Organisation Name: Welsh Assembly Government, Department for the Economy and Transport on behalf of the Greening the Valleys Partnership (Supported by the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Programme)

Project Description: The project will by establishing a small core team, create a new more collaborative and integrated approach to the delivery of environmental improvement, recreational management, tourism and heritage services across the South East Wales and Swansea and Western Valleys Spatial Plan areas, thereby developing more streamlined and efficient services, and providing greater identity and profile for the Valleys.

The Heads of the Valleys Partnership and the Core Group, developing the SE Wales Capital Network, see the quality of the environment, access, heritage and tourism as an important catalyst for the social and economic regeneration of the area. The Valleys Regional Park core team will act as a catalyst to deliver this co-ordinated and networked approach, ensuring that every penny invested in this activity counts and is delivered to a prioritised and costed action plan.

The Valleys Regional Park aims to develop a cross sector, partnership approach to:

Establish new facilities, and physical infrastructure such as riverside parks, walking trails, cycleways, etc which deliver the Valleys Regional Park vision. Enhance the quality and attractiveness of existing green spaces, countryside amenities gateways and recreational routes, benefiting quality of life, health, biodiversity and the natural environment. Develop initiatives to engender pride and ownership through greater involvement and understanding of the natural and built environment. Develop skills and employment opportunities for local people, in the resource visitor management and service sectors. Enhance the tourism potential of existing facilities, aided by joint marketing of a more coordinated programme of events and activities. Promote the area as a prime location for tourists and inward investment.

The actual infrastructure will be supported through other funding streams including ERDF.

The Valleys Regional Park will have achieved its vision when we have changed the way local people, visitors and investors, use and are proud of our Valleys.

The new approach will build on a foundation established by the Greening the Valleys Partnership and subsequently through recent work done to develop the Valleys Regional Park Framework. The project will establish a small steering group of officers who will act as a catalyst for collaborative working across 11 local authority areas in a cross sector approach involving more than 30 organisations including the emerging public sector Local Service Boards. The partner organisations will work on collaborative projects that deliver the commonly agreed aims of the Valleys Regional Park Action Plan. As a result of this, there will be better coordination within and between the partner organisations resulting in greater efficiencies that will act as a best practice model for other services and regions.

Email Address: andrew.osborne@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: All Wales with regional divisions ie South East Wales, South West Wales etc.

Organisation Core Business: The Department for the Economy and Transport delivers the economic regeneration and transport agendas for the Welsh Assembly Government. The Heads of the Valleys Partnership has also been instrumental in supporting the development of this project.

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Public, Voluntary and Private sector organisations including the Local Authorities across the South Wales valleys area Welsh Assembly Government, Heads of the Valleys Partnership, Countryside Council for Wales, Forestry Commission Wales, Environment Agency Wales , Groundwork Wales and Herian.

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Delivery of the Valleys Regional Park vision and masterplan will directly benefit local people and visitors alike by enhancing their quality of life health and visitor experience. It will promote greater community cohesion, pride and ownership of the local environment, thus helping to deal with poor perception and anti-social behaviour that acts as a barrier to realising the social and economic potential of the Valleys. Further benefits are likely to accrue for local people through the development of skills and employment opportunities in the resource visitor management and service sectors. Overall the creation of a high quality environment will enhance business confidence and investment in the area. The ESF funding will specifically be targeted at improving efficiencies across the partner organisations through a coordinated approach to service delivery, thereby complementing the infrastructure works that may be supported from the ERDF Programme. In this respect the partner organisations will benefit from the support provided by the Valleys Regional Park Core Team.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: South East Wales Spatial Plan and the Swansea and Western Valleys Spatial Plan areas.

What might the outputs be (activity measures): A more efficient better coordinated and integrated programme of improvements, events, marketing and management across the two spatial plan areas related to: Physical Improvement Schemes, Initiatives developing the natural/historic environment across the Valleys, Managed access to the countryside through a joined up network of green space and countryside/recreational function, Valleys wide initiatives in developing pride ownership and identity, Organisation/Individuals assisted to set up new enterprises which realise the social and economic potential of this activity, Marketing and promotion of facilities, events and activities as part of promoting the area as a tourism destination, Community activities that develop pride and build confidence.

