The role of Forum members and why they matter

The key role of Forum members is to set priorities which the AAP will seek to address through its projects, and to monitor the progress of the AAP in addressing these priorities. The Forum is open to everyone who lives, works, represents groups or provides services in the geographical area covered by the AAP. The continuing participation of Forum members is crucial in ensuring that the AAP's work is driven by local people and the issues which affect them and their community. AAP Forum events are held twice a year, and members receive regular updates on AAP projects by post or email. Members are invited to share their opinions and ideas with the AAP team.

The 21 member AAP Board is comprised of:

• 7 elected members (unitary and parish councilors)
• 7 representatives from partner agencies (e.g. NHS/PCT, Social Housing Provider, Police, Fire and Rescue, Business and Voluntary Sectors)
• 7 public representatives who are recruited via a standardised application and interview process.

The Board will meet a minimum of 6 times per year and focus on the priorities set by its Forum members (those attending the launch event); implementing ways in which they can start to address these

The AAP Board will make sure the AAP is working on its priorities and will develop an action plan to achieve this.  It will also oversee the spending of local AAP budgets.

The Board will also work with local residents to take action on local issues and monitor the effectiveness of local services.

Community members can get involved by joining the Forum - to do this they can contact any member of their local AAP team (check the DCC/AAP website for contact details). They will then receive regular updates on the AAP's progress and invitations to Forum events where they can express their views and hear what other local people think about issues affecting their community. If Forum members have an interest or expertise in a particular area relating to the AAP's priorities, they are encouraged to join and actively participate in the relevant Task and Finish group, where they will have the opportunity to influence the development of project ideas.

Community members can also apply to serve on the AAP Board as a Public Representative, if a vacant position arises. 

The role of the Task Groups is to consider the information obtained through the AAP forum; explore it, and define what the AAP's main issues for consideration might be in each financial year. Each task group is made up of forum members, board members, and representatives of those organisations whose cooperation is needed to tackle particular issues. Initial ideas for addressing those issues are discussed within the group and the feasibility of any potential projects is assessed. The Task and Finish Group reports its findings and proposals back to the AAP Board.

See 'how community members can get involved'. Forum members are also often invited to be actively involved with the AAP on an ad hoc basis, for example, by assisting in organizing or attending events. Volunteering opportunities may also arise through the different community organisations the AAP works with, and those opportunities will be publicized to Forum members.

The role of public representatives is to help the AAP to work in an inclusive way, aiding the AAP to fulfill its responsibilities to communicate effectively with local people by taking their views and concerns into account.

The role of Public representatives involves:

• Communicating to the AAP any local needs and issues that may influence its strategies, plans and activities.
• Helping the AAP bring in views from the wider community, particularly those who find it hard to be directly involved.
• Helping the AAP be aware of the impact of decisions on local people.
• Share information efficiently and effectively - this applies to all members of the AAP and not just to public representatives.
• Assistance in communicating with the wider community will be provided by the relevant AAP Co-ordinator.
• Help explore ways for communities to influence the work and decisions of the AAP.
• Encourage the AAP to communicate clearly, to be inclusive and to work together effectively.
• Attend all meetings of the AAP Board, which will take place at least once every 2 months.

Represent as wide a range of communities both in terms of

neighbourhoods within the AAP and communities of interest

as possible - they are not however expected to put forward

a single view for all the people in their organisation or

network.

alternative means of getting information such as the

files held in the 12 community buildings within the 3

Towns AAP.

The AAP's can be contacted by email, telephone or post. Each AAP also has its own website (part of the DCC website) where information is made available e.g. the dates of upcoming meetings. Minutes of Board and Task and Finish Groups can be downloaded, as well as Forum event reports and other key documents.

Coordinator Contact Details

Three Towns Area Action Partnership

Sandy Denney

01388 761 989

sandy.denney@durham.gov.uk

01388 527 254

a.p.walker@durham.gov.uk

Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership

Angelina Maddison

01388 761 563

angelina.maddison@durham.gov.uk

Teesdale Area Action Partnership

Craig Morgan

03000 260 817 

craig.morgan@durham.gov.uk