Cabinet received a report of the Senior Democratic Services Officer incorporating the Watford and Three Rivers Trust Task Group’s final report.  The final report included the task group’s recommendations.

The Mayor invited Councillor Saffery, who had chaired the task group, to present the report and recommendations.

Councillor Saffery explained each of the recommendations and the rationale behind them.

Councillor Collett, Portfolio Holder for communities, commented that the Watford and Three Rivers Trust had worked very closely with the council through the pandemic.  The number of volunteers who had come forward had been heart-warming.  It was essential to hold their enthusiasm.  The Trust had had its own challenges.  The Community Fund would benefit from a dedicated member of staff.  They would also be able to encourage and support smaller or unconstituted groups.  She agreed that the voluntary sector and the business community would benefit from working together and referred to the support given to Small Acts of Kindness by one business whose staff helped the organisation to pack bags.  She thanked Councillor Saffery, the task group and officers for their work on this piece of work.

Councillor Williams, portfolio holder for client services, wished to echo Councillor Collett’s comments.  He thanked the community sector who had responded during the pandemic.  It was important that the Trust got out and engaged with individual organisations through more outreach work.

Councillor Bell acknowledged the important work carried out by the task group.  He explained that Councillor Dhindsa was unable to support the final report.  He had been concerned about the lack of funds for BAME groups.  He had also felt it was important that the Trust undertook more outreach work.  Some BAME groups had not been aware of the community fund or not until it was too late.  Councillor Dhindsa did not feel this had been highlighted sufficiently in the report.  It was also felt the fundraiser should be employed by the council.

The Mayor asked Councillor Saffery to comment on Councillor Bell’s remarks.  Councillor Saffery advised that a final decision would have to be made about the employment of the fundraiser.  It had been envisaged initially that they would be employed by the Trust.  The council provided funding for the Trust.  The potential co-location of the position had come up during discussions but it would be for others to make a final decision as the recommendations were progressed.  The report had recognised Councillor Dhindsa’s comments and had addressed the outreach work required with the BAME community.

Following a question from the Mayor about the implementation of the recommendations, the Group Head of Community and Environmental Services responded that the intention was to combine them with the recommendations set out in the Voluntary Community Strategy, if Cabinet agreed the next item.  An action plan would be developed and brought back to Cabinet for approval.  He had already scheduled a meeting with the Trust’s Chief Executive to discuss the recommendations from both reports.

RESOLVED –

that the task group’s recommendations be approved:

1.      W3RT should take steps to improve understanding of its activities in the local community.

2.      There is a need for W3RT to build more and better partnership working across the local community.

3.      W3RT and the wider local voluntary sector would benefit from a dedicated fundraiser at Watford and Three Rivers Trust.

4.      The Community Fund should be established as a lasting pillar of support for Watford’s voluntary sector.

5.      W3RT needs to clarify its long-term strategy for recruiting and sustaining local volunteering activities.

6.      W3RT should ensure that connections with local partners and statutory bodies are maintained in order to maximise the number of volunteers locally.

7.      W3RT and the business community should strengthen their links.

8.      W3RT and WBC should maintain a strong and collaborative working relationship.