by badminme | Feb 6, 2018 | Members News, PPN News
Call for submissions: Southern Region’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PERIOD IS EXTENDED TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2018
Download the issues paper here: Southern Region’s Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy Issues Paper
Written Submissions are invited to be made by 5pm Friday 16th February 2018.
By Email: rses@southernassembly.ie
By Post: RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House O’Connell Street, Waterford, X91 K256
by badminme | Feb 2, 2018 | Members News, PPN News
Clare Public Participation Network wishes to recruit an experienced Office and Communications Manager (Part-Time)
Having been successfully established over the last three years Clare Public Participation Network is restructuring to assist with its further development. As a result Clare PPN now invites applications from positive, motivated and suitably qualified candidates for the above named role. This varied, challenging and responsible position will be part time 21 hours per week and the salary will be set at the first point of Local Authority Staff Officer Grade 5 (€41,213) pro-rata. This position will initially be offered for a 9 month contract with continuation after that point subject to successful completion of a six month probation period and the continuation of funding. It will be based in Ennis but may involve travel to all regions of County Clare and occasionally elsewhere. Evening and weekend work will be a feature of this position and candidates should take this into account when applying. Clare PPN will strive to provide a flexible working environment where possible.
Background:
Public Participation Networks were set up in each Local Authority area in Ireland as part of the Local Government Reform Act 2014. Clare Public Participation Network is an organisation of community and voluntary, environmental and social inclusion groups based in Clare. The network is funded jointly by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Clare County Council but is managed and directed by an elected nine person secretariat all of whom are members of community groups based in County Clare.
Clare PPN’s primary purpose is to provide for the formal participation of its member groups in local government decision making processes and forums. It also seeks to organise and offer training for its member groups which will strengthen and increase the variety of capacities and skills within the network and the county. Through its social media, website and newsletters Clare PPN acts as a hub for information for its member groups and the wider public. Clare PPN works from a human rights perspective towards social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Clare PPN is an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes applications from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities who meet the requirements of the position.
Objectives of this post:
The Office and Communications Manager for Clare PPN will be a self-starter who is able to take responsibility for all administrative and organisational aspects of Clare PPN. They will ensure that the organisation is financially sustainable and meets the highest levels of financial accountability towards its members and funders. They will ensure that Clare PPN has all essential policies in place and is compliant with all relevant legal requirements. They will assist the Secretariat of Clare PPN where required. They will prepare and administer an annual schedule of meetings and will assist with the organisation of public events and elections. They will be responsible for the maintenance of a database of members and for data protection of same. They will be responsible for the timely circulation of consultations and notices to the network and,in collaboration with Clare PPN’s Coordinator they will assist with the development of the organisation and with member engagement. Clare PPN is seeking a candidate who has a real interest in helping to sustain and grow a vibrant participative democracy in the County.
Duties will include the following:
- Accounting and financial management of Clare PPN.
- Managing payroll and travel and subsistence claims.
- Maintaining membership records and database.
- Providing reports to Clare PPN’s members, Clare County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
- Ensuring that Clare PPN is fully compliant with all legislative and governance obligations.
- Ensuring that Clare PPN has in place transparent, democratic procedures for all its functions and activities.
- Assisting in the development and implementation of progressive methods of facilitating participation by civil society in policy making.
- Managing communications including newsletter, social media and mainstream media.
- Maintaining an up to date website for Clare PPN.
- Dealing with members’ queries.
- Providing administrative support to Clare PPN secretariat and representatives as required.
- Providing administrative support to Clare PPN’s Coordinator as required.
- Event and project management.
- Representing Clare PPN at external events and or meetings.
- Collaborating with other community and voluntary organisations in Clare to make best use of the organisation’s resources/
- Leasing with Local Authority, Government and other state agencies as required.
Essential Skills / Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a high level of spoken and written English.
- Candidates must have a full clean driving license and use of a car.
- Candidates must have three or more years of experience in office management in the community and voluntary sector.
- Candidates must hold a recognised qualification in accounting/ bookkeeping.
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate a high level of IT skills including Microsoft Office, Social Media, WordPress and use of online consultancy and networking technology.
- Candidates must have a high level of communications skills and experience with report writing, media releases and creating online content.