What might be the results of the project: More effective and efficient delivery of countryside, heritage and tourism services across the region.

What would its impact be: The impact of a Valleys Regional Park will be a common driver across the South Wales valleys for its development and promotion, increasing the tourism credentials and offer of the area and positively changing perceptions of the South Wales valleys. The project will also be used as a model for other regions and services.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: The Valleys Regional Park will be established over 5 - 8 years. It covers an area of over 150,000 hectares which is home to over 1 million people. The ESF funding will support the establishment of a core body that will work in partnership with all stakeholder organisations across the region.

Estimated Cost: Gross costs £1.5 Million over 5 years

Where might the match funding come from: Welsh Assembly Government, Department of the Economy and Transport and Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Programme

Date: 20/6/2008

Organisation Name: Swansea University (School of the Environment and Society) and partners

Project Description: The proposal is to develop a policy institute that will contribute: to the development of Welsh Assembly and Welsh Assembly Government policy; to policy development and deployment at the local, regional and sub-regional levels; to building links between the Welsh government, local government, the NHS and other public bodies and the Third Sector; and to act as an education and training resource and centre of excellence in policy studies for public servants and academic specialists in Wales, the rest of the UK and internationally. It will help to extend a research and development culture across public services in Wales, together with a focus on comparative policy analysis. A final focus will be on policy evaluation, resonating with the WAG evidence-based policy imperative and completing the policy cycle. As such it recognises that efficient and effective delivery of public services - in West Wales and the Valleys, and elsewhere - has an important role to play in the social and economic development of the sub-region. Further it recognises that public services are delivered via a mixed economy and that, increasingly, the Third Sector plays a significant part.

Who will be involved in delivering the project? The Universities of Swansea (lead), Bangor and Glamorgan will be the major HE stakeholders. Cardiff University and UWIC will contribute. Individuals and public sector consultancies will play a part.

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Citizens and public service users as a result of improved services based on evidence. Public service organisations, government, local government, the Third Sector and the NHS

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: All Wales

What might be the outputs be (activity measures): The Institute will provide: (i) a research presence. Fundamental, applied and commissioned research on those areas of public policy represented by its 'owners' and 'partners'. The following areas and research funding will be sought from appropriate major funders (ESRC, Rowntree, Nuffield as well as National Assembly Government and UK government departments): economic and social development; health services and health policy; social inclusion and exclusion; public sector management; post-devolution policy-making; refugee studies, environmental issues, etc., including research associated with collaborative working models. Research on effective ways of engaging citizens in policy design and delivery will be another value-added activity. It will be collaborative with other universities within Wales and outside with an interest in policy in the devolved administrations. It will act as an initiator, catalyst and clearing house for pro-active and reactive research bids in these areas. (ii) a policy advice centre. It will provide policy advice and policy development skills to WAG and local (within the programme area) and national public bodies. It will produce regular policy briefings and policy think pieces. It will hold 'Chatham House' high level seminars on public policy and public policymaking in Wales/devolved administrations. (iii) a high quality Training Facility in partnership with the National School of Government and other specialist training bodies. The targets for activity and outcome will be public bodies, primarily within the programme area, the independent sector and the Welsh Assembly Government. Outcomes will include improved performance in developing and embedding joined-up policy as well as statistical and other objective measures of policy improvement.

What might be the results of the project: More efficient, effective and user-centred public service provision within the context of good governance. The establishment of a permanent research, policy advice and training facility in Wales. Improved policy-making and implementation ant local and national levels.

