FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who did the LINk team consult on the new model?
A. Consultation packs were given out to everyone who attended the consultation event on the 26th January and were sent to all members on our data base who were unable to attend the consultation event. In addition consultation packs were sent out to over 100 voluntary and community groups and posted on the Staffordshire Consortium of Infrastructure Organisations (SCIO) website.
Q. What response was received in respect of the models?
A. There was some support for all 4 models presented plus some suggestions that were not shown on the models. Overall the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire models were more favoured with no overall winner.
Q. How was the decision made to implement the current structure?
A. The information gathered was passes to an independent consultant who analysed the data and made recommendations as to what structure would best capture people’s views and comments.
Q. What are the main differences between this and the previous structures?
A. The main difference between this model and the old model are:
· Instead of a governing group there is a coordinating group. The role of this is outlined on the model guide. This group will be selected on the basis that they bring particular skills and experience to fill particular roles that will help the LINk function effectively. Applicants will be invited to apply to be on the coordinating group.
· Rather than district committees there will be themed groups that will focus on particular topics identified by LINk participants through engagement activity and feedback. This is so that resources can be focused on activities that will lead to service improvements rather than meetings. There will be task and finish project groups which will exist until the issue is resolved and will include participants with a particular interest in the topic from across the county.
· There will be LINk champions who will receive training to attend meetings or sit on groups to speak on behalf of the LINk
· There will be a partnership group made up of representatives of the statutory and voluntary sector, the purpose of this group is to develop effective links and communication and assist in the delivery of the workplans .
Q. How can we apply to be on the coordinating group?
A. There will be an advertising campaign over the next few weeks to invite people to apply to be on the coordinating group. Packs will be sent out and will include the application form along with role descriptors.
Q. what about when there is an issue that only affects one or two geographical areas how will these be addressed?
A. Where there is an issue that is significant but only on one or two areas, but affect a lot of people in those areas these can be dealt with by setting up specific tasks and finish project groups for those areas . This will ensure that geographic issues will be given the same level of importance as the issues that affect many areas.
Q. What is happening with regard to appointing a new host?
A. The specification has been drawn up and should be going out to tender early in May. It is envisaged that a new host will be in place by the 1st August
Q. Will this structure be reviewed to make sure it will work?
A. Yes. The new structure will be reviewed after 6 months to see if any changes need to be made to make it work better.
