EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL GRANTS COMMITTEE - 8 MAY 2014 AFFILIATIONS TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS 2014/2015

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1 EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL GRANTS COMMITTEE - 8 MAY 2014 S TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS Report by the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Support 1. PURPOSE OF REPORT 1.1 To invite the Committee to consider the background, aims and objectives, and activities of those organisations which have sought association with, and affiliation of, the Council. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 As an annual process, consideration is given to all Service Department and Council affiliations. 2.2 In order to consider the affiliations as a strategic package, all Departments have been requested to submit their recommendations for. The requests for affiliations are outlined in Appendix I. 3. CONSIDERATION OF S 3.1 Affiliations can be considered, in principle, taking account of applications that have not been confirmed, and ensuring that Directors have included the estimated cost in their budget. The estimated cost shown in the Appendix may therefore fluctuate slightly as some groups have still to confirm their affiliation fees for. 3.2 Information on the value for money and benefits to the Council in affiliating to these organisations is detailed in column 6 of the Appendix. 4. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 4.1 The appended list includes fees and, where available, information on venue and frequency of meetings as this would have financial implications for the Council. 4.2 The recommending Service Departments would normally be responsible for payment of the affiliation and have confirmed that they are able to pay for the affiliations within existing budgets. 4.3 Where affiliations are corporate, the costs will be allocated across the benefiting Departments.

2 5. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Where appropriate, Service Departments would seek the necessary legal advice. 6. POLICY IMPLICATIONS 6.1 The purpose of submitting the affiliations as a whole package is to ensure that the Council can consider the relative merits of all affiliations in relation to Council Strategies and Policies. 7. COMMUNITY PLANNING IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Affiliation to various outside organisations support the guiding principles of the Community Plan. 8. S 8.1 Committee is asked to:- (i) (ii) consider and approve or otherwise the applications, as detailed in Appendix I and; thereafter, agree that the appropriate Departments make payment of the affiliation fees to those approved organisations. Alex McPhee Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Support 15 January 2014 JMcG/SR LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS - NIL Any person wishing further information on this report should contact Bill Walkinshaw, Head of Democratic Services on Telephone Number (01563) Implementation Officer: Julie McGarry, Administration Manager.

3 APPENDIX 1 S TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS S AND BENEFITS TO THE COUNCIL IN SUBSCRIBING/AFFILIATING NAME DESCRIPTION OF 1. Ayrshire Occupational Health and Safety Group 2. Association for Project Safety Local group which aims to Not Applicable Chief Executive s Office promote best practice in Health and Safety procedures. This is the most widely recognised and assessed professional register available for construction projects within the UK. This register has been cited as an example of competence within the CDM Regulations Approved Code of Practice published by the Health and Safety Executive. Corporate membership Individual membership (To qualify for Corporate Membership a team member must also be registered individually). Corporate membership Individual membership (To qualify for Corporate Membership a team member must also be registered individually). Not Applicable This group meets on a monthly basis and comprises of safety professionals from a number of private and public organisations throughout the area. The purpose of the group is to share good practice with input from HSE, and promote professional development. Affiliation recommended by the Depute Chief Executive. Chief Executive s Office Membership and registration of CDM-C sets standards and promotes best practice in the contraction, design and Health and Safety disciplines. Affiliation recommended by the Depute Chief Executive.

4 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 3. National To represent the interests Cllrs McDill and Department of Finance & Corporate Support Association of of Elected Members of Menzies The NAC is a unique organisation as it is the only all Councillors Local Authorities party organisation run by Elected Members, for throughout Britain. Elected Members. The organisation seeks to promote and enhance the role of Councillors and help them to be as effective as possible in carrying out their responsibilities. The organisation offers legal advice, education at a reasonable cost and advice on insurance etc. All serving Councillors in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible to join. The benefits of affiliation are the ability to:- represent and further the interests of Elected Members; provide a Forum for Elected Members to discuss items of common interest and exchange information and ideas and disseminate information; provide training and education for Elected Members; and consult with Central Government and devolved centres of power on the enhancement of the status of Elected Members. The annual subscription is 16 per member. Finance and Corporate Support.

