Perth and Kinross
Community Transport Group
Minute of Meeting on 31st
March 2008
Venue: The Learning Centre, Kinross.
Present:
Norman Jarvie (NDJ)
Chairman PKCTG
Jim Gibb (JG)
Treasurer PKCTG
Morna Calcott (MC)
Kinross Volunteer Group & Rural Outreach Scheme
Kelvin Reay (KR)
Kinross Volunteer Group & Rural Outreach Scheme
Kathleen
Coffey (KC)
WRVS
Donald Isles (DI)
Pitlochry Senior Citizens
Neill Aitken (NA)
On behalf of Comrie Driving Service
Niall Moran (NM)
P&K Public Transport Unit
Jane Laahs
(JL)
NHS Voluntary Services Manager
Angela Prescott (RDW)
RDW PKCTG
Apologies
Ann Munro
Kinross Volunteer Group & Rural Outreach Scheme
Sue Sadler
PKCTG
Isobel Watson
Pitlochry Senior Citizens
Ashley Kennedy
Alyth Youth Partnership
Richard McDermid
Capability Scotland
Liz Lines
Aberfeldy
Hospital Cars
Roger Clare
Compass Christian Centre
Karen Thomson
Macmillan House
Frank Muggridge
Strathcare
1.
Welcome and apologies for absence
The Chairman
welcomed those attending and apologies were noted.
2.
Minute of the previous meeting held 28th January 2008
The minute was proposed by JG and seconded by MC.
3.
Matters arising
a) Community Car Association
The group agreed it would appear sensible to bring PKCTG and CCA meetings together as their work is now
complementary. This will happen after the AGM in May. The public liability and employers liability insurance cover is now
in place for groups from 1.4.08 to 31.3.09; however there is still work to do to illustrate the benefits of the CCA to clients
and organisers. The CCA still needs to promote itself and planning for the public launch (delayed due to funding uncertainty)
will now take place. P&K Council have been helpful refining objectives and there is now a new flyer with a central theme
– the autonomy of groups is sacrosanct.
JL offered her congratulations to PKCTG for their perseverance and added that other groups may have failed
to achieve such an objective.
NDJ stated that he is conscious that some groups may conceive the CCA to be a take over bid and is keen
to allay any fears. NA confirmed that this is the perception in Comrie and that there is concern with regards to letters to
the Comrie Surgery from the Community Health Partnership. He is seeking assurance at the meeting that such letters would not
be sent again and that the CCA is NOT a take over bid attempt by the NHS and Local Authorities. Both JL and NDJ stated categorically
that this is not the case and that the autonomy of all groups will be respected. NDJ
also stated the objective of the CCA is to be a beneficial resource for all groups and to help develop new groups. NDJ asked
NA to take this information back to the Comrie Group and offered to meet with those concerned and show the powerpoint presentation,
to those interested. The CCA has been promoted in the new Crieff and Comrie Quair, in the Breadalbane Quair (courtesy of Liz
Lines) and on the PKAVS notice board.
b) Meetings with Andrew Warrington and John Berry
Monthly discussions are still taking place which are proving positive. A clearer picture is emerging
of the Local Authority future funding position.
c) Projector
The JIT money has now been received and the laptop purchased. NDJ now intends to purchase the projector.
The group supported this and suggested a budget of £450. The need to promote the CCA using display boards was also raised
and agreement was given to purchase.
Action: Chair
and RDW to purchase the projector and investigate prices for display boards.
Other matters
1(c) Disclosure consultation
Due to work load, PKCTG did not formulate a response to this. The CTA also failed to respond however
DI informed the group that Pitlochry Senior Citizens have responded direct.
4.
Treasurer’s Report
Funding
The £7,500 JIT money has now been received. The balance at 30.3.08 was £8365 (inc JIT.) With £587.50
rent still to pay; this illustrates the crucial situation of PKCTG funding. JG thanked NDJ for his help securing the emergency
payment from the SAS. PKCTG should receive a payment of £6K from PKC early April (existing agreement in place since 2005)
and JG hopes to present the 08/09 budget at the AGM. NDJ stated that PKC will do their best to find funds to help PKCTG. PKCTG
needs £27,000 per year for 08/09 and hopes to receive two further payments of £6K in 08/09. JG no longer needs to break down
expenditure per project as RDW has amended recording procedures to include this. The current RDW contract expires today and
it was agreed to offer the RDW a further 6 month contract.