What would its impact be: Improved public services; improved policy making within the context of devolved governance, evidence-based public policy leading to efficient, effective and joined-up services.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: The development of a policy institute focussed on Wales but with an international reputation for high-quality work which leads to the development of world-class public services

Estimated Cost: Total Cost: £ 17,694,335.00 Funding Gap (ESF Request) £5,058,210.00 Matched Funding: £12,636,125.00

Where might the match funding come from: WAG, APS, Universities . This supplemented, by end of Year 5, by research grants, commissions and consultancies

Email Address: michael.j.sullivan@msn.com; m.sullivan@swansea.ac.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: All of Wales: non-European funding streams will sustain work in the rest of Wales.

Organisation Core Business: University/higher education supported by governmental and non-governmental organisations

Date 07/03/08

Organisation Name:  Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council/All Wales Training Network

Project Description: Large public sector organisations, due to their size and diversity, have frequently struggled to share knowledge, skills and experience within each organisation, let alone across the public sector as a whole.  The project aims to establish an effective networking, communication and development system across the principality. 50% of Local Authorities in Wales already subscribe to Learning Pool, a private company (formerly part of the IDeA)that provides resources to develop, share and commission e-learning, although use of the system is patchy due to staffing issues in the Authorities. One of the features of the system is the ability to construct discussion boards, web chats, blogs, pod casts, wilkis, etc. This enables staff in each organisation to share knowledge & experience across and within organisational structures.
The project is to fund the architecture that will enable these systems to be linked up. For example, if a manager wanted to ask for examples of good front line customer service, rather than just being able to start a discussion board in his/her own organisation, an "ask all" button is available so the request appears on the appropriate discussion board in all the authorities/organisations in the project.
The system would also enable joint policy development across the region and real-time effective consultation by the use of online polls, questionnaires, etc.
The system would also facilitate the delivery of some of the other project ideas submitted in this framework e.g. in the field of management development. An online support resource for a programme could be established on the system, enabling participants to network efectively, access additional information, hold virtual meetings, discuss application of techniques,etc

Email Address:  training.personnel@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Blaenau Gwent

Organisation Core Business: Local Government

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Blaenau Gwent CBC, All Wales Traininng Network, other public sector organisations who wish to participate, Learning Pool (or other suitable provider)

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Public Sector employees & by their development the citizens they serve.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: All Wales

What might the outputs(activity measures Average training days per FTE, productivity improvements
(P.I.s) due to increased skills and knowledge, reduced funds spent on duplicate provision, quicker problem solving due to more effective networking, etc

What might be the results of the project: A public sector that can quickly and effectively share and develop knowledge, skills and experience

What would its impact be Improved services, reduced costs, reduced absence, greater satisfaction

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: TBC

Estimated Cost: TBC

Where might the match funding come from:TBC

Date 21/02/08

Organisation Name: Joshua Consulting Uk LtdPublic Service Management Wales (Welsh Assembly Government)

Project Description: Create a new Public Service Academy to replace PSMW underpinned by accredited leadership and management development programmes. This will include the establishment of a post graduate certificate in collaborative leadership for public service managers and leaders.

The trend towards establishing an academy type organisation coincided with the early development of PSMW and the publication of an early discussion paper. Drawing upon the experience of Higher Education, the NHS Staff College and the School of Government, it made the case for establishing a body to commission programmes, undertake research, create space for dialogue and discussion among public service stakeholders and connect with other similar bodies across the international learning community.

In addition to the ongoing work of PSMW, a number of other organisations have contributed positively towards the development of this agenda by demonstrating the value and benefit of intra-sectoral leadership learning and development. They include the National Leadership and Innovations Agency for Healthcare, the National School of Government, the Welsh Local Government Association and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.
However unlike PSMW, each of these organisations has operated predominantly within a sector specific context.

PSMW provides a template for establishing a Public Service Academy as a national centre of learning for Welsh public servants

Email Address: joshua@joshuagroup.com

Geographical Area of Operation: All Wales

Organisation Core Business: Public Service Management Wales (PSMW) works to support and help build the capacity of managers and leaders across the public sector in Wales.