5 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 4. CIPFA Directors of Membership available to 1, , Not Applicable Department of Finance & Corporate Support Finance Section Proper Finance Officer from each Council. Benefit of regular contact with Chief Finance Officers 5. Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland Consultation activity, research, information sharing, good practice exchange. Access to electronic benchmarking data for all UK Councils. Provision of training, education and dissemination of information on environmental health issues in Scotland Not Applicable from all Councils. Close links to CIPFA, Audit Scotland and CoSLA. Influences national issues including grant distribution and accounting regulations. Allows sharing of best practice. Provides detailed benchmarking information for all Scottish and UK Councils. Considered to represent value for money. Finance and Corporate Support. Department of Finance & Corporate Support The Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland is a recognised national and international professional body for Environmental Health Officer and technical staff, providing a knowledge, education and training base for Environmental Health in Scotland. High standards of professional practice and conduct are promoted by the Institute on behalf of Environmental Health Officers in Scotland including chartered status. Subsidised and sometimes free seminars and training are offered to members of the Institute throughout the year. Voting rights are provided at the AGM. Member forums and discussion provided a platform for professional dialogue and decision with input into Scottish Government workgroups. Finance and Corporate Support.

6 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 6. Fairtrade (New Affiliation) The Forum works to help N/A Not Applicable Department of Finance and Corporate Support make Scotland a nation Scotland has recently achieved Fair Trade Nation which is a global leader in status. challenging global poverty and recognises the dignity The Forum is made up of individuals and and rights of producers organisations that support the Scottish Fair Trade through a commitment to movement. fairness in International trade As a member, the Council will receive regular e- newsletter updating us about Fair Trade activities across the country, have access to the support and resources of the Forum and receive invitations to the annual Campaign Day, AGM and other special events. The Council last year assisted with setting up a local Fairtrade Steering Group and the information from the Forum will be communicated to the local group to assist them with their activities. Finance and Corporate Support.

7 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 7. Prestwick Airport Consultative Committee 8. Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry The Committee represents Cllr Cook(Cllr Bell, Department of Neighbourhood Services users and others affected Substitute) by the airport, established under the provision of statute. ACCI is an organisation representing the interests of business, providing a range of services from training to representation and lobbying. ACCI is an important partner in the Ayrshire Economic Partnership Not Applicable Airports have a legal requirement to have a Consultative Committee of local interests, which is independent of the airport operators, but on which they have a place. The Airport is strategically important to the economic prospects in our area and the recent intervention by the Scottish Government enhances the need for active participation in the Consultative Committee. Department of Neighbourhood Services Given the importance of the Council s relationship with the business community in the area, both on an individual basis and also on a collective basis, through representative organisations such as the ACCI and the Federation of Small Businesses, it is recommended that membership of the ACCI be maintained.

8 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 9. The Industrial Communities Alliance 10. SLAED: Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Officers (administered through SCDI) UK wide organisation to 3, , Cllrs McDill and Department of Neighbourhood Services promote the economic and Menzies social regeneration of former coalfield and industrial undergoing transition. areas significant Association of Economic Development Officers from all Local Authorities in Scotland. Undertakes research, consultative and representative roles in relation to the economic development function Not Applicable The Industrial Communities Alliance is a national organisation that has a strong track record of successful lobbying on behalf of industrial communities at European, UK and Scottish Government levels. The Alliance has been particularly active in negotiations relating to the new map of Assisted Areas, EU Structural Funds and the distribution of lottery funds all of which will be of benefit to EAC. Department of Neighbourhood Services SLAED is the professional network for economic development officers and in which each of the 32 councils in Scotland participates. SLAED is recognised by both Scottish Government and by COSLA, with whom it works in close partnership, as an important consultative and advisory body.