Experience or qualifications in any of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Rural or community development
- Politics and local government
- Policy-making
- Working effectively with marginalised communities
- Environmental sustainability
- Communications and media
- Group facilitation
- Training
- Public relations
- Social enterprise
How to apply:
Please send a two page CV detailing how you meet the above requirements and a letter of application to: recruitmentclareppn@gmail.com on or before February 16th 2018.
by badminme | Jan 29, 2018 | Members News, PPN News
Monday 29th January 2018
Clare PPN notice of election / Call for nominations of candidates from our Social Inclusion member groups:
Clare PPN has a vacancy on its ‘Secretariat’ for a new member. The Secretariat is the voluntary board that manages the activities of Clare PPN for our member groups. This vacancy is only open to members of our social inclusion groups and only those groups can vote in this election (there is a list of eligible groups at the foot of this article). In order to strengthen Clare PPN’s knowledge and awareness of social inclusion issues we are hoping that a candidate will come forward who has experience of working well with groups who experience poverty or marginalisation for any reason (ethnicity, race, immigration status, age, ability, mental health etc etc) or who themselves has direct experience of being part of one of those communities. This is a great opportunity to help to ensure that Clare Public Participation Network is as good as it can be and it’s an exiting time to get involved. Clare PPN was set up successfully over the last three years in Clare and is now looking to build and develop for the future.
Candidates for the Social Inclusion vacancy must be nominated by a Social Inclusion organisation and it is only the Social Inclusion organisations which have a vote for this position. Each group can nominate one candidate and vote for one candidate. Experience in Social Inclusion policy would be desirable but a range of experience and diversity is welcome.
What will the person have to do as a member of the secretariat? The Secretariat meets six times per year in Ennis with travel and subsistence provided when necessary. It also devises the work plan and strategy for Clare PPN which come from both the official formal function the PPN has to deliver and the views of the member groups. The proposed duration of Secretariat membership is February 2018 to May 2019 (local elections) with the option to remain for a maximum of five years as decided by the secretariat as a whole.
How will this election work?
Nominations are open now and close on February 9th 2018.
Step one: In advance of nominating a candidate please make sure of the following:
- The person you are nominating is a member of a social inclusion group in Clare PPN
- The person you are nominating agrees to stand for the position and can make the required time commitment.
Step two: Nominate the chosen person by sending us an email to admin@clareppn.ie with the subject line Nomination for Social Inclusion Secretariat Seat on or before the deadline of February 9th 2018 In this email you must include the following:
- Your name and the name of the group you are nominating on behalf of.
- Your chosen candidate’s name, address, contact details and a short biography of their experience which we can share with all members.
Step three: Clare PPN will circulate the list of nominees to all members of Clare PPN’s social inclusion college via email and members will then be allowed to vote for their chosen candidate by return email. The election will be completed on or before Wednesday 20th February and the person with the highest number of votes will be elected. Please note that even if you nominate a candidate you will also need to cast a vote once the list of nominees has been finalised.
Any questions related to this or to the role of a secretariat member can be directed to Sarah on 087 1617375
Email your nominations to admin@clareppn.ie on or before February 9th 2018.
List of eligible groups for nominating candidates and voting in this election:
- Redeem Christian Church of God
- Haven Horizons
- The Willow Counselling Centre
- Camphill Community Mountshannon
- Obair Social Inclusion Project
- Arás Mhuire Housing Association Ltd
- West Clare Community & Education Centre Ltd
- Brothers of Charity Clare
- Ennis Mental Health Association
- West Clare Family Resource Centre
- Ennis & Clare Samaritans
- Hype Youth Group
- Clare Citizen Information Service
- North West Clare Family Resource Centre
- Inagh Housing Association Ltd
- District Day Care Centre
- Shannon Active Retirement Association
- Friends of Ennistymon Hospice Co
- Multicultural Council of Ireland
- Clare Network of NCPD
- Clare Women’s Network
- Society of St Vincent de Paul, Clarecastle
- Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic
- Shannon Family Resource Centre
- Cuan an Chláir
- NCPD-THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR (THE STATUS OF) PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LTD
- Inis Housing Association Ltd
- Clare Haven Services
- Clarecare
- Association for Nigerian community in clare
- Employability Clare
- Clare Immigrant Support Centre
- Fishbowl Youth
- Polish Irish Association
- Clare Older People’s Forum
- Caring for Carers Ireland
- Clare Center for Independent Living.
- Clare Youth Service
- Tulla (Clare) Reaching Out
- Seeking Vision Ltd
- Clare Accessible Transport
- Killaloe/Ballina Community & Family Resource Centre
- Clare Citizens Information Service
- Clare Housing Action Group
- Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC Clare)
by badminme | Jan 22, 2018 | Members News, National, PPN News
Seán Kyne, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment today (20/12/1/17) announced the publication of the First Annual Report of the National Public Participation Network (PPN) Advisory Group.
The Advisory Group, which was established in early 2016 on foot of recommendations of the Working Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government, has the job of advising and supporting the Department of Rural and Community Development in the operation and development of the PPNs.
In June of this year, each PPN was required to complete an Annual Report in respect of its activities in 2016 – their first full year of operation. The completion of the report was a joint effort by both the PPNs and the local authorities and was designed to capture specific non personal data and certain indicators relating to the activities of the PPN.