Who will be involved in delivering the project: PSMW will drive the initiative forward in partnership with the WLGA, the National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare and other stakeholders in the voluntary and public services

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Public Service Organisations, Individual leaders, Managers and staff within Public Service Organisations, Public Service users

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: All Wales

What might the outputs(activity measures): Activity measures will be comprehensive and cover a number of ‘strands’ including:Leadership Development, Management Development, Organisational Development, People Development

What might be the results of the project: Establishment of Public Service Academy dedicated to organisational and individual learning across the public sector for the
benefit of: Public Service Organisations, •    Individual Leaders, Managers
and staff within Public Service Organisations,Public Service users

What would its impact be: The desired strategic impact is to provide a learning culture in the public service and more joined up provision of public sector learning and development.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: To benefit all Wales public service organisations on an ongoing basis. It is anticipated that the Public Sector Academy will look to acquire an international recognition for excellence

Estimated Cost: TBC (initial indicative estimated cost £1m.)

Where might the match funding come from: Making the Connections development fund and fees from participating organisations

Date: 17/01/08

Organisation Name: WAG - Communities Directorate

Project Description: The Communities First Unit, which is part of the WAG Communities Directorate has launched a consultation process based on proposals for the development of the existing Communities First Programme into a new phase, branded as Communities Next(in line with the commitment made in the One Wales agreement).

The Welsh Assembly Government’s view is that Communities First needs to have a clearer focus on addressing the causes and effects of poverty.

To achieve this refocus, Communities Next will be based on achieving tangible change based on priorities identified by communities. It will require existing Communities First Programmes to achieve tangible outcomes against prescribed targets that enable progress to be both measured and reported.

To enable the deliverers of public services to adapt to the requirements of Communities Next, access will be given to a new 'Outcomes Fund'. The Fund will make finance available to incentivise the move to a focus on outcomes, as identified and prioritised by local communities (through their Communities First Partnership) with‘outcome funding’ established against each of the themes within the revised Communities Next Vision Framework

The Fund will support the development of local services, projects and activities that pilot new and innovative way of engaging the statutory sector in delivering its services more effectively and appropriately to people in the poorest communities. It will give existing Communities First Partnerships the opportunity to become the lead partner in accessing finance to enable new patterns and organisation of service provision to be created. Successful proposals will demonstrate of high level of participation by the local community in constructing the proposed service/activity and based on the actual needs in the community.

The Outcomes Fund will also support proposals that create operational linkages between service provides to allow the delivery of more 'joined up' local service provision. This may include the direct delivery of some services/activities by community and voluntary organisations to enable the operational linkage to be developed.

Applications to the new Fund will require a financial contribution from the appropriate service provider, where applicable, which will be determined in light of the consultation feedback.

Email Address: alyn.owen@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: All Convergence areas

Organisation Core Business: Government of Wales

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Only Communities First Partnerships will be able to bid for support from the Outcome Fund, but will need to demonstrate that they have backing from the relevant service provider(s) as an equal partnership . No single organisation proposal will be considered. It is anticipated that some proposals will also include a combination of delivery partners that include third sector and/or private sector organisations.

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Individual and groups living in the identified areas that are participating in the existing Communities First Programme.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Spatial coverage of the existing Communities First Programme within the geographic boundary of the eligible Convergence Programme area. Activities/services delivered for the benefit of Communities First areas may be delivered from outside the eligible spatial footprint of the Communities First Programme, but must be within the eligible convergence spatial area.

What might the outputs(activity measures): The outputs will be dependant on the Vision Framework under which the individual proposal is submitted. The Communities Next Draft Document currently out to Consultation will consider changes/additions to the existing the existing Vision Framework Headings which is:

Business and Jobs

Education and training

Environment

Health and Well Being

Active Communities

Community Safety



What might be the results of the project: Increasing the impact of regeneration based investment in the most deprived communities within the spatially targeted area by increasing community participation in the redesign and delivery of statutory service provision, by joining up existing service and improving local coordination across services delivered with different proffessional structure by organisation in different sectors.