9 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 11. West of Scotland European Forum 12. Local Authority Building Standards in Scotland Member Authorities 4, , Cllr Reid (Cllr Department of Neighbourhood Services working together to Cook, Substitute) maximise the benefits of European policies and funding programmes in the West of Scotland and to raise the profile of the European activities of the Member Councils both within the region and externally. National association promoting quality and efficiency in Building Standards Not Applicable WoSEF has affiliated to the ICA (see 9 above) to maximise the synergies between the activities of the 2 groups. There will be further rationalisation between WoSEF and ICA in the next financial year given the extent of overlap, further added to by an EU Sub-Group within Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Group and an EU remit within CoSLA. The Council s affiliation to the Forum will be reviewed following rationalisation. Department of Neighbourhood Services Membership of LABSS provides the Council with:- A forum for the discussion and promotion of local authority Building Standards and allied matters and, where necessary, to promote action. Promotes uniformity of interpretation and application for the Building Acts Building Standards and all relevant legislation. Assists in maintaining, administer, and promote a Scottish Type Approval Scheme [STAS]. Promotes the training and expertise of local authority Building Standards professionals. All Councils now on board.

10 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 13. West Coast Rail ROSPA (Road Safety) Membership is from both Cllr McDill (Cllr Department of Neighbourhood Services the private and public Buchanan, sector. The organisation Substitute) works closely with the All- Party Parliamentary Group on the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line and consider the needs of communities and commerce on the rail network. To promote road safety Not Applicable There is benefit in maintaining the affiliation to West Coast Rail 250 particularly in relation to the recently announced high speed rail link from London to Birmingham being extended north. All 12 West Coast Councils in Scotland are affiliated, with West Coast Rail 250. West Coast rail 250 will lobby for the high speed rail link to be extended to the West of Scotland. Department of Neighbourhood Services RoSPA provides road safety information, access to road safety resources and discounts for educational resources and road safety courses. This also gives the opportunity for practitioners to share best practice. Most of RoSPA s road safety work in Scotland is funded by a grant from the Scottish Government's Transport Directorate, and aims to contribute towards the achievement of the Scottish Government s Road Safety Framework and National Strategic Objectives. An important role is the provision of reliable and wellresearched information along with independent advice.

11 NAME DESCRIPTION OF Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services 15. SUSTRANS Cycling organisation which develops and creates safe pathways for cycling and walking. SUSTRANS provides a wide range of advisory and promotional information on cycling and an opportunity for grant funding for Active/Sustainable travel options. Sustainable travel and in particular cycling is a key policy of the Scottish Government. Scottish Government allocates funding for projects to SUSTRANS to disperse. Roads and Transportation along with Countryside Services make bids annually to SUSTRANS for various streams of funding forcycleways/paths. Over the last 5 years the Council has been successful in obtaining almost 0.5M of funding from SUSTRANS. The most recent funding is the Short Links Fund to which a bid has been made for three projects.

12 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 16. Road Safety West of Scotland Organisation of Local 2, , Cllr Cook (Cllr Department of Neighbourhood Services Authorities in the West of McDill, Substitute) Scotland, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire & Rescue to promote road safety. The fee is a contribution to a shared service approach to raising public awareness about key road safety issues across the West of Scotland, through education and training programmes, event organisation, extensive PR activity and advertising campaigns. These have contributed to the successful reduction in road accidents in East Ayrshire. The organisation is supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, the 11 other West of Scotland local authorities, SPT, the Strathclyde Camera Partnership, and Transerv/Transport Scotland. The Forum allows Members and road safety practitioners in the West of Scotland to share experience and good practice; facilitates joint working between neighbouring authorities and provides significant economies of scale when purchasing road safety materials and developing road safety campaigns.

