Decision:
The Chair invited Adam Howard from Back2Schoolival CIC to give a verbal presentation for Members in support of their grant application.
Minutes:
The Chair invited Adam Howard from Back2Schoolival CIC to give a verbal presentation for Members in support of their grant application and advised:
· They had spoken with a few Members regarding this event, but never in person, and thanked the committee for the opportunity.
· The event has a general focus on rugby and netball, but uses sport as a whole.
· The North Herts Netball and Rugby festival last year attracted 500 people playing sport, with a further 1500 in attendance.
· They identified that there was a lack of volunteering opportunities in the local area within the Arts and this was the basis for the scheme in the grant application, which would look at offering opportunities in journalism, photography and social media.
· This would help people develop their skills and offer experience of putting their knowledge into action.
· Those involved would receive support before, during and after the event.
· This offers young people in the area real-life experience at a large scale event, with professional support.
The following Members asked questions:
· Councillor Sam Collins
· Councillor Richard Thake
· Councillor Val Bryant
· Councillor Keith Hoskins
· Councillor Clare Billing
· Councillor James Denselow
In response to questions Mr Howard advised:
· One of the key aspects for this project was understanding both the benefit of the scheme to the company, but also the benefit this offers young people.
· Mr Howard has good connections with sports clubs in the area and would work to find follow up opportunities for those involved in the scheme where possible.
· There was currently no budget to pay people involved on the scheme, but can offer credit if their work is used and possible future prospects.
· At this stage, the scheme is being run as a pilot to test whether its suitable and successful, but there is potential to grow not just at this event but other sports events across the area. They would be happy to liaise with Members regarding future plans to offer payment for work if used.
· The scheme would aim to show those involved how to make a career as a freelancer and can support people to build longer term freelance roles.
· The scheme is for 16 to 21-year olds and therefore is open to both college and university students. There was no requirement to be specifically studying journalism, but could be used as part of coursework where participants were.
· There would be 30 participants on the workshop element of the scheme, with a rota schedule for the day of the event for around 5-6 participants at any one time.
· The scheme would run on Friday 12 August, as well as the main event on Saturday 13 August 2022.
· Scheme participants were expected from Hitchin College, Knights Templar School, Baldock, as well as Colts and Academy teams from around the district.
· The funding would cover two days per professional, which would include time to design and present the workshop, as well as the support and mentoring across the weekend.
· Safeguarding requirements had been confirmed upon submission of this application for funding.
· Following consultation with students, the videography element initially proposed was replaced with social media skills, as these were deemed more valuable.
In response to a question from Cllr Collins, the Chair advised that Members could put conditions on the allocation of grant funds, should they feel appropriate. Councillor Hoskins then noted that as this was a prototype event it was best to run voluntarily the first year and can build on that for future events. This view was supported by the Assistant Community Engagement Officer.