Agenda and minutes

1.0     WELCOME

          The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Cheviot Area Partnership.

Copy Minute from meeting on 7 February 2018 attached.

2.0     Feedback from meeting on 7 FEBRUARY 2018

2.1     The minute of the first meeting of the Area Partnership had been circulated which included a summary of the discussion output as an appendix.  The Communities and Partnership Manager referred to the general concerns, issues, challenges and opportunities raised at that meeting and confirmed that the theme identified as a priority to take forward for more in-depth discussion was Our Economy Skills and Learning.  This theme would therefore be the focus for debate for the remainder of the meeting.

A facilitated discussion on the subject in order to put forward a set of initial outcome(s) for Cheviot – further information on local data and statistics

3.0     Theme: Our Economy, Skills and Learning

3.1     Head of Economic Development and Environment, Bryan McGrath, provided an introduction to the theme for the evening.  He drew attention to issues highlighted at recent Business Breakfasts; the main concerns related to digital connectivity, business rates, Brexit, business premises and access to people with the right skills. Opportunities for Economic Development within the Borders were recognised.  Many related to tourism with mountain biking and the Tapestry being referred to in particular.  Colin Gilmour, Regeneration Scheme gave a brief introduction in terms of grant funding, upskilling Borders Contractors and the Jedburgh CARS Scheme. 

3.2     Following the introductory talks, officers joined Elected Members, partners and members of the public at their tables for a discussion of the Key Areas relating to “Our Economy Skills and Learning” in the Cheviot Area including Developing Young Workforce/Careers Advice (both in terms of learning and employment), incl. utilising existing businesses to showcase options/inspiring local people and building closer relationships between local schools and businesses and Life Skills for Young People; opportunities for intergenerational projects.   A pack of information was provided at each table to aid the discussion as were post-it notes to record the emerging points.  Following this first discussion period and a short break each group returned to their tables where they were asked by the Chairman to focus on the key issues raised and to discuss and identify ways of taking these forward within the Cheviot area.  A summary of the output of the discussions was provided as an appendix to this minute.

Wednesday, 6 June 2018 – Broomlands Primary School, Kelso  

4.       DATE OF NEXT MEETING

          The next meeting would be held on Wednesday, 6 June 2018 in Kelso at 6.30 p.m. when the theme would be Health and Wellbeing.

The meeting closed at 8.20 p.m.