13 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 17. Society of Chief It is a strategic body Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services Officers of comprising of SCOTS actively influences important aspects of Transportation in transportation transportation at the highest levels in Scottish Scotland (SCOTS) professionals from all the Government by responding to consultations from 32 councils and the seven Government, providing advice on legislation as it is regional transport developed or implemented, advising COSLA, local partnerships. The society's authorities and stakeholders. Another key way in work involves improving which this is achieved is by communicating the performance and important role of transportation in the current financial innovation in the design, climate and dealing with the related issues of delivery and maintenance sustainability such as economic, environmental and of transportation systems. social factors. 18. Ayrshire Timber Transport Group (ATTG) The main objectives of the Group are to:- maintain under review the routes used within Ayrshire for the transportation of timber; review future timber sourcing locations and associated infrastructure implications; secure through collaboration best management practice for timber haulage operations; discuss local timber transport issues. 1, , Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services The ATTG meets every three months with representatives from East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, woodland owners, hauliers and end users. The funding is East Ayrshire Council s contribution to the post of a full time Timber Transport officer, based in Dumfries. This provides invaluable liaison between local authorities and the timber industry. The funding level is proportionate to the level of timber transport in the authority area, with Dumfries and Galloway paying the majority of the costs.

14 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 19. Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland 20. SHELTER (Scotland) To provide training 1, , Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services courses covering a wide syllabus. Aims to eradicate homelessness by pursuing short-term measures and long-term measures to improve housing system Not Applicable The Chartered Institute is the nationally recognised professional body for the housing sector within Scotland, with good access to Scottish Government. The Council s funding supports the Institute s professional and advisory roles in respect of national housing issues and policies, together with delivery of relevant training programmes to housing professionals and elected members. The Council receives direct benefit in the form of access to free training events and indirect benefit in respect of the published guidance and good practice advice produced by the Institute. Department of Neighbourhood Services The Council s funding supports Shelter s national campaigning and advocacy role together with relevant training programmes. The Council benefits from published guidance and good practice advice produced by SHELTER.

15 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 21. Scottish Community Safety Network 22. Ayrshire Association of Businesswomen Co-ordinates and Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services stimulates the work of community safety in Scotland. The Association was established in 1994 to provide a forum for local women in business to exchange ideas and information. Members come from a variety of sectors and industries Not Applicable The Council s funding supports the activities of the national network to promote community safety in Scotland. The Council receives indirect benefit from the networks coordinating role which helps to share best practice and promotes joint working between all agencies including Scottish Government. In view if the importance of community safety within the East Ayrshire Community Planning Framework, continuation of this affiliation is recommended. Department of Neighbourhood Services Opportunities and benefits include networking opportunities with business women throughout Scotland; to create business links with companies across the country; PR opportunities within the newsletters and websites. The affiliation fee entitles the Council to become a corporate member of the Association. This would entitle 4 staff to attend each of their monthly events at members rates (members 20.00; non members 25.00). Meetings are normally held locally in Irvine. Costs retained at current level.

16 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 23. Scottish Housing The Scottish Housing Best 8, , Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services Best Value Value Network is a The Scottish Housing Best Value Network facilitates a Network (SHBVN) benchmarking group full range of benchmark activities on an annual basis. consisting of 30 Scottish East Ayrshire Council re-joined the SHBVN in 2012 to Local Authorities and support the Council s commitment to report on the several Scottish Scottish Social Housing Charter indicators in 2013/14, Registered Social in order to respond to the impact of Welfare Reforms Landlords including being introduced in 2013 through analysis of best Glasgow Housing practice and process benchmarking and to support the Association. The SHBVN Council s responsibilities in respect of factoring supports performance and legislation. The SHBVN supports a number of process benchmarking, functional sub-groups to share best practice and lobby peer review activities. the Scottish Government on topics of common interest. These subgroups cover areas such as Housing Management, Homelessness, Housing Support, Local Housing Strategy, Common Housing Register, Private Sector Housing and Asset Management. The SHBVN provide considerable opportunities for process benchmarking with best in class performers and carry out Peer Reviews to assist members improve processes and performance.

17 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 24. Fire Protection Association The Fire Protection Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services Association is the UK s national fire safety organisation. Established in 1946 they are recognised as an independent and authoritative source of information and advice relating to all aspects of fire safety, risk management and loss prevention. FPA offer quality research, consultancy, training, publications, risk surveying and auditing services. FPA designs products and services that assist fire, security and safety professionals achieve and maintain the very highest standards of fire safety management. Membership of FPA ensures significant cost reductions on publications, training courses, networking events and provides access to online services.