What would its impact be: Improve the access, targeting and structure of a range of service provision that impact on the current cycles of poverty that affect the ability of groups and individuals in communities to participate in the economic, social and cultural opportunities in Wales.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: To be determined

Estimated Cost: £6M per annum from 2009/2012. TPC £18M. £9m EU Structural Fund support.

Where might the match funding come from: Communities Directorate Communities First Budget.

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
  

Date: 16/01/08

Organisation Name: Welsh Local Government Association (temporary lead)

Project Description: For employers and trades unions to be able Capacity building to enable public sector trades unionists and managers to work together effectively to manage change. This will include exploring mechanisms for building trust, opening lines of communication and developing innovative joint approaches to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Email Address: anna.freeman@wlga.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: All Wales

Organisation Core Business: Representation and lobbying body for Welsh local government

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Provisionally, Wales TUC, PSMW, Education Sector

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Citizens, All Welsh Public Services - through the development of a more positive and innocative approach to industrial relations

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: All Wales

What might the outputs(activity measures): Joint learning opportunities, guidance supported by case
studies, hands on support

What might be the results of the project: More innovative industrial relations climate. Creative Social Partnership appoaches at local level

What would its impact be: More efficient, innovative and collaborative approach to managing change betwen TUs and managers

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: To involve all Welsh public sector organisations but potential numbers of places yet to be determined

Estimated Cost: TBC

Where might the match funding come from: PSMW, WAG, TUC but TBC

___________________________________________________________________________________________ 
  

Date: 11/01/08

Organisation Name: Neath Port Talbot CBC

Project Description: Vision

‘A Region where equality of opportunity and access to high quality learning opportunities are guaranteed’

Mission Statement

The Regional Learning Partnership South West Wales will achieve its vision
by:
•    putting the needs of learners first by working together;
•    transforming the way learners access learning opportunities;
•    increasing the skills levels of learners in the region for the benefit
of the economy;
•    providing high quality and accessible learning opportunities for all in
support of personal aspirations;
•    providing creative and innovative solutions to learning and
•    promoting learning as part of our cultural, bi-lingual and social
heritage.

The Regional Learning Partnership (RLP) will bring together partners involved in all post-14 learning to ensure a co-ordinated, shared and planned approach across the region which is quality assured, demand-led and cost effective and which effectively contributes to a reduction in economic inactivity, improves the skills of the workforce and contributes to the delivery of a knowledge economy. Through the Partnership the project will identify and drive forward transformational change for post
14 learning. The Remit of RLPSWW is as follows:

Remit

The remit for the partnership is to ensure publicly funded learning providers and associated organisations work collaboratively, effectively and efficiently to meet the demand needs of learners, the regional economy and society in South West Wales.

Focussing on all age learning from 14 years upwards, the partnership will:
•    Develop a Strategic Planning Framework for all education and training
reflecting the needs of the region, government priorities and local delivery solutions;
•    Undertake research to identify training needs and solutions for a
vibrant knowledge economy;
•    Facilitate collaboration between providers and agencies in order to
optimise the utilisation of resources;
•    Utilise Convergence and potentially Trans-national Funding as a driver
for change and as means of adding value to core provision;
•    Focus on quality, efficiency and effectiveness;
•    Develop strategies and operation systems to underpin the operation of EU
funded projects;
•    Ensure that there is capacity to influence and to provide a regional
response to Welsh Assembly Government initiatives;
•    Achieve equality of opportunity for learners in a bilingual environment
and
•    Ensure that there is appropriate opportunity for progression at all
levels through to Higher Education.
•    Connect and fit with Community Strategies linking with Economic
Regeneration, Health and Wellbeing and Environment Strategies to progress and develop the Learning Agenda through a wider sphere.

These aims will be achieved by:
•    Establishing, or linking in with current groups/networks, Task & Finish
work groups, project teams and longer term Operational groups in, for
example:
-    Strategic Planning
-    14-19 Learning Pathways
-    Adult & Community Learning
-    Skills & Workforce Development including SSC liaison
-    Bilingual and Welsh Medium Provision
-    Quality
-    Project administration
-    Research & dissemination
•    Sharing information and the dissemination of good practice through
common staff development activities;
•    Sharing evaluation methodologies and quality systems and
•    Joint marketing and publicity initiatives;
•    The development and delivery of regional, strategic, EU funded projects
delivered locally and collaboratively by appropriate partnership teams operating within a contractual agreement with the lead partner.

