Central to this will be a countryside produce network to stimulate new thinking, promoting existing good practice and taking practical measures to implement Strategic Objective 6 of the Regional Rural Recovery Plan.
Areas of Concern: None
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD
None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name: Liz Newton
Contact details 0161 237 1061
MARKET TOWNS
John Burns
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Healthcheck successfully launched and accepted as 'standard' in 7 out of 8 regions
- Website achieving over 1000 hits per month
- 75 Healthchecks underway - a further 60 planned for Q1/2 2002/03
- 14 Healthchecks completed and 14 Action Plan Managers in post
- National Market Towns Forum established - regularly attended by 20+ leaders in Market Towns issues
Summary of Progress: Health check well established and updated January 2002
Areas of concern: None
Objective 2 (Activity Code 301): - Establishing a national best practice network, drawing on the experiences of a "beacons" network of 10 - 20 towns, to help in developing the health check approach and to provide practical examples for others to draw on and learn from
Summary of Progress: The National Market Towns Forum is well supported. Work continues on establishing a network of exemplar projects.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 3 (Activity Code 301): - Establishing partnership programmes with all 8 Regional Development Agencies to work with communities and local authorities to conduct health checks in at least 140 Market Towns - to be phased in over the Plan period but all completed by 2004/05
Summary of Progress: 7 out of 8 RDA have adopted the healthcheck as a standard part of the regional programme
Areas of concern: South West continues to demonstrate a reluctance to work with us.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 301): - Identifying additional resources at national and regional level to increase the number of towns able to benefit from our support and undergo the health check to 200 across the plan period
Summary of Progress: Substantial resources have been attracted from the RDAs. 138 towns have been identified to date and we anticipate meeting the target of 200 over the plan period.
Areas of concern: It's possible that some RDAs will adopt the healthcheck without our involvement. There is also a possibility that, with the advent of the single pot, some RDAs will reduce their involvement in Market Towns in favour of other projects.
Objective 5 (Activity Code 301): - Funding local co-ordinators and teams of professionals to advise and help local communities prepare community led action plans - to include the 140 towns completing Agency assisted health checks
Summary of Progress: 75 Healthcheck Co-ordinators are in post.
Areas of concern: General issue continues to be lack of staff resources, and skills gaps creating major need to train new team centrally and in the regions. Changes to departmental structure are complicating liaison with DTLR.
Objective 6 (Activity Code 301): - Working with Regional Development Agencies, Regional Tourist Boards, Local Authorities and others to establish local public, private and voluntary sector partnerships to deliver the 140 action plans by 2004/05 - delivery to have started within the Plan period and be completed by 2007/08
Summary of Progress: Delivery has started in 14 towns; Policy paper underway;. Nine consultations responded to; Five conference presentations; DTLR work includes road safety, road hierarchies, information provision; Significant work with Social Exclusion Unit study; Good practice guide on multi-modal studies completed including two training seminars; Local Transport Plan research underway.
Areas of concern: Funding for Action Plan Managers is only available until end of 2004/5. The Action Plans are unlikely to be fully implemented by this stage, as indicated above. We should consider an application to extend this funding and the appropriate timing for such a bid.
Objective 7 (Activity Code 301): - Funding local project managers to deliver the action plans and giving them the skills they need to do so effectively by developing a training package to suit their individual requirements
Summary of Progress
Areas of concern: We may find difficulty in recruiting Action Plan managers in sufficient numbers
Objective 8 (Activity Code 301): - Ensuring that suitable mechanisms are in place to allow the above work to continue beyond the programme period
Summary of Progress
Click here to type TextAreas of concern: None
Commentary on Rural Transport Grants (Activity Code 302)
It has not been possible to find sufficient projects to outturn the budget from a standing start and without healthchecks being completed.
Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD: None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
NameJohn Burns
Contact details01242 533 375
VITAL VILLAGES
Nick Holliday
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Vital Villages programme launched 16th July by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for DEFRA
- high level of interest with over 26,000 application packs distributed and 50,000 flyers,
- Whilst targets exceeded for RTP, there was a shortfall on first year targets for PP, CSG and PTG with full staffing only achieved in 3rd quarter and slow process of converting parish council interest into grant applications
- well attended briefing of MPs in November, and subsequent regional events, including a briefing of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair
- Vital Villages database established and loaded with 2000 grants and up and running for monitoring and evaluation purposes (first year report due 25th April)
- Equipping Rural Communities Learning Network established in January 2002
- Draft Parish Plan guidance issued in February.
