RDPE - Local Action

Background

The Forest of Dean Local Strategic Partnership submitted an expression of interest into the RDPE Programme - Carving a Vision for the Future. At the same time Transition Forest of Dean also submitted an expression of interest.   Following feedback from the South West Regional Development Agency, who are the programme managers, both parties started working together to develop one single bid.  This resulted in a The Local Strategic Partnerships full bid into RDPE entitled "Securing the Future for the Forest of Dean".  The Forest of Dean District Council is the Accountable body and they have a proven track record in the management of projects of this size and complexity.

Who is the Local Action Group?

The Local Action Group (LAG) includes key members of the LSP but was expanded to include other partners to strengthen engagement with the wider community and to provide sector specific expertise. 

The chair is Bob Watters who represents the Market Town Partnerships.  Andy Robertson from Forest Education Business Partnership (FEBP) is the vice-chair.

Neil Batt is the Local Action Programme Manager and is based at the Forest of Dean District Council in Coleford. 

Quick Guide to Local Action - Local Action explained including eligibility and programme criteria.

When does the LAG meet?

All 2010 meetings are to be at the Forest of Dean District Council Office starting at 2.30pm

Wednesday 27th January 2010
Wednesday 24th February 2010
Wednesday 31st March
Wednesday 28th April 

Wednesday 19th May
Wednesday 30th June
Wednesday 28th July
Wednesday 25th August
Wednesday 29th September
Wednesday 27th October
Wednesday 24th November
 

Our Vision is

To create a resilient and sustainable Forest community which is able to implement local solutions that strengthen its economy and access to services whist recognising the global issues of diminishing resources and climate change.
  

Actions       

Will be centered around 3 themes:

Engaging communities – ensuring that everyone has a chance to voice concerns and contribute towards the solution
Re - localisation – raising the profile of local produce and resources to maximise economic potential within the target area
Intelligent Economic Growth – using local resources and “specialness” as a driver for economic development

A guiding principle within the three themes is sustainability – one of the main priorities during the LAG development will be to identify partners and train them to ensure a robust sustainability proofing mechanism is developed and a protocol of implementation is agreed.

What are we going to do by 2014?

Local Action in the Forest of Dean will have facilitated the following:

• All sections of the community have the opportunity to have their say and get involved in deciding their future.
• A process of capacity building and knowledge transfer embedded within communities.
• The adoption of a proven sustainability proofing mechanism.
• A more robust and diverse local economy and skill base.
• The specialness of the area harnessed as a sustainable economic driver
• Communities that have the capacity and tools to provide Access to Local Services
• Reduction of community vulnerability through facilitating a recognisable and ongoing shift to a vibrant lower carbon economy

Application Process

If you are interested in submitting an application to Local Action, then you will first need to complete an Expression of Interest Form to see if the work you are proposing is eligible against the Local Action priorities. You can download a copy of the Expression of Interest Form below, along with the guidance notes and checklist. Alternatively, you may request these forms by post or email from our staff. It is important that you read the guidance carefully before completing the forms. Our leaflet will also provide further guidance. This is available above under "Quick Guide to Local Action" or upon request. If you have any questions or require further assistance then please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Expression of Interest Form

Expression of Interest Guidance

Expression of Interest Checklist

Operating Procedures

In order to manage the programme, the Local Action Group have developed a substancial set of operating procedures in line with European Funding Requirements. These can be viewed via the following link. Please note that these procedures are currently in draft format and under consultation with LAGE members. Final copies of these procedures will be uploaded following the end of this consultation period.

Local Action Operating Procedures

Annual Delivery Plan

The Local Action Group also has an annual delivery plan which sets out what it is going to do in that year.  Click here to see the Delivery Plan Year 2 Final version which runs until December 2009. 

If you have any queries please do not hestiate to contact Neil Batt on 01594 812608 or email neil.batt@fdean.gov.uk