Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Matthew (FAN), Ben (Unison), Jeanette (Lesbian Line) and Rob.

Minutes were agreed as a true record. There were no matters arising.

The 2015/16 Budget consultation documents can be found here: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200024/consultations/2038/budget-1516-consultation

Cllr Bottwood gave a background and overview to the budget consultation. Each budget proposal was outlined (internal cost savings, reduction in JPU contribution, implementation of the living wage, extending pay on exit car parking, further Northampton Alive investment and further Northampton Enterprise Zone investment).  Further detail can be found here: http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200024/consultations/2038/budget-1516-consultation

Ian asked how much of a saving is expected through the review of Information and Advice services. Vicki advised that this will possibly be around a £200,000 saving, from the review of both internal and external services. It is however not clear yet what the exact amounts are.

Ian asked why contractors are not asked to increase the working week by 2hrs for their workers, if not increasing to the living wage. Cllr Bottwood commented that the Council are not in control of the efficiency of contractor employees. John commented that he would like to see contractors asked to pay their employees living wage - if the Council is becoming more business-like, and outsourcing their services, it would be morally right to pay everyone to the same standard. John felt this would have a positive effect of the local economy – local people, local money, more vibrancy. Cllr Bottwood advised that when going out to Contracts, part of the tender process/consultation will be to ask whether minimum wage or living wage will be paid to employees.

Ian commented that three of the budget proposals are investments, while there is a reduction in services. Cllr Bottwood advised that investments are made to attract income for years to come. Cllr Bottwood also advised that front line services have been protected.

Cllr Bottwood offered to attend any future meetings to advise on issues with the budget and finance if the forum would like.

Luisa gave an overview of the changes in Hate Crime services in Northamptonshire Police. Luisa is now the remaining member of staff from the Hate Crime Unit, as Hate Crime Coordinator. Hate Crime now sits with Superintendent Mick Stamper as lead. Luisa is now looking at how Northamptonshire Police’s Hate Crime service will be delivered consistently across the County.

Going forward, Luisa would be able to provide data on homophobic and transphobic reports, and would like to look into setting organisations up as third party reporting centres, in order to ensure there is a consistent link with the community. It was discussed how the forum could possibly have a active role in shaping how hate crime is reported in the County.

Nick Stephens, Northamptonshire Police have an overview of his and his colleague Rachel’s role as Community Engagement Officers. Nick and Rachel have a responsibility to engage with different community and faith groups. A large amount of the engagement with the LGBTQ community was carried out by Luisa and Rob when the HCU was still in place. Nick and Rachel are now taking an active role in engaging with these communities. If there are any community tensions you are aware of, please let Nick and Rachel know – they can then feedback and look into this.

Rachel Packman rachel.packman@northants.pnn.police.uk ,

Nick Stephens nick.stephens@northants.pnn.police.uk .

ACTION: The forum agreed that going forward it would be good to build this into the forum objectives, and include as a standing agenda item.

ACTION: The forum agreed to create an action plan around reporting centres, finding ways the forum can work together to increase trust and confidence again, ensuring those who experience hate crime are heard and listened to.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire were not in attendance.

Straight Allies

This work is continuing. ICOD was not very well attended due to issues with accessibility of the venue at the time. Matt and Cllr Anna King are now part of the Northampton LGBT Partnership, along with Stonewall, NHFT, CAMHS, NCC, Kettering Youth Work and NSB. Holding ‘I’m Still Me’ Conference on 5^th Feb, aimed at schools and Ofsted requirements. This is open to all organisations however.

Ian – Umbrella Fair Organisation, hopefully opening a café at the Pavilion from April onwards.

Julie – Sexual health outreach team. Recognised there is a gap with engaging with the LGBTQ community and would like to be more involved. John recommended Julie links up with the NHFT LGBTQ network. The outreach team are aiming to promote the work of the service, get input from the community and fulfil what the community want, and hold education sessions also. Ian suggested this as an ongoing item for discussion.

ACTION: Include as an agenda item to develop further at the next meeting.

John: NHFT planning events for LGBT History month in February, and will be launching the internal straight allies campaign.

It was agreed to move the meeting to 11am-1pm to see if this will increase attendance.

Hate Crime

Sexual Health

IDAHO

Changing Minds Service– NHFT.

Tuesday 10^th March, 18:30-20:30, The Holding Room, The Guildhall

Tuesday 10^th March, 11am – 1pm – The Godwin Room