- Transport consultants offered free to Parish and Town Councils to undertake transport appraisals for PTG.
- Equipping Rural Communities Learning Network went live and first output produced.
- Market research contract let to identify barriers to take up of VV grants.
Objective : To deliver Corporate Plan Performance Indicators and VV business plan targets
Summary of Progress: Whilst spend and targets were achieved for RTP and CSG the statements of intent for Parish Plans did not get converted into grant offers and whilst the push on PTG with the free transport appraisals made a significant impact on grant applications in the last quarter it was too late in the day to meet the target.
Areas of concern: The uptake of grants by the local councils is the primary concern for both Parish Plans and Parish Transport grants. The market research contract now let may shed some light on this, but we could also be feeling the knock on effect of the 'sleepy parish' PR. We propose to draw up action plans to address this issue in the first quarter, including some telesales via the Call Centre
Objective 1 (Activity Code 402): To encourage small rural communities to meet their needs for local service provisions in ways that suit local circumstances
Summary of Progress: There is now a good range of grants offered covering a full range of services and this has been supplemented with further guidance to staff on play, pubs, young people and community buildings
Areas of concern: None.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 401): To help small rural communities to identify and act to meet local needs..
Summary of Progress: Our target for 3 years is 1000 plans. We finished the year just under target for the year (178 against 189) but have a further 521 registers of intent, but average spend is below £5k.
Areas of concern: The focus of the next 6 months will be to raise this markedly up to around 1500 mark. The recent Alun Michael letter to local councils plus a further push this month with NALC is planned.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 404): To enable small rural communities to identify and implement small scale local transport solutions to meet their local transport needs. (Parish Transport Grant)
Summary of Progress: We can now see the benefit of the use of consultants to be on hand for transport appraisals. The figure remains low (41 offered against target of 107), but regions and consultants are reporting a lot of interest but this is difficult to quantify.
Areas of concern: A further push via NALC and Alun Michael's should develop interest but we feel the key is building confidence and offering the necessary support (RCCs in general have little or no transport expertise). We are currently looking at the options.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 403): To increase access to jobs, local services and social activities for those who live in small rural communities (Rural Transport Grant)
Summary of Progress: More partnerships established than originally planned.
Areas of concern: Main focus will now be on quality of projects coming forward. Consultants report on quality control across the 3 implementation programmes has been received, but not digested
Objective 6: To ensure VFM in the delivery of the programme
Summary of Progress: Last few weeks of last quarter taken up with build and load of the database to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation. Database will go live to the general public in July. Interim M&E report received and first year report due 25th April
Areas of concern: None
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD:
None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name Nick Holliday
Contact details 0117 974 6265
WIDER WELCOME
Bob Roberts
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Completed consultation on draft access maps for 20% of England, including running 29 roadshows, issuing over half a million leaflets and receiving 6 million hits on a unique consultation website.
- Achieved target expenditure on ROW and National Trails, despite effects of FMD, which cause severe delays to the Pennine Bridleway project.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 505) : Map all open country and registered common land by 2004/5
Summary of Progress: Consultation on draft maps for mapping areas 1 and 2 is now complete and the analysis of responses is underway. We are consulting on the Agency's guidance on restrictions (in parallel with DEFRA's consultation on the draft restrictions regulatory framework). We have also started on the development of the statement of requirements for the DAMS system for restrictions. Interviews have been held for staff required to progress the next stages of the work. The approach to monitoring access has been reviewed and a comprehensive approach to access management agreed.
Areas of concern: Delays within DEFRA are continuing to have a knock on effect on some areas of our work. This has been compounded by the need to change some of the planning assumptions on DEFRA advice. There has been some rescheduling of the regional roll out of the mapping to allow time to analyse the larger than expected number of comments on the draft maps for regions 1 and 2 and to address other issues with the contractor. A revised schedule for regional commencement has been discussed with DEFRA. We are, however, still on schedule to meet the PSA target date of 2005.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 502) : Recording Historic Rights of Way
Summary of Progress: Phase one of the consultants report has now been received. A Board paper to recommend the way forward has been drafted. This work will be taken forward by Enjoying the Countryside from early May 2002.
Areas of concern : None
Objective 3 (Activity Code 505): Integrated Access
Summary of Progress
Areas of concern : None. Although behind schedule this is a small area of activity. The risk to the Agency in terms of impact on budgets or publicity is very low.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 505): Access for socially excluded and disadvantaged people
Summary of Progress
Areas of concern : There is still uncertainty about the availability of long term funding for this work.