18 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 25. Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) HOPS promotes the Not Applicable Department of Neighbourhood Services profile of public sector land use planning in Scotland, supports and promotes excellence in planning leadership, ensures the delivery of a culture of continuous improvement and leadership in planning authorities and generally works with Scottish Government, the Improvement Service and other key agencies to advance the effectiveness of planning. HOPS is open to all senior planning officers in Scotland and provides a range of opportunities to improve their skills and effectiveness. HOPS is the representative organisation for senior planning officers in Scotland with the purpose of promoting planning and the delivery of a culture of continuous improvement. It continues to work, for example, with the Scottish Government to refine the Planning Performance Framework and to be a key contributor to proposals to enhance the efficiency of the Planning Service. Senior East Ayrshire Council Planning officers benefit from participation in various sub committees of HOPS particularly those relating to Development Management and Development Plans. 26. Scottish Union of Supported Employment (New Affiliation) The Scottish Union of Supported Employment is an umbrella organisation for public, private and voluntary bodies delivering supported employment, social inclusion and the changeover from traditional resource centre based day services to programmes in the community; including employability support Not Applicable This is a recognised national body for those involved in the development and delivery of supported employment. It provides an opportunity to share best practice and innovation across the country and organising a range of free events and training opportunities which are of benefit to the job coaches based within Economic Development. Affiliation recommended by the Acting Executive

19 27. CITB Construction Skills (New Affiliation) NAME DESCRIPTION OF This is a requirement for the delivery of Modern Apprenticeships within the Construction Sector Not Applicable Member of CITB Construction Skills provides the necessary accreditation to our Modern Apprentices within the Construction Sector. Affiliation recommended by the Acting Executive 28. Association of Town Centre Managers (New Affiliation) The Association of Town Centre Managers is an umbrella organisation for all those agencies and partners with a role in the management and development of town centres across the UK Not Applicable Regular meetings provide a forum for town centre managers to share best practice and innovation. The ACTM provides a collective voice in terms of influencing emerging policies and legislation which impact on town centres and its website is a useful resource in terms of learning materials; policies and guidance. Affiliation recommended by the Acting Executive 29. Scotland Food and Drink (New Affiliation) Scotland Food and Drink, supported by the Scottish Government, is a leadership group focused on growing the Scottish Food and Drink sector - making it more profitable and delivering greater global success in a challenging and competitive environment. 1, , Not Applicable East Ayrshire Council leads the Food and Drink Theme of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership and this membership provides an umbrella through which the sector in Ayrshire can access a range of information and support mechanisms which are designed for business growth. Affiliation recommended by the Acting Executive

20 30. BM Trada (New Affiliation) NAME DESCRIPTION OF 31. White Ribbon Campaign (New Affiliation) BM TRADA provides independent certification; testing; inspection; training and technical services around the world. BM Trada help customers, both large and small, to prove their business and product credentials and to improve performance and compliance. The White Ribbon Cities Award is for Local Authorities wishing to demonstrate their commitment to the aims of White Ribbon Scotland, namely raising awareness of violence against women and the role men have to play in preventing it Not Applicable This affiliation is integral to the maintenance and retention of quality standard ISO 9001: 2008 within Planning and Economic Development Councillor Cook is the White Ribbon Ambassador Elected Members are invited to Seminars. Affiliation recommended by the Acting Executive Department of Educational and Social Services WRS operates a white ribbon affiliation scheme which encourages organisations to sign up as an affiliated member, thus publicly supporting activities which seek to end violence against women. In joining this scheme East Ayrshire Council will: - be featured as one of the supporting local authorities on the White Ribbon Scotland website; receive support from White Ribbon Scotland in training trainers; be provided with support from the national White Ribbon Co-ordinator with activities which aim to end violence against women. It should be noted that a range of activity is already underway in East Ayrshire which can be described as white ribbon activity in that it seeks to challenge violence against women and the EAVAWP is working to achieve this award in At the Council meeting on 28 June 2012, East Ayrshire Council unanimously agreed to formally pledge to the White Ribbon Campaign, i.e. will not, commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women in all its forms. Educational and Social Services.