Over time and with further development, the Partnership will aim to inform the restructuring and commissioning of provision of publicly funded training and education across South West Wales.

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This RLP Priority 4 project will develop the Regional Learning Partnership, to ensure it is fit for purpose, relevant and efficient for its partners and is able to provide a strategic steer and a transformational approach to meet the learning needs of the people in the South West Wales Region. Specifically it will:

    Develop & implement the RLPSWW concept and progress a shared
vision with clear roles and responsibilities;
    Develop & implement the RLPSWW governance structure with a clear
distinction between the planning & funding role and support a network of cross-sector learning providers;
    Build the capacity of partners of the RLPSWW to ensure that all
members are treated equally and able to contribute fully to strategic processes.
    Establish communication protocols and systems between and within
organisations;
    Promote the RLPSWW at a strategic level and clarify it’s position
to other partnerships, groups etc;
    Develop & implement quality and data collection systems;
    Develop & implement the systems and resources to support existing
partnerships towards sustainability;
    Develop & implement a long term strategy supplemented by annual
delivery plans;
    Facilitate transformational change to the empowerment and benefit
of learners.

Email Address: MRPhillips@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: South West Wales (Local Authority areas of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire & Swansea)

Organisation Core Business: Lead body = Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: The creation of the Regional Learning Partnership (RLP) will bring together all stakeholders in 14+ education and learning and aims, through collaborative working. Currently within the region there is a broad range of providers offering education and learning opportunities including 5 Local Authorities, 5 Colleges, 5 CVCs, 3 Universities, 2 Higher Education institutions, the WEA, private training providers and community based organisations, as well as other learning providers who are based outside but who reach into the region. This project will provide a regional strategic approach, based on a shared vision and planning, whilst retaining local delivery. The governance structure will ensure that all members of the partnership and all sectors are treated equally in any strategic process and decision making which will engender a spirit of trust and responsibility. Each of the 5 counties has a learning network, although the partners and the size varies. The focus will be on "Regional Strategic Planning - Local Delivery." The Regional Strategy will ensure a co-ordinated approach, enable best use of resources (including staff, training opportunities, marketing, use of data etc).

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Local citizens & communities and who access RLPSWW learning opportunities

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Swansea Bay- Waterfront and the Western Valleys

What might the outputs(activity measures): Dissemination and awareness raising of partnership work and good practice for Partner’s staff; Capacity building for staff and Managers (30 orgs x 5 staff + 20 orgs x 2 staff = 190); Total participants
(190) ; Dissemination initiatives (5); Establishing, or linking in with current groups/networks, to develop collaborative working and share best practice (5 new groups and 5 current groups); Joint Marketing and publicity initiatives; Sharing evaluation methodologies and quality systems; Multi-agency single entry point for learners in the Region

What might be the results of the project: Participants completing courses – employed (100); Developing appropriate benchmarks. Rationalisation of provision where appropriate; Secondment placements (3); Common, value for money, fee structure across the region; Relevant curriculum provided to meet local and regional employer needs; Use of technology to provide solutions; Collaborative agreements between public service bodies (3); Learner recruitment, progression and retention improved; Consistency of availability of opportunity for learners.

What would its impact be: Public service quality improvement; Making efficient and effective use of existing resources – human, physical and financial; Consistent and equality of provision for learners at all levels across the region; Contribution to local communities, business and the wider economy through enhanced skill levels of our citizens; Increase in public service efficiency (including reduced costs of service delivery); Value for money for learners at all levels across the region; Learners are empowered through more informed choices; Citizen satisfaction with public services.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: 5 counties

Estimated Cost: £2.5million over 6 years, tbc

Where might the match funding come from: Partners and DCELLS (under negotiation)

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