Objective 5 (Activity Code 504): - National Trails - New Trails
Summary of Progress: Good progress has been made practical works on Hadrians Wall and difficulties with the HLF contract have now been resolved. Management plans for the Pennine Bridleway have been discussed with the team in the north west and a programme agreed. Secretary of State approval for the Pennine Bridleway, Northern Extension has been received. Discussions around the funding and management of this work have started. Practical works on the Cotswold Way are making progress again.
Areas of concern: Delays on the Pennine Bridleway acquisition are still likely to cause funding problems in 2003/4 and 2004/5. These will be exacerbated if the funding of the Pennine Bridleway, Northern Extension is not resolved during 2002/3.
Objective 6 (Activity Code 503): National Trails - Maintenance and Restoration
Summary of Progress: Good progress in most areas in the last quarter. Six out of eight regions were able to bring forward substantial programmes of work from 2002/3. Preparations for the National Trails conference in April are progressing well with a good response from invitees.
Areas of concern: General concern that this area of work continues to be underfunded.
Objective 7 (Activity Code 501): Support for Rights of Way Action
Summary of Progress: Several regions were able to bring forward work from 2002/3. Problems with final year grants have been resolved which will allow exit from the programme to be completed to schedule.
Areas of concern: None.
Objective 8 (Activity Code 506): Rural Transport Partnership
Summary of Progress: The results of efforts earlier in the year are now starting to show with a number of new projects being put forward for support. Good progress has also been made with developing several flagship projects which will be supported in 2002/3.
Areas of concern: None
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD:
WW regional staff continued to contribute to the Rural Recovery programme.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name Bob Roberts
Contact details 01242 533 269
COUNTRYSIDE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
Roger Ward
Headline news for 2001/2002
- Community Forests succession strategy agreed and being pursued; budgets agreed for remainder of programme
- Doorstep Greens team in place and programme under way - but behind schedule due to impact of remaining Millennium Greens work
- WHI well established, making big impact, and opening up other health-related opportunities for the Agency
- Creation of 245 Millennium Greens successfully completed - but at cost of much unplanned effort and knock-on effect on DGs programme
- 7 REACT projects agreed and being developed
- Rural Recovery successfully delivered by CYD staff on top of existing responsibilities
Headline news for Quarter 4
- First Doorstep Greens Creation Grants offered
- Preparations finalised for Step-o-meter launch in Apr 02
- First REACT project posts advertised
Objective 1 (Activity Code 601): - Use of Community Forests as flagships to demonstrate successful environmentally led regeneration in the urban fringe in accordance with the twelve Community Forest Implementation Plans
Summary of Progress: On course.
Areas of Concern: Continuing uncertainty about future of Watling Chase. We will know later this year whether the local authority partners are willing to support it as a viable Community Forest rather than a countryside management service; we will not continue to support it unless they are. We still need to find an effective way of addressing the land assembly issue - especially in the nine Forests which haven't benefited from CMF funding - following DEFRA's refusal to take forward our proposed SR2002 bid for New Implementation Options; we will pursue this with DEFRA as part of CF succession discussions.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 601): - Agreeing and implementing succession arrangements for Community Forests with a smooth transition effected by the end of 2004/05
Summary of Progress: On course. Regional teams pursuing regional/local succession arrangements; central team developing relationship with DEFRA officials now responsible for Community Forests.
Areas of Concern: None at this stage, but regional succession very unlikely to prove a viable future for all Forests.
Objective 3 (Activity Code 601): - Evaluating the social, economic and environmental outcomes of the Community Forest Programme by 2002/03 to identify good practice and boost the launch of a national promotional campaign over 2002/05 to achieve wide adoption of community forestry.
Summary of Progress: On course. Contract let
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 4 (Activity Code 603): - Completing the Agency greenway demonstration programme (six projects) and promoting the results to LAs and others to establish safe routes for non motorised use as part of the local transport network to connect people's homes with nearby greenspace and local countryside - our target is for all major towns and cities to have plans for such routes by April 2005).
Summary of Progress: On course. All demonstration projects completed or nearing completion, and lessons being disseminated via practitioner guidance. Greenways activity now transferred to ETC Branch.
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 5 (Activity Code 604): - Delivering the New Opportunities funded "Doorstep Greens" programme to provide 200 new greenspaces by April 2005
Summary of Progress: On course, but behind target due to demands of MGs completion work. 4,920 requests for info; 712 expressions of interest, 681 of which have been appraised; 58 Project Preparation Grants offered; 2 Creation Grants offered, following first meeting of Grants Panel.
Areas of Concern: None, but we will need to work hard to get up to or ahead of our PPP and Creation Grant targets during the current year. This is the top priority for the team.
Objective 6 (Activity Code 606): - Delivering 200 health walks by Sept. 2003 in partnership with the British Heart Foundation to provide regular, brisk walking within local communities with the aim of reducing heart disease and increasing fitness
Summary of Progress: 67 schemes approved; now beginning to close gap between performance and target figures. Arrangements made for launch of Step-o-meter campaign in early April.
Areas of Concern: None
Objective 7 (Activity Code 605): - Completing implementation of the 250 Millennium Greens by December 2002 and widely promoting lessons from the programme
Summary of Progress: Final total of 245 Greens, all of which completed their creation work by end Dec. Final audit report submitted to Millennium Commission, following discussions to agree on structure and content. Final grant claim submitted earlier than planned, in agreement with MC.
Areas of Concern: None .
Objective 8 (Activity Code 602): - Demonstrate that community forestry can bring benefits to mainstream regeneration by building the approach into existing area based initiatives.
Summary of Progress: Detailed planning under way for all seven projects, three of which are currently recruiting their project staff. All are expected to get under way during Q1 02/03.
Areas of Concern: None
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD: Rural Recovery successfully delivered, with a minimum of bureaucracy, using staff time diverted from WHI and Greenways.
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name Roger Ward
Contact details 01242 533457 or mobile 07900 608422
FINEST COUNTRYSIDE
Marian Spain
Headline News for 2001/2002
- The Designation Order for the New Forest National Park and Advice on Special Arrangements submitted to the Secretary of State.
- A draft boundary and administrative options for a South Downs National Park agreed and a public consultation launched.
- 7,175 people attended the 23 roadshows that took place during the public consultation for the proposed South Downs National Park: 6,500 written responses were received.
- A new funding package for AONBs was launched and well
received, most AONBs are now ready to move onto the new
arrangements in 2002/03.
- 41% of AONBs had completed and a further 53% were undertaking a governance review at the end of the year.
- Chilterns and Cotswolds AONB have taken first steps to Conservation Board status.
- 2 new publications on AONBs were published during the year; 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: a guide for AONB partnership members' and 'AONB Management Plans: a guide', plus an electronic + interactive AONB Management Handbook.
- The AONB Handbook was launched as a web based publication for technical officers in March
- Approximately 7,000 responses were received between 27 November 2001 and 28 February 2002 from the public consultation for the proposed South Downs National Park.
- New Forest Designation was completed and arrangements to defend at a Public Inquiry put in place.
Objective 1 (Activity Code 701): To agree and implement a new, equitable and transparent funding model for all AONBs by April 2002 with at least 34 AONBs (90%) operating to these new arrangements by 2004/05
Summary of Progress: The new funding package was launched in June and was well received. A model memorandum of agreement was issued in September. First grants under the new arrangements were made in March.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 2 (Activity Code 701): Ensure that all AONBs have a management and governance structure in place by March 2005 with an agreed management plan in place and delivery under way
Summary of Progress: Governance Review Advisory Service in operation. Most AONBs have completed or are undergoing governance reviews. Protocol for approval of Management Plans being drafted with English Nature and DEFRA in readiness for first CROW management plans expected early 2002/03. Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB will produce the first. Meetings have been held with most of the most significant Section 85 bodies nationally to discuss their new duties under CROW. The Cotswolds JAC have agreed to pursue Conservation Board status, large CB option approved: Chilterns Conservation Board progressing to target.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 3 (Activity Code 701): By 2003/04, all AONBs to be producing annual business plans and public reviews of activity and achievements
Summary of Progress: Grant application proforma adopted which will provide annual business plan information where no separate annual plan exists. Guidance on production of reviews will follow.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 4 (Activity Code 701): Ensure proper management of resources and delivery of Corporate plan targets
Summary of Progress: Most targets being achieved effectively. Some grant aided projects were delayed during the course of the year due to FMD. Additional projects covered any potential underspend.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 5 (Activity Code 701): Promote the benefits of setting up and supporting AONB management structures amongst AONB local authorities and other stakeholders, alongside Protected Landscapes Campaign, working closely with ETCB
Summary of Progress: AONB Handbook web published in March with interactive section. FCIT members are regular contributors to events run by AAONB. Best practice database being developed.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 6 (Activity Code 702): New National Parks: In Spring 2001, consult publicly on draft arrangements for NFNPA and complete formal consultation on boundary
Summary of Progress: Completed 30 September 2001, results reported to the Board on 31 December 2001.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 7 (Activity Code 702): New National Parks: Submit a New Forest Designation Order to the Secretary of State in winter 2001 with recommendations on establishing a NPA
Summary of Progress: The Revocation Order for the South Hampshire Coast AONB, the Designation Order for the New Forest National Park and Advice on Special Arrangements were submitted to the Secretary of State on the 22 February 2002. The Designation Order also went on deposit with Local Authorities for 28 days from 21 February 2002. Now preparing for an expected Public Inquiry.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 8 (Activity Code 702): - New National Parks: Ensure ongoing management of New Forest and transition to National Park Authority
Summary of Progress: Close working relationship maintained and grant offered to NFC at the end of March 2002. New projects agreed for Forest Friendly Farming and NF Transport Officer.
Areas of concern: Need to press DEFRA to agree transition arrangements.
Objective 9 (Activity Code 702): New National Parks: Identify and consult publicly on a proposed South Downs National Park boundary and administrative arrangement in Autumn 2001
Summary of Progress: Public consultation on the draft boundary and administration arrangements took place from 27 November 2001 to 28 February 2002, including 23 public roadshows in and around the boundary in East and West Sussex and Hampshire, with 6,500 responses. Now preparing report on analysis of responses and revised recommendations for Board in April 02.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 10 (Activity Code 702): Submit a South Downs National Park designation order to the Secretary of State in September 2002
Summary of Progress: On target to carry out statutory consultation and present findings for Board decision on Designation Order and Advice to Government in Autumn 2002.
Areas of concern: None
Objective 11 (Activity Code 702): Ensure continued management and protection of the Downs before designation
Summary of Progress: Business plan agreed and grants offered to the SDCB and the East Hants JAC at the end of March 2002. Visitor survey contract awarded at the end of March 2002.
Areas of concern: None
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD: None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name Lesley Thomas
Sarah Lloyd
Contact details 01242 533 446 LOCAL HERITAGE INITIATIVE
Nicola Webley
Headline News for 2001/2002
- 202 LHI grants awarded with a total value of £ 2,277,000
- The interim LHI website has been improved and expanded and now includes a variety of media. It is being used as a testbed for the new permanent site, on course to go live in autumn 2002.
- LHI annual report for year 2 has been accepted by the sponsors and HLF has confirmed funding for LHI year 5.
- Active marketing by LHI Advisers has resulted in an increased number of enquiries and new applications.
- Secured agreement to introduce an advance payment system for LHI grants
Objective 1 (Activity Code 801): To increase opportunities for people to conserve and enhance their local heritage and promote wider understanding and enjoyment of it, while also strengthening those communities
Summary of Progress: Evaluation report received in January 2002 confirmed that LHI is meeting its objectives. Although the total number of grants in LHI year 2 was below target, quality of the projects has been high and the number of enquiries and new applications has increased every month since the beginning of 2002.
Areas of concern: HLF has asked the Agency to consider extending LHI into urban areas. Also HLF, as part of its new strategic framework, is requiring LHI to offer 100% grants ( at present the applicants are expected to provide a 5% cash contribution). This could mean some changes to the way LHI is delivered. Discussions have started with HLF and potential new partner organisation. Existing private sector partner, Nationwide Building Society, will need to be kept informed and involved.
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD
None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name Nicola Webley
Contact details 0117 974 6264
COMMUNICATIONS
Pam Gilder/Sara Moseley/Isobel Coy
Headline News for 2001/2002
- Board agreement to new corporate communications strategy and priority messages
- Board agreement and new practice approach to Lottery Funding successful
- Influenced Nationwide Foundation to fund rural regeneration (up to £1.5 million)
- Foot and mouth pages on Agency web site increased hits one-hundred fold over critical period (from 2000 to 20,000 a day)
- Substantial increase in national, regional, trade and broadcast coverage on previous year (c.12,000 items)
- Increased parliamentary activity resulted in additional direct briefings
- Agency branded contribution to Your Countryside, You're Welcome
- Successful negotiating with CF for rural Fair Share scheme worth £10 million over 3 years to rural communities
Objective 1 (Activity Code 901): - To create effective Communications Plans
Summary of Progress: We had a slow start in this area of work. Lessons learnt from 2001/2 to be applied to 2002/3.
