Perth and Kinross Community Transport Group

Minute of Meeting on 26^th November 2007

Venue: The Green Room, Capability Scotland, Isla Road, Perth.

Present:

Norman Jarvie (NDJ)                

Chairman PKCTG

Jim Gibb (JG)                           

Treasurer PKCTG

Frank Muggridge (FM)              

Strathcare

Morna Calcott (MC)                           

Kinross Volunteer Group & Rural Outreach Scheme

Ann Munro (AM)                       

Kinross Volunteer Group & Rural Outreach Scheme

Neill Aitken (NA)                       

On behalf of Comrie Hospital Cars

James Robertson (JR)              

Perth Access Cars

Niall Moran (NM)                      

P&K Public Transport Unit

Louise Moran                           

HPCP

Angela Prescott (RDW)             

RDW PKCTG

Apologies

Kathleen Coffey                       

WRVS

Carla Donnachie                       

Scottish Ambulance Service

Sue Sadler                               

PKCTG

Donald Isles                             

Pitlochry Senior Citizens

Isobel Watson                          

Pitlochry Senior Citizens

Eileen Colley                             

Alyth Meigle and District and Samaritans Association

Ashley Kennedy                        

Alyth Youth Partnership

Richard McDermid                    

Capability Scotland

1.      Welcome and apologies

The Chairman welcomed those attending and apologies were noted.

2.      Minute of the previous meeting held 17^th September 2007

The minute was proposed by Jim Gibb and seconded by Neill Aitken

3.      Matters arising

Item 5 (ii) JG confirmed that the RCTI account has now been closed.

4.      Treasurers report

The Treasurer produced a printed handout illustrating that PKCTG are well on track with the annual budget. With reference to the availability of funds from the Joint Improvement Team, a bid for £7,000 has been made by PKCTG. It was felt that this amount was a realistic figure needed to progress the formation of the Community Car Association (CCA). The Treasurer confirmed that he is happy to assume the extra work that the CCA will produce.

5.      RDW report

The RDW provided a paper report on her activities.

NA asked for clarification with regard to an article in a Crieff publication regarding applying for funds and future arrangements.

Action:        RDW to consult PKAVS and feedback to NA.

The RDW report included updated information on the current RTP and funding situation.

The Chairman expressed commitment to the CCA along with his concern that P&K Council may perceive the RDW to be a Council employee. The RDW is accountable to the PKCTG Management Committee only and not the Council. The use of funds allocated will be monitored by the Council. The Chairman also stated that at any talks which may take place between the RDW and the Council, it would be advantageous for another member of the EC to be present to ensure an accurate record of the proceedings.

6.      Chairman’s Report

The Chairman confirmed the role of PKCTG as having focus on local issues and new developments. PKCTG do not have a Vice-Chair at the moment. JG identified why PKCTG require a Vice-Chair, (constitutionally and in case of grievance) and Niall Moran agreed to fill this vacancy.

Following concern over the number of meetings, NDJ proposed a change in the meeting arrangements.  Rather than have six group meetings per year and additional officers meetings, he proposed that five meetings per year take place, including the AGM, and that an Executive Committee (EC) be formed to deal with business outside these dates. The EC will consist of the Chairman, Treasurer, Vice Chair and RDW. The constitution allows for such an arrangement. This was acceptable to those present and these changes will be adopted in 2008. The Chairman stated that this would not result in any reduction of contact with the committee and that lines of communication remain firmly open.

The new PKCTG Logo was presented and approved by the group. This common logo will be replicated on letter heads, car stickers etc.

Discussion topics

Funding of PKCTG

The RDW met with Sue Sadler on 23.11.07 and will be examining eligibility criteria for 3 lottery grants, 3 Ultd grants, Volunteering Scotland and the Council in the near future. This was seen as a priority for the Group.

Action:        NDJ to contact Sue Sadler to identify timescales etc.

The Community Car Association

P&K Council have offered to pay for the CCA leaflet and wish the Councils contribution to be acknowledged. The leaflet requires minor script changes which will be made by the EC and the new logo incorporated.

The Council and Chairman are in favour of a public launch in late January 2008 with invitations to local politicians, the Provost and the media.

The CCA will require a work programme to deal with the publicity, protocols, best practice, procedures, guidelines etc.

Action:        RDW to meet with NDJ and JG to discuss.

The Chairman and RDW have been invited to attend the KVGROS EGM on 8^th January 2008. This invitation has been accepted.

It was noted that the Council have received a complaint from a taxi operator that volunteer drivers are getting preferential treatment. AM and NA stated they have good relations with local taxi operators.

The Chairman proposed meeting those with issues regarding the CCA to inform and placate their concerns. The EC will approach taxi operators, Stagecoach etc and those who may feel that volunteer drivers are in competition with commercial operators.

The Chairman has agreed to meet with Andrew Warrington on a monthly basis.

Section 19 holders

There are 253 Section 19 holders in P&K who could be targeted by PKCTG. The list held by PKCTG dates back to 2006 and NM informed the group that many of those on the list registered in order to access Council minibuses.

8.      2008 Meeting dates

The following dates were set for PKCTG Meetings in 2008:

28^th January 2008

24^th March 2008

26^th May 2008 (AGM)

1^st September 2008

24^th November 2008

9.      AOCB

a)      PQASSO    

PKCTG have previously used the Social Audit process for evaluation, and although expensive was productive and effective. Both NDJ and RDW have received PQASSO training which is a practical quality assurance scheme for small organisations. The Chairman is confident that PKCTG can introduce PQASSO Levels 1 and possibly 2 at zero cost. He proposed, with the approval of the Committee, that this be the preferred method of assessment in future.

b)      Website     

The website is one year old this week with 827 “hits” to date.

Action:        RDW to update the website with the new logo.

c)      Projector/Laptop

With the increased publicity associated with the CCA, there may be a need for PKCTG to have their own laptop and projector for presentations etc.

Action:        RDW to approach Awards for all to remove the CCA brochure from the agreement and substitute with projector/laptop.

d)      Park for all Conference

Following the recent “Park for all” conference in the Cairngorm National Park, Sue Sadler (in her absence) informed the group that there would be support to promote and co-ordinate any CT services that come into the area.

e)      Disclosures

There is currently a Scottish Government Consultation process taking place with regard to Disclosures.

Action:        RDW to forward details and provide link to the relevant site.

10.    Date of next meeting

Jim Gibb proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman and the date of the next meeting will be 28^th January. The time, venue and agenda will be advised at a later date.