Agenda and minutes
Venue: Committee Room 2 - Civic Centre, Swansea. View directions
No. | Item |
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Disclosures of Personal & Prejudicial Interests. Minutes: None. |
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To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record. Minutes: Resolved that the
Minutes of the Panel held on 26 February 2017 be agreed
as a correct record. |
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The Poppy Factory. Minutes: Natalie Mccombe from The Poppy Factory gave a verbal presentation to the panel outlining her role as the regional representative for the organisation for South West Wales. She outlined the background history to the establishment of the organisation, whose main aim is too help veterans with health issues back into work. The organisation can assist veterans with issues such as cv and interview preparation, sourcing and organising of funding streams, and in work support for 12 months after securing employment. She indicated the good links her organisation has with other veteran support groups and charities and it also has an excellent relationship with the NHS. |
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EFT Consult. Minutes: Adrian Matthews from EFT consult gave a verbal presentation to the panel outlining the background to his companies use of technology to address issues raised by the Future Generations Act. He indicated that “wellbeing” is at the heart of the business, and 90% of their work is related to improving the design/layout of buildings and improving/influencing future building design. He outlined the issue of the “circle economy” and the use of technology to manage and improve lives. He referred to the recent event held at Liberty Stadium on 14 June and outlined the company was happy to meet with organisations to discuss any issues they have and explore ideas for improvement. |
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Corporate Plan Priorities. Minutes: The Chair reported and outlined the survey that has been developed by the City and County of Swansea which links to the objectives of its Corporate Plan. Paper copies of the survey were made available to panel members and could be sent electronically if required. |
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Update from Panel Members. Minutes: Panel Members provided verbal updates relating to the current and proposed activities, events and workloads of their respective groups and organisation, including the following areas: Ospreys Paul Whapham outlined the link being developed with Help for Heroes and the WRU which will hopefully see veterans undertake a period of training and qualify as rugby coaches. He indicated that the Ospreys would again be involved in both the Remembrance Day commemorations and would hold an armed forces “event” at a home fixture, details would follow when confirmed. Special Events David Price-Deer reported on the success of the Air Show/Armed Forces Day. He said the use of the carriageway for displays had proved very successful with the public. He indicated that the dates for next year’s events are not the same as this, so further discussion will be needed soon to confirm arrangements. UWTSD Sue Warburton reported and outlined the new leaflet that has been produced to raise awareness for veterans of the availability of a £1000 bursary for studying. She referred to Welsh Local Government Association initiative relating to “service” children. She reported that even though the proposed link with Help for Heroes had unfortunately not developed in Carmarthen, she indicated that the campus’s facilities such as the gym, pool etc remain available for use by veterans. British Training Board Adrian Rabey reported that 147 companies had now signed up to the guaranteed interview scheme. He indicated that the company had been unsuccessful in applying for covenant funding, but had received feedback and taken further advice on their bid, and would reapply shortly. Aartic Training Antony Rabey reported that the company had taken on 4 further veterans to deliver its courses and give advice across the country. Royal British Legion Phil Flower reported on and circulated a list of various events to commemorate the Centenary of the end of WW2. He indicated he had written to both the Swans & Ospreys to arrange events at appropriate home games. He referred to a proposal he was discussing with Swansea Council for various events across the City such as the illumination of prominent buildings, poppies on lampposts and a “weeping eye” display. He outlined that 2019 is the centenary of Alcock & Brown’s first non-stop transatlantic flight, and an event
that was being planned in the Mumbles area, which
hopefully would involve a “fly past”. He also referred to the Centenary of the Royal British Legion in 2021, and
outlined draft proposals he would be discussing with the Chair of the Panel and
Leader of the Council for various events, potentially involving a parade of all
the armed forces units that had been granted the
freedom of the city. Blesma Tom Hall indicated that his organisation’s had
taken on an outreach officer which will assist in covering their casework. He asked that Members of the panel recommended their services to any
veterans that may require assistance. He outlined the involvement of his organisation with the development of the
Wales Veterans Trauma Network. SSAFA Dave Singletary referred to the fundraising event that is
being held on 4 August at the Twelve Nights pub in Port Talbot. He indicated the annual SSAFA golf day was being held
on 10 August at the Coed y Mwstwr course. He reported that the outdoor gym and the Bulldogs drop in center is now being constructed and an opening event would be held
on 15 September. He stated all panel members were welcome to attend any of the events. Navy Ruth Fleming outlined her appreciation for all the work and effort
undertaken by all involved in the Air Show/Armed Forces day event. She referred to a potential charity event relating to HMS Scott that was currently being worked on. The Poppy Factory Natalie Mccombe reported on the event to be held to celebrate the achievement of 1000 veterans back
into work. Army Chris Evans also paid tribute to the success and effort of all involved in
the Air Show/Armed Forces Day. He indicated his unit had recruited 20 new
volunteers with 6 already in post. He indicated that Armed Forces Day and the Air Show in 2019 were on
different dates, so further discussion would be needed
on how to best deal with the events. He referred to a Covenant event in Neath Port Talbot that is scheduled for 20 October, to which everyone was welcome. He indicated he was happy to advise/assist anyone wishing to submit a
covenant funding grant application. He stated that following on from the recent “silver” award, the Council had
applied for the “gold” standard, the result of which will be
reported to the next meeting. Swansea Council June Burtonshaw thanked all the Armed Forces, partner organisation’s
and relevant council sections for the help and assistance in delivering the
extremely successful Air Show/Armed Forces Day. She referred to a competition being run for
schoolchildren to design a wreath. The winner would get to lay the wreath at
the Cenotaph on 11 November. She also referred to the unveiling of the commemorative benches around the
Cenotaph area. |