Carpenters Connect Steering Group

Terms of Reference

Background

The Wired up Communities Steering Group (now the Carpenters Connect Steering Group) has been meeting regularly since March 2001. The Terms of Reference that follow were adopted on 21^st July ’03 and reflected the existing practice of the Group at that time.

Draft Terms of Reference

Purpose

The Steering Group exists to facilitate co-operation between organisations seeking to develop and promote the Carpenters Connect service, Home2Home and associated activities. It is understood that the focus of the Group's activity is the Carpenters Estate but that directly related activity off the estate may also be discussed.

Membership

The following organisations are entitled to representation on the Steering Group and others may be added at the Steering Group's discretion.

Carpenters Tenant Management Organisation

Carpenters & Docklands Centre

Carpenters Primary School

Dept for Education & Skills

Newham College

Newham Council (Education, Housing & ICT depts)

Newham.net

The Media Trust

Organisations on the Steering Group can be referred to as being part of the "Carpenters Connect Community" however it is accepted that no legal form of partnership is intended by this.

Decision Making

The Steering Group's role is one of agreeing direction rather than management and as such it will endeavor to reach consensus on any decisions made. It is recognised that member organisations have legal responsibility for specific aspects of the work undertaken and that it would be inappropriate for the group to attempt to direct such organisations. However members are always expected to give serious consideration to the views of the Steering Group and in particular this is the case where a member has received a grant applied for by the member on behalf of the Carpenters Connect Community.

Meetings

Meetings shall be held at 3.00pm on the third Monday of every month unless otherwise agreed.

Officers

The Steering Group shall choose from its number persons to Chair and Minute its meetings.

Implementation

Unless otherwise agreed by the Steering Group implementation of agreed action will primarily be the responsibility of the Project Co-ordinator. If an organisation or individual undertakes an action on behalf of the Steering group they will keep the Project Co-ordinator informed as to progress.

Communication

All notices of meetings and circulation of minutes shall be by eMail.