21 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 32. Social Work Promotion and 2, , Not Applicable Department of Educational and Social Services Scotland representation of Social The network provides a vehicle across service areas Work nationally including for exchange of good practice, benchmarking, policy consultation activity, development. In East Ayrshire officers benefit from research, information participation in regular groups focusing amongst sharing, good practice others on Children s services, older people, learning exchange. disability, addiction and criminal justice. 33. British Association of Adoption & Fostering Agencies 34. Scottish Childminding Association Provides professional support, resources and expertise to adoption and fostering professionals / agencies. Promotes awareness and understanding of adoption and fostering policy and practice and provision of direct services and training Support childminders throughout Scotland. 2, , Not Applicable Elected Members are invited to Seminars. Educational and Social Services. Department of Educational and Social Services Professional advice and information is received from BAAF on legislation and policy relating to adoption and fostering. In addition, training and development is provided for the Chair and for staff on the adoption and fostering panels. Educational and Social Services. Department of Educational and Social Services The benefits of affiliation are the quarterly magazine, discounted fee for the national conference and access the SCMA website. These keep Early Years Daycare Service and the Daycare/Childminding Support Officer abreast of current issues. The 200 childminders in EAC form the largest part of the independent sector supplier base, not all are SCMA members, therefore, it is important that the Officer is able to support childminders with accurate, reliable and up to date national and local information. Educational and Social Services.

22 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 35. Youthlink Scotland To support youth work and youth service development across both statutory and voluntary sectors. 1, , Elected Members Department of Educational and Social Services could be invited to Conferences and/or sit on Board of Directors. Youthlink Scotland is the national agency for youth work in Scotland. They play a key role in relation to bringing together the voluntary and statutory youth work sector across Scotland. They offer members CPD opportunities and campaign on youth work issues. Through our membership we attend quarterly member network meetings, have local assessors linked to the Cashback to Communities funding. Amongst a range of other services, they advocate on behalf of the Youth Work Sector and facilitate a number of Networks on behalf of the Sector ensuring that there is a regular flow of information relating to changes in government policy, academic research and new funding streams. They also administer the Cashback for Communities (Youth Activities) fund and work with local authorities to support assessment panels. The Agency also provide Local Authorities with emerging toolkits and information on good practice within the sector. The Council receive regular electronic newsletters, are kept up to date with national developments. Membership is beneficial to the CLD Service and we are actively involved in the organisation. Educational and Social Services.

23 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 36. Scottish Out of To promote, support and Not Applicable Department of Educational and Social Services School Care develop good quality, The benefits of affiliation are a regular electronic Network sustainable out of school policy newsletter which keeps Officers informed of care. To promote equal national developments, issues and broader matters opportunities and impacting on out of school care. children s rights according to the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child to The quarterly Out of School Care Officers Forum stimulates discussion, development and problem provide information, solving across the sector. SOSCN also advocates on advice, support and behalf of out of school care at a national and training to Childcare international level. The affiliation fee represents very Practitioners, Voluntary good value for money. 37. The Association of Service Solutions in Scotland (A.S.S.I.S.T.) Committees and Development/Policy Workers. Established to create and present a shared voice on all matters relating to Facilities Management throughout Scotland s 32 Local Authorities. This public sector organisation formerly was the Scottish Local Authority Catering & Cleaning Association Not Applicable Educational and Social Services. Department of Educational and Social Services ASSIST offers a national network of providers of facilities management services across Scotland and provides a central focus to lobby and influence national debate and policy on a range of issues. Most recently in relation to school meals, nutrition and HMIE inspections. It also provides a Scotland wide benchmark group of authority contacts and has helped identify opportunities for savings and new ways of working. Educational and Social Services.

