CABINET/LEADER

PART II

GOOD NEIGHBOUR AWARD SCHEME

On 21 September 2005 the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approved the principles of the Good Neighbour Award Scheme for 2006 and made a provision of up to £5,000 towards the costs of the Scheme.

The County Council launched in 2005 a highly successful Good Neighbour Award Scheme in co-operation with the Hampshire Voluntary Group Advisory Service. The Scheme was aimed at publicly recognising those volunteers within Hampshire who undertook work for their older community. Due to the success of the Award Scheme it is proposed to repeat the format of the 2005 scheme but extend the range and variety of the voluntary bodies to be directly involved in the formulation of the Scheme and its promotion to the wider public.

The Head of Corporate and Legal Services has been given discretion to agree the formal categories of award winners after consultation with the voluntary organisations to ensure that the Award Scheme can proceed in accordance with the required timetable. The timetable of events will involve an article in Hampshire Now in the Autumn edition which will publicise the Scheme and also ask for nominations. Close of nominations will be at the end of December 2005 and a small selection panel will be formed to consider the nominations and decide upon those which are successful.

The award ceremony itself will follow a similar format to the previous one with it taking place in the Great Hall and with presentations being made by the Leader of the Council, assisted perhaps by a representative from the voluntary organisations. The award itself would be of a commemorative gift and perhaps a certificate of achievement.

This decision supports aims 1 and 4 of the Corporate Strategy by Maximising Life Opportunities and Building Strong Communities.

T. K. Thornber, C.B.E,

Leader.