Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The decision:

a) That a grant of up to £50,000 per annum for three years, starting in 2009/10, be made to Community Action Hampshire, to sponsor five to six places each year in the Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs, subject to the following conditions:

(i) eligible applicants for the sponsored places will be confirmed by Hampshire County Council;

(ii) grant will only be paid if sponsored places are filled, with a pro-rata payment for each place;

(iii) priority to be given to applicants from less privileged backgrounds;

(iv) priority to be given to applicants whose ambition will assist in reducing health, economic and other social inequalities; and

(v) an annual report on the programme to be made to the County Council, which in due course gives feedback on the consequential community benefits arising.

b) That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources confirm the students to be sponsored and authorise release of the grant to Community Action Hampshire.

c) That Chairmen of Hampshire Action Teams be asked to engage with sponsored social entrepreneurs from their locality on the programme, to explore opportunities to reduce health, economic and social inequalities in their areas.

2. Reason for the decision:

2.1. Community Action Hampshire (CAH) has initiated the establishment of a Hampshire School for Social Entrepreneurs to build capacity in communities to address social needs. The school will provide customised development programmes for up 20 social entrepreneurs for a one year period. To continue beyond the first year, CAH needs to establish local funding streams. A grant for a period of three years can help to support such capacity building and could assist with the County Council's ambition to reduce economic and health inequalities and the redefined role of the Hampshire Action Teams.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Not to provide grant funding. This would forgo an opportunity to build social capital in areas of need.

3.2. To provide a one year grant. This would make some contribution to invest in the development of social entrepreneurs but not a sustained investment. It is better to provide certainty on future funding for voluntary organisations to enable more effective planning.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: none.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker: