Attendees
Melanie Sealey (Chair), Keir Duffin, Alison Hayward, David Halewood, Kevin Mills, Linda Morgan, Mathew Chetwynd, Neil Blaney, Patrick Rafferty, Paul Britton, Sarah Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Sarah Ratnage, Sarah Odgen
Apologies
Adrian Welsh, Andrew Collier, Chris Shears, Chris Watts, Dave Harwood, David Carter, David Lang, Helen Cox, Iain Masters, Ian Collinson, Jody James, Leroy Venn, Richard Marsh, Rosa Payne, Sean Kearney, Sue Windley, Tim Child, Tom Phillips, Hannah Keyte (Minutes).
1. OPE Co-location Bid Update – Keir Duffin
Keir shared an overview of the co-location bid, which has been agreed by OPE for £150K. The next steps involve developing it through to the tender stage and delivery. Partners interested in adding to the business case development work should contact Keir by Friday 2nd August.
Keir announced the plan to initiate the tender process by late July or early August, mentioning ongoing discussions with the Procurement Team and an ask to partners if they could act as part of the Tender Review Team.
2. BLRF Bids Update – Keir Duffin / Paul Britton
Paul mentioned that recommendations have been sent to the new Secretary of State in MHCLG, aiming for sign-off before the summer recess. Successful projects will be confirmed to partners in Devon and hopeful that funding agreements may be signed by the end of September.
The discussion emphasized the importance of aligning future projects with the government’s five missions.
Neil Blaney raised the Devon Housing Commission Report, suggesting it could inform future strategies for addressing housing needs across the county. ACTION: Keir to invite Sue Rose to present the report recommendations to a future meeting to inform strategic planning and actions.
Suggestion for a face-to-face meeting to be scheduled in September to consider reviewing the OPE Partnership Board, looking at refocusing on new Government and Devon Housing Commission recommendations.
3. Lincolnshire Shared Emergency Headquarters Workshop – Keir Duffin / Partners
Keir provided an update on the workshop with Lincolnshire County Council regarding their shared emergency hub. The workshop was positive, offering significant advice and activating further conversations among partners, especially around needs in North Devon.
4. NHS Infrastructure Strategy – Mathew Chetwynd
Mathew provided an update on the NHS Estate.
Mathew stressed the importance of strategic planning to accommodate population growth and infrastructure demands, suggesting a need for collaboration with planning officers and local partnerships.
Mathew proposed organising visits to good practice hubs for relevant stakeholders to inform future developments.
5. Review of OPE Board Membership – Keir Duffin
Keir proposed a review of the board’s membership to ensure the right attendees are included. ACTION: ALL to review the current attendee list and notify Keir and Hannah of any required changes.
6. Any Other Business
No additional items were raised during the meeting.
Future Meeting Dates
Wednesday 23rd October 2pm