The Minister remarked that this report “was itself clear evidence to the tremendous work that has been undertaken by PPNs in such a very short space of time”. PPNs have now been established in all local authority areas with some 12,000 organisations registered with them by the beginning of 2017 with all indications showing the PPNs continued to grow in the last twelve months.
The report contains a number of recommendations which will be considered by the National Advisory Group and reported on to the Department of Rural & Community Development.
The Minister concluded by saying that “PPNs, are the future. They are the main link through which the local authority connects with the community, voluntary, environmental and social inclusion sectors and they are uniquely placed to bring a diversity of voices and interests to the decision making process. I would encourage those organisations who have not yet signed up to their local PPN to do so as soon as possible in order to ensure that their voice is heard and that they play a role in the future development of their Public Participation Network.”
You can read the report here: reportonppns2016
by badminme | Jan 19, 2018 | Members News, PPN News
Income and Expenditure year ended 31st December 2017
| Income |
|
|
| Grants |
80,000.00 |
|
| Other income |
1.077.81 |
|
| Total income |
81,077.81 |
|
| Expenses |
|
|
| Salaries |
42,024.08 |
|
| Office rental & hosting |
6,970.00 |
|
| Training |
8,059.63 |
|
| Travel and Sub (reps and employees) |
4,592.24 |
|
| Equipment |
1,114.79 |
|
| Telephone |
268.38 |
|
| Advertising |
1,538.26 |
|
| IT support |
1,119.67 |
|
| Meeting and events |
6,167.46 |
|
| Sundry (Printing, office and bank fees) |
914.06 |
|
| Insurance |
626.00 |
|
| Admin support |
4,200.00 |
|
| Total expenses |
77,594.57 |
|
|
|
|
by badminme | Jan 19, 2018 | Current, Members News, PPN News, SPC for Social Development
Creative Ireland Clare – Focus Group, January 16th 2018 Lead by Deirdre Enright
I was invited to attend the above focus group as a representative of Clare PPN last week. We received short notice of the invitation and so I asked on social media if there was anything in particular that people wanted raised at the focus group- here’s how I got on and what I learned-
The first thing to say was that this focus group was about how Creative Ireland Clare might achieve its aims in 2018. Creative Ireland is a national initiative which was started as a result of the perceived success of the 1916 100 anniversary commemorations around the country- as I remember the idea behind it was to try and capture the energy and enthusiasm for events at local level organised by communities and local authorities into something lasting which could build on culture and community for everyone’s benefit. More on Creative Ireland here https://creative.ireland.ie/en
Part of Creative Ireland’s plan involved setting up Creative Ireland Teams in all local authority areas which include Arts office staff, Library Staff, Heritage Staff, Rural and Social Development Staff and others. Last year’s Creative Ireland Clare Plan is here https://creative.ireland.ie/en/local-plans/clare
The purpose of this focus group seemed to be to examine how Clare County Council’s Creative Ireland Team and in particular the Arts Office could best use the funds available to help make the arts thrive in Clare. The total funding per county for Creative Ireland is €94,000 this year. This does not include local government funding for the arts or arts council funding etc it is just a Creative Ireland fund. Creative Ireland has also got an ambitious plan to enhance arts and cultural participation in schools but that is funded separately to the general Local Authority Fund.
The discussions were on the need for arts infrastructure, for artists to be supported with places to make large works, for the money to go directly to artists, for the money to be used to help provide professional arts staff who might be able to support artists/festivals in getting work done and made.
Because it was a focus group rather than a strategy session things were more brainstormed than decided upon but in an attempt to sum up the main themes of the discussion or the main points of agreement-
Clare could do with a creative hub or space where people could make work and network –an arts place.
The arts and cultural scene in Clare has a severe lack of human infrastructure- staff paid in sustainable positions to promote and develop the arts in Clare – and to help artists and festivals with the business of keeping themselves working- funding, grant applications, promotions, work spaces etc. The Arts Office has only one full time staff member and so growing the arts and being available and accessible to people county wide is a huge ask at this level of staffing.
The arts office could also do with its own dedicated website separate from Clare County Council’s main page. This would help it communicate, promote arts events and be more accessible to people in the county.
Clare needs to ensure that artists can where possible earn sustainable livelihoods in Clare and that those who are from the county and leave for university or to go further afield are included in the artistic life of the county where possible –so attention should be paid to artists living and working in Clare and to the internal and international diaspora many of whom are engaged in the arts.
A suggestion was also made to investigate the possibilities of corporate supports such as businesses that might want an artist in residence etc as a way of putting arts at the core of life in Clare.
The focus group concluded with that with the next step being for Deirdre Enright the consultant to collate the findings from all the sectoral focus groups they conducted and to help draft a creative Ireland programme for 2018 from it.
This is not the County Arts Development Plan 2018 – although some issues raised at the focus groups may be reflected in that plan. Apparently there will be consultation on that in the near future- I will keep you posted if I hear anything about that.
