This report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “U”) provides an overview of the Driving Cohesion Initiative led by the Bradford West Area Coordinator’s office as part of the changing places (controlling migration) fund.

Recommended –

After a team debrief we agreed that it would be beneficial to build on this years event and repeat next year. The project has real potential and proven ability to break down barriers to community tensions and create space for consensus building. As a service the opportunity to hold an annual event that brings communities together has a positive impact on creating resilient relationships for ongoing problem solving and ward partnership work. The team agreed the following recommendations going forward:

·         Expand the number of groups involved and target hard to reach groups such as refugees, Adults from Eastern European community and Black and Caribbean groups.

·         Build this to be an annual event with additional targeted community cohesion activities that can compliment the Go Kart race.

·         Empower staff, specifically wardens, to engage with the project and have a role in facilitating groups.

·         Build sustainability through developing a partnership with community groups to source external funding and run the event long term.

(Kate Lightstead – 01274 432597)

Resolved –

(1)       That the number of groups involved in the initiative be expanded          and hard to reach groups such as refugees, Adults from Eastern         European community and Black and Caribbean groups be     targeted.

(2)       That the initiative be an annual event with additional targeted     community cohesion activities that compliment the Go Kart race.

(3)       That staff, specifically wardens, be encouraged to engage with the       project and have a role in facilitating groups.

(4)       That sustainability be provided through developing a partnership         with community groups to source external funding and run the         event long term.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

This report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “U”) provided an overview of the Driving Cohesion Initiative led by the Bradford West Area Coordinator’s office as part of the changing places (controlling migration) fund.

The Ward Officer was invited to introduce the report to the Committee. She reported that Bradford West Driving Cohesion Initiative was created as a result of two key issues: Firstly the need to engage with Bradford West communities on conversations around the issues of migration and community cohesion as set out by the controlling migration fund. Secondly the need to create a greater sense of team in Bradford West coordinators office between the youth service, ward officers and wardens that transcended professional roles and created a team underpinned by appreciation and support.

The Committee sought clarification on whether any work had been undertaken with women in the Toller Ward to which she replied that not to date but this was an aspect that could be targeted in the near future.

The Chair thanked the Ward Officer for the well planned and organised event in December 2017 and equally the contents of the report.

Resolved –

(1)       That the number of groups involved in the initiative be expanded          and hard to reach groups such as refugees, Adults from Eastern         European community and Black and Caribbean groups be     targeted.

(2)       That the initiative be an annual event with additional targeted     community cohesion activities that compliment the Go Kart race.

(3)       That staff, specifically wardens, be encouraged to engage with the       project and have a role in facilitating groups.

(4)       That sustainability be provided through developing a partnership         with community groups to source external funding and run the         event long term.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate