Setting Up A Steering Group
| 2. Set up the group. The project will need a group of 8 to 15 people. (Ideally representing all sections of the community and the Parish Council.) Their roll will be to plan and undertake the excersie and to keep the community informed and invovled. |
Volunteers
Volunteers!!! For a Parish Action Plan to run successfully you will need to recruit a bunch of willing volunteers to be members of the steering committee.People will vary in the amount of time they can commit to helping with the Parish Action Plan. For example some may not be able to attend the steering group meetings but be happy to distribute fliers or questionnaires.
Steering Groups
Steering groups tend to have between 8 and 12 members depending on the size of the community. Ideally the steering group will represent all sections of the community with a mix of ages and interests. It is important to have a couple of members of the Parish Council on the steering group to maintain a close link between the two groups.It would be beneficial to appoint a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Steering Group's Role
The steering groups role will be to plan and take forward the Parish Action Plan process while making sure they inform and involve the community at every stage.If the group is applying for funding it is advisable to draw up a constitution to define the groups purpose and objectives. The Countryside Agency drew up a suggested constitution for Parish Action Plan groups, which may be a good starting point. Click here for an internal link to an Example Constitution.
A Field Officer from BRCC will be able to attend your steering group meetings and offer you advice and support as you prepare your Parish Action Plan. Contact Zoe Ashby on 01234 832618 or email zoea at bedsrcc.org.uk for more information.