Structure

Pathfinder Task Group

The Task Group has been formed to ensure that the Pathfinder is delivered in a manner that meet DEFRA core objectives; ensuring greater co-ordination of a range of rural delivery programmes at local level – better alignment of these with local and regional priorities & testing practical options for revised local delivery mechanisms… and does so in a manner that is inclusive, engages all relevant stakeholders and ensures that the Pathfinders key themes and activities are validated as local priorities.

The Task Group should ensure that Pathfinder activity is:

• Evidence based
• Reflects sub-regional and regional priorities
• Consultative with stakeholders and customers
• Sufficiently focused on testing innovative joint venture local delivery

The Task Group is responsible for the three key deliverables of the Pathfinder (as represented to GONW & DEFRA)

• Consistent and robust rural proofing of service delivery linking to LPSA2
• Test the adaptability of rural programmes (funding) to address local needs and opportunities
• Explore customer engagement and means of simplifying access

Management & Membership

The Task Group will be managed by LCC and chaired by Andy Ashcroft; members of the Task Group have been selected as individuals as opposed to organisational representatives, and whilst linkages with their organisations are of course important, members should not seek to send alternates if at all possible. The group will meet as required in the period leading up to formal commencement of Pathfinder activity in April 2005, and thereafter at six monthly intervals. If required, the Chair will call an interim meeting at any time.

Membership of the Task Group will not attract remuneration or expenses; where relevant, specific disbursements will be recoverable, subject to prior agreement with LCC.

Administration and management of financial matters will be conducted by LCC as the body contracted by DEFRA.

Communication, Liasion and Consultation

The Task Group will be responsible for communicating the activities and subsequent outcomes of Pathfinder to DEFRA / GONW, but also to regional and sub-regional stakeholders including customer groups. It will need to brief the remaining Rural Strategy Task Groups, and maintain a regular reporting function to the Lancashire SSP and new NW Rural Affairs Forum Executive.

The Task Group should ensure that liaison takes place with all tiers of local government across Lancashire (districts, unitary authorities and Lancashire Association of Parish Councils) in order to support the development and support for rural LPSA’s.

Pathfinder Champions / Ambassadors

The Task Group will represent the Pathfinder, it’s themes and objectives (including the promotion of rural PSAs within the organisations represented, and within the wider family of organisations (i.e. SSP, LSP’s, DEFRA family etc)

Activity & Intelligence Gathering

The Task Group will over-see activity delivered through Thematic Working Groups; each group will report back to the TG as required, and derive it’s continuing mandate from the TG. TG will receive analysis of the intelligence gathered from TWG activity from the Executive and Facilitation support team, and will determine and implement onward to communication.

Thematic Working Groups

The TG will set up and guide thematic working groups relating to each core theme. These will be chaired as set out below, and be responsible to the TG for:

• Engaging with specialist practitioners and end users in order to identify issues (blockages & gaps), secure evidential validation and propose activity during the course of the Pathfinder to further its objectives
• Where authorised by the TG, carry out project specific activity / consultation and influencing activity in association with practitioners, policy makers and end users
• Report back providing intelligence on activity, outcomes and issues identified to the TG as required, and no less than every 6 months

Key Points in Pathfinder Timeline

1. Initial communication and awareness building with wider constituency – January / February 2005
2. Conference planned for 4th February 2005
3. Report to Rural Affairs Forum Executive prior to formal commencement (March 2005)
4. Pre-commencement meeting March 2005 – receive and authorise TWG proposals
5. 6 monthly review meetings; October 2005 / March 2006 / October 2006
6. LPSA2 negotiations commence September 2005
7. Interim review meetings with Pathfinder Family
8. Regular updates / communications to GONW / NW RAF Exec / Lancashire SSP / RDA
9. Completion and outcome review March 2007