Canterbury4Business is a joint public/private body chaired by a representative from the private sector. The Partnership exists to promote the sustainable economic development of the Canterbury district and provide a collective voice for the area's business community, within the context of East Kent and the wider region. As such, it has adopted the following terms of reference:
"A district that is recognised as an excellent place for living, working, learning, visiting, and investing in, with a thriving economy and attractive environment that encourages sustainable business growth and provides a range of employment and training opportunities for local people."
To enhance Canterbury district's position as a significant sub-regional economy by:
4.1 The Partnership will:
4.2 Partners will:
4.3 All matters undertaken directly by the Partnership will be attributed to Canterbury4Business including:
4.4 Credit for specific services, projects and activities relating to the implementation of the Canterbury District Local Economy Strategy will be given to the organisations involved.
Canterbury4Business will consist of a Partnership Board supported by a number of project groups.
5.1 Membership of the Partnership Board
The Partnership Board will be restricted to the following partners, although it reserves the right to co-opt others as and when required. However, at no time should the number of partners from the public sector outnumber those from the private sector.
5.2 Organisational Representation
5.3 Project groups
The Partnership Board will establish project groups as and when appropriate. A key role for all project groups will be encouraging wider involvement in Canterbury4Business and its activities by associate organisations. However, each project group will be set up with a specific focus and clear terms of reference. Project groups can be issue-based, sector-based or area-based as necessary. A board member must chair each project group and will be supported by a Local Economy team officer. Project groups will report regularly, and at least once annually, to the Partnership Board.
6.1 Chairing of meetings
Canterbury4Business will elect the Chair of Canterbury4Business. A Vice-Chair may also be elected. The Chair and Vice-Chair will be appointed for a maximum three-year term. This does not preclude the Chair from standing for re-election at the end of this term.
6.2 Voting
Each partner organisation will have a single vote and decisions will be made on a show of hands.
6.3 Quorum
At least 30% of board members must be present in order for the meeting to proceed. Of these at least 2 should be from the private sector. If the Chair is not present the Vice-Chair will run the meeting. If a Vice-Chair has not been appointed the partners will choose a Chair for the meeting, from those present.
6.4 Frequency of meetings
The Partnership Board will meet at least six times a year. Individual project groups will determine how frequently they meet.
6.5 Administrative Support
Canterbury City Council will provide administrative support to Canterbury4business Board. This arrangement will be reviewed on an annual basis.
It is expected that all members will support Canterbury4Business by committing time to meetings and specific initiatives. In addition, partner organisations will be encouraged to align their resources to support the vision and aims of the Canterbury District Local Economy & Tourism Strategy.
Any bids for external resources made on behalf of Canterbury4Business will be submitted and, if secured, managed by a partner organisation, as Canterbury4Business currently has no legal standing. The administration of any external resources must be clear and accountable.
Canterbury City Council will set aside a proportion of its economic development budget to support meetings, projects, events and activities agreed by Canterbury4Business. This arrangement will be reviewed on an annual basis, subject to the Council's budget allocation. The Council retains the right to veto the use of its budget for any projects or activities that might be agreed by Canterbury4Business but are in conflict with the Council's duties, responsibilities and policies.
8.1 Canterbury District Partnership
The Chair of the Canterbury4Business (or an agreed substitute) will sit on the Canterbury District Partnership (CDP). The activities and progress of Canterbury4Business will be reported to the CDP on a regular basis, and at least annually. The CDP can request that Canterbury4Business consider and respond to certain issues or undertake certain activities on behalf of CDP. It is for the Chair of Canterbury4Business to decide whether to agree immediately to any request from the CDP or whether to take it back to a Partnership Board meeting for consideration.
8.2 East Kent Local Strategic Partnership (EKLSP)
The Canterbury4Business will be regularly informed of the plans and activities of the EKLSP. It is expected that Canterbury4Business will represent the views of the Canterbury district business community to the EKLSP as and when appropriate. Canterbury4Business may also choose to work with the EKLSP on joint initiatives or to secure additional resources for the area.
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