The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager updated the Committee on the progress of the merger of the Bridgend Equality Forum and the Community Cohesion Group.

She provided the Committee with the reasons and aims of the merger.  Attendance of both groups was low and as some of the same individuals and groups were involved, it was decided to explore the merits of merging.    Other reasons included shared responsibilities among many of the attendees, considering a joint approach with the Community Cohesion and a further review of Bridgend Equality Forum’s Terms of Reference (TOR).

She explained that an initial scoping meeting took place on 1 February 2018 which was attended by representatives of both groups.  The first joint meeting took place on 27 April 2018 at which the Charing and Secretariat arrangements and Terms of Reference were agreed. Two further meetings had taken place in July and October 2018, with the aim of each meeting to have a main agenda where a presentation is received relevant to the attendees.  The Group has received presentations on Operation Guardian - County Lines, Hate Crime awareness and the role and work of Ethnic Youth Support Trust.  Attendance at the group has increased and attendees believe the meetings are more meaningful and fulfilling and also believe that they have benefited since the merge. The next meeting will discuss wellbeing and will be held in January 2019.

South Wales Police have also provided a report that was previously presented to the Community Cohesion Group that provided hate crime figures, use of force, figures on violence against women and girls, stop and search and complaints raised against the police and police misconduct.

A Member of the Committee asked if Town and Community Councils have been made aware of the group and could they be involved.  

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager believed that Town and Community Councils should be aware of the group and she would write to them inviting them to attend and would make reports and minutes available to them to see whether they would be interested in attending. She believed it to be beneficial to reach as many organisations as can be.

Members of the Committee asked whether BAVO, Dementia Friendly and Welsh Language Groups could be invited to the group so that the group can have a larger reach. The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager stated there was a need to encourage as broad a membership to be involved in the group.  BAVO have already agreed to attend future meetings.   

A Member asked if there were any targets set for attendance for the new merged group. The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager stated there is not a specific target for attendance numbers but there was a need to ensure the group has a broad attendance

The Consultation, Engagement and Equalities Manager asked the Committee whether it had a preferred method for receiving communication from the group. Members requested that it receive the annual report of the group which would be the most informative and beneficial means of receiving information.  

A member of the Committee asked if there could be a facility set up through ModernGov that could distribute the annual report to all Members as well as the attendees of the Cohesion And Equality Forum, similarly as agenda documents are. The Senior Democratic Services Officer commented that it would be possible and the Team would look at the most effective way to do this working with the Communications Team.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Equalities Committee noted the report.