Action: JG to formulate
the RDW contract.
5.
RDW Report
The RDW provided a written report on activities between 29.1.08 and 28.3.08, with the development of
the CCA featuring heavily. A drop in the number of annual enquiries was reported
i.e. 114 in 06/07 and 95 in 07/08. The popularity of the website could explain this with 304 hits in just 8 weeks. The RDW participated in DDA Training and PKCTG currently fulfil their obligation to provide accessible
information. Information is available on our website which can be viewed or enlarged and downloaded/printed. Permission to
uplift Getting Around leaflets to the website has been obtained from the printer.
Change of name
It was agreed that the title RDW (Rural Development Worker) requires updating. AP will now be known as
the CDW (Community Development Worker)
Workload
PKCTG have exceeded the MIDAS training target.
CTA Meeting 5.3.08
This was attended by Sue Sadler. Sue provided notes with the suggestion that PKCTG support the CTA. SS
has responded to the Draft TACTRAN Strategy however did not adopt the PKCTG letterhead as lack of time prevented consultation
with groups.
6.
Chairman’s Report – Relationships
The Chairman stated that he is aware he inherited a well-funded organisation
with a significant national presence although he has had to retract PKCTG activities in the past 6-9 months. Responsibility for attending meetings has been
shared. He stated his intent to re-establish links with groups PKCTG co-operate with; however attendance at meetings should
be selective and relevant.
Transport with Care
NDJ has found these meetings useful and will raise the double indemnity issue at the next meeting.
Community Transport Association
The CTA remain a useful resource although their direction appears unsure. PKCTG will try to support the
CTA where appropriate.
TACTRAN and P&K Council
PKCTG will be continue to be involved although attendance at meetings will be selective. The situation
should develop as the funding situation improves.
KR spoke in favour of funding being handled by Local Authorities and that he feels there was now a more
direct local link, rather than engaging with RCTI staff in Edinburgh.
There appears to be uncertainty regarding the future of TACTRAN and NM confirmed that TACTRAN will not be a service delivery
agency, but will operate at a strategic level.
7.
Business Plan/PQASSO
NDJ intends to undertake Quality Assurance however Social Audit will not be adopted. PQASSO is the chosen
scheme and both the Chair and RDW have received training. The timescale is dependant on RDW workload and availability. The
PKCTG business plan will need re-writing
Action: RDW and
Chair to formulate the new business plan.
8.
Reports to Perth and Kinross Council
PKCTG have agreed to submit a two monthly, written, progress report to PKC regarding PKCTG and CCA activities
as they are now the main funder.
9.
Third Sector Support
The Voluntary Sector is the third sector and £30million of support has been allocated by Scottish Government.
This will provide increased flexibility for local organisations and enables local authority savings to be kept locally.
KR spoke in favour of John Swinney and his support for the Voluntary Sector, stating he is able, approachable
and provides useful local support.
10. AOCB
a) Lunch subsistence
There does not appear to be a protocol or guideline in place regarding lunch subsistence for DATs. It
was agreed to create guidelines incorporating a £4 allowance.
Action: RDW to
prepare guidelines
b) PKCTG Information and Advice Policy
To receive professional indemnity insurance PKCTG have to provide their Information and Advice Policy
to the insurer. NDJ and RDW are re-drafting the current policy.
Action: RDW to
circulate draft policy to members when available.
c) New Hospital Link
NM presented leaflets for the new PRI to Ninewells bus service.
Action: RDW to
add the information to the PKCTG Website
11. Date
of next Meeting
The next Meeting will be the PKCTG AGM which is scheduled for 31st May 2008 which is a bank
holiday. It was agreed to invite John Swinney as the key note speaker. The date and venue of the AGM will therefore depend
on the availability of the MSP.
Action: RDW to coordinate arrangements and update members.