Areas of Concern: In preparation for 2002/3 we are still finding lack of clarity on the outcomes we want to achieve, which will drive the programmes of communications.
Objective 2 (Activity Code 901): -Improve the effectiveness of our publications process
Summary of Progress: We have fallen behind on this target due to other priorities. Aim for Executive paper early in 2002/3 and roll out implementation across the next FY.
Areas of Concern: Timing only
Objective 3 (Activity Code 901): - Improve the Agency's media skills base
Summary of Progress: Specific training undertaken as need arose. New programme set up to commence April 2002.
Areas of Concern: None
Objective 4 (Activity Code 901): - Develop an integrated web presence for the Agency
Summary of Progress: Executive agreement of way forward (Jan Exec paper). Full project plan now in place.
Areas of Concern: None
Objective 5 (Activity Code 901): - Develop the Agency's communication evaluation toolkit
Summary of Progress
Areas of Concern: None
Objective 6 (Activity Code 901): - Develop a corporate communications plan which positions the Agency to maximise its influencing objectives and makes best use of externally driven opportunities
Summary of Progress: Approved by Board in December and now being rolled out.
Areas of Concern: None.
Objective 7 (Activity Code 901): - Deliver, in line with the resources available to us, communications outputs which support the business plans of implementation and influencing branches
Summary of Progress: Ongoing. Significant input into the Countryside Agency branded element of Your Countryside, You're Welcome.
Areas of Concern: None
Objective 8 (Activity Code 901): - Optimise the use of non-exchequer sources of revenue to support the Agency's business
Summary of Progress: Successful discussions with CFund on rural Fair Share scheme.
Areas of Concern: Despite considerable effort we have not met our corporate/charitable targets. The economic downturn may have had a part to play.
Additional Work undertaken (with or without funding) as a result of FMD.
None
Completed by (in the case of queries):
Name Pam Gilder
Contact details 01242 533 209
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND ICT
Liz Thompson
Headline News for 2001/2002
- KM & ICT strategies developed and approved - making CA recognised as a leading public sector body in KM field and setting innovative forward thinking framework for Agency IT
- 3 pilot Learning Networks established, winning Ministerial plaudits and excellent profile for the Agency - major OJEC procurement for full programme of 60 is now well under way
- Library Transformation Project almost complete, bringing an on-line library to Agency staff desktops and an all-new Resource Centre at JDH offering hot desks and networking points
- Day to day IT services provided to over 730 users, including new services to 187 permanent staff, 91 temporary staff, plus a further 206 user changes (moves, deletions etc), and 82 IT training courses, providing 490 days of training.
- Major new IT programme of work implemented, including providing upgraded desktop services to over 270 staff, laptop services to over 330 staff, a new dial-in solution allowing remote access to the internet, 8x upgrade to the IT network (due 22 April), switch to MS Office (business case agreed, proposals being finalised following OGC restriction), establishment of central webhosting contract
- Major programme underway to tackle shortcomings in PFI contract - contract review, internal audit recommendations implementation, asset ownership issue, pricing review and now Son Of SPIRIT project to renegotiate the contract with private sector partner - Project Board, PID and professional advice contracts all established - much of this work was not anticipated at the outset of 2001/2
- KM initiated across the Agency - persistent interventions making cultural and behavioural changes, knowledge-sharing now recognised as major element in staff appraisals/job plans
- All work above completed despite significant shortfall in staff resources, due to recruitment delays, staff sickness, staff cuts - have now secured additional staff and financial resources which will be of particular assistance in the IT area
- Son Of SPIRIT project board established, PID agreed and professional advisers appointed. Plan in development and work started on business requirement specification
- Hardware upgrade and dial-in solutions completed by March 2002
- Learning Network OJEC tender reaches negotiation stage with final 3 tenderers
- Library transformation nearing completion - both on-line and in the new Resource Centre
- PID established for electronic records management and project start up underway
- KM comes of age as Agency receives invitations to conferences and seminars as public sector leader
- New staff resources in place in BISG, providing much needed assistance on the IT programme of work
Objective 1 (Activity Code 902/903): To deliver ICT services and develop new approaches to managing and sharing knowledge which will support the delivery of the Countryside Agency's programme of work.
Summary of Progress: See above.
Areas of concern: . See above.
Additional Work