FAQs

What is the Forest of Dean Partnership?

The Forest of Dean Partnership is the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) for the district of the Forest of Dean. That is a body that brings together all the public, private, community and voluntary sector organisations active within the district, in a partnership to agree and drive forward a joint strategy known as the community plan for the area and to “bend” mainstream funding to the objectives of the strategy. By bringing together at a local level all of these sectors, the Partnership is a key means to tackle deep seated, multi-faceted problems that cannot be solved by one agency or sector alone. The Forest of Dean Partnership leads the development of a long term vision and community plan for the area – an overarching plan that sets local priorities and influences the programmes and budgets of public and private sector agencies; and commit partner organisations to action plans in fulfilment of the community strategic plan.

What are the main roles of Local Strategic Partnerships?

The main roles of Local Strategic Partnerships are:

• The Local Government Act 2000 requires the development of community plans, and Local Strategic Partnerships can provide the framework for involving organisations in community planning.
• Local Strategic Partnerships can provide a framework for regeneration.
• Local Strategic Partnerships are encouraged to be involved in Public Service Agreements. These will develop targets agreed with government, with about twelve key areas, which reflect a mix of local and national priorities. Although local Public Service Agreements primarily involve local and central government, they can also involve partner agencies in delivery.
• The government acknowledges concern about the number of different partnerships and plans which they or their predecessors have initiated, and the need to rationalise this situation. It is hoped that Local Strategic Partnerships can provide a framework to rationalise and lead other partnership initiatives.

Are LSPs required by law?

In November, 2002 it was not a legal requirement in England or Wales to establish an LSP. However, in England an accredited LSP was necessary in order to qualify for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund available to the 88 poorest areas, although this excluded the Forest of Dean. In other areas councils were finding a high level partnership of benefit in co-ordinating the community plan and other partnerships.

The requirement of Part 1 of Local Government Act 2000, gives Councils the power to do anything it considers is likely to promote the economic social and/or environmental well being of the area. The authority must prepare a community plan to promote this well-being and contribute to sustainable development in the United Kingdom. Having an effective overarching local partnership will help the development, and implementation, of these community plans.

Why should my organisation become involved?

Whilst public, private, business and voluntary sector organisations can, and do, achieve a great deal on behalf of their stakeholders on their own, through working with partners on the LSP it will be possible for all bodies to deliver their services with the added value of partnership support and community (based upon geography and/or area of interest) ‘buy in’. Allowing community aspirations to influence an organisations priorities and devoting resources to achieve a broad range of community based outcomes is a rewarding challenge, and one which all partners should consider as a real benefit when they become a member of the Forest of Dean Partnership.

Where can I get further guidance?

Guidance for England is available from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). The District Council can also assist with information and guidance on Local Strategic Partnership’s and the Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2020 - Our Forest, Our Future. For further information please contact Steve Kendall, Sustainable Group Manager at the district council or Lena Maller, the Forest of Dean Local Strategic Partnership Coordinator on 01594 812609 or email lena.maller@fdean.gov.uk