24 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 38. Association for Association for Public 6, , Cllr Primrose Department of Educational and Social Services Public Service Service Excellence APSE provides a UK wide source for research, policy Excellence membership consists of and best practice across a range of direct council over 300 local Authorities services including catering, cleaning, leisure, grounds and associates across the maintenance, roads, street lighting, building United Kingdom, 32 being maintenance and transport The costs are therefore Scottish Authorities. split across a wide range of services. The performance network offers each service the opportunity to benchmark and contact a range of similar service providers across the UK to identify new ways of working and compare current performance. Annually performance networks collate benchmarking statistics from authorities across the UK and offer analysis of service trends and influences. The Performance Network provides clear evidence for services in demonstrating value for money through the collation of cost and quality related performance indicators. Educational and Social Services.

25 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 39. Food for Life Accreditation 40. Ayrshire Sports Ability This is the benchmark Not Required Department of Educational and Social Services standard for public sector food. East Ayrshire Council holds Gold Standard. The organisation promotes access to sport for young people with physical and/or learning disabilities throughout Ayrshire. The main event is a Come and Try Event held centrally to which all young people are invited. This is a unique opportunity for children in special schools to participate in a major fixture along with their peers. Ayrshire Sports Ability is increasingly, also, endeavouring to promote wider sporting opportunities and access to sport for this group. 2, , Nil but the Provost hosts a table at the annual fund raising dinner and, along with Spokespersons, the Provost also attends the Come and Try event in May The Soil Association s Food for Life scheme provides an external verification of the Councils approach to meeting the sustainable procurement requirements of the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) Scotland Act The cost relates to the accreditation and an audit visit. Educational and Social Services. Department of Educational and Social Services This is a unique event and organisation that provides an unequalled opportunity for young people with additional support needs. It is not replicated within the Council or any other organisation. Educational and Social Services.

26 NAME DESCRIPTION OF 41. WithScotland The Multi Agency 2, , Cllr Primrose is Department of Educational and Social Services University of Resource Service (MARS) Chair of WithScotland is a source of expertise in respect of Stirling and the Scottish Child WithScotland s child protection matters, and is widening to cover other (New Affiliation) Care and Protection Board, nominated aspects of public protection. It offers advice, Network (SCCPN) have via CoSLA. information and consultation through a network of child merged to become protection professionals. East Ayrshire Council has WithScotland. The benefitted from this, for example in facilitating expert creation of WithScotland consultation in high risk cases, and from provision of follows confirmation of learning and development opportunities at no cost to three year partnership the Council/partner agencies. On this basis, the funding from Scotland s affiliation fee represents very good value for money. local authorities, ACPOS, NHS and the Scottish Government. The Child Educational and Social Services. Protection Hub is the first United Kingdom hub of Child Protection expertise, based at Stirling University, which provides protection professionals with resources to enhance their expertise and share good practise through a network of experts from practice, policy and research. The Hub also informs National Child Protection policy, learning and development.

27 42. The Fostering Network NAME DESCRIPTION OF This is a group Bulk 2,806 N/A Department of Educational and Social Services membership for foster household plus Membership Professional advice, information and publications are carers. It supports foster 2,806 plus 1,178 provided directly to foster carers from TFN on carers with advice on all annual legislation and policy relating to fostering. Foster areas related to fostering subscription and provides independent 1,178 carers value the resource provided by TFN, and as a group membership scheme, it is considered to offer legal advice to the carers, value for money. if a complaint or allegation takes place. Also provides advice and Educational and Social Services. guidance to fostering and adoption agencies. 43. Adoption UK Provides advice to approved adopters and relevant information in terms of post adoption support plans, provides information in respect of emergent issues with children and young people placed-post adoption, including attachment related difficulties. Provided consultation in terms of disruption, and learning outcomes from these circumstances per year N/A Department of Educational and Social Services Professional advice and information is received from Adoption UK to adopters on legislation and policy relating to adoption. They also support adoptive parents in respect of post adoption support plans, attending meetings related to their children and provide consultation to adoptive parents in relation to any disruption of the adoption. This service is taken up by some adopters, and is available to them at any future stage, which is assuring to adopters. On this basis, this is a cost effective affiliation. Educational and Social Services. TOTAL 56, Updated: 1 May 2014 JMcG/SR