New Heart for Heywood - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions >>

Frequently Asked Questions - The Staff

		Why does The New Heart for Heywood only do things for people in the "Area" and not for the whole of Heywood?

		When the second round of bids for New Deal for Communities was announced in 1999, the Government set a limit for each NDC area of 4,000 households. Once Heywood was chosen to be the NDC area in the Borough of Rochdale, local residents and services were consulted on where the greatest problems were. The NDC boundary that we see now is the result of this consultation.

		Click here to read more about the New Deal For Communities Area.

		Why are the boundaries set as they are?

		The boundary was agreed as above, and the terms of NDC funding from the Government are that we have to focus on meeting the needs of people within the area. However, many of our projects have an impact on the wider area, as the NDC area can't be dealt with in isolation from the rest of the town. For example, we have funded Teaching Assistants in all of the town's primary schools, as children from the NDC area attend different schools. Other children will therefore benefit from this additional investment in schools.

		How do Community groups access the monies? - How can my Community Group get involved in having a say?

		Community groups can apply to the NDC Social Investment Fund for money to increase community participation in their group. The Social Investment Fund Officer can also help groups to find funding from other local, regional and national funding bodies.

		Click here to read more about the Social Investment Fund.

		There are many ways that groups can have their say. In some areas, there are already consultative groups that work with Tenants and Residents Organisations. In addition, NDC Theme Groups are open to anyone to come along. Specific initiatives will also often have a Steering Group that local people and groups can get involved in.

		What kind of projects do you fund?

		NDC is involved in funding a range of projects, of various types and sizes. Projects need to make a difference to jobs, community safety, education, health, housing and the environment, or in developing community activity. The intention for all projects is that they should have a long-term impact on the area.

		Click here to read more about the theme groups and the Projects they are involved with.

		Are members of the public allowed to attend meetings?

		All Theme Groups, local consultation meetings of various sorts and the Partnership Board are open to anyone.

		Click here to read more about the Meetings that are led by the New Heart for Heywood, Heywood Township and Heywood Hosing Partnership.

		Who is responsible for spending this additional funding? - How are they accountable?

		The Partnership Board has overall responsibility for making decisions on spending, and sets the overall programme for each year. The NDC Executive then manages the programme through the year. Rochdale Council act as our "Accountable Body" to ensure that public money is spent in accordance with the Government's rules for NDC funding. In the end, we are accountable top the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for how we spend the money.

		So , what happens in 2011 after funding stops?

		We are still working on the details of this, but we expect that there will be a significant legacy of work that will continue, funded by other bodies to take over from our funding. As the name implies, we expect our 12 Legacy Programmes to leave behind real change for the better, from which all Heywood residents will benefit, and which will continue well beyond 2011.

		What other areas have an NDC?

		There are 39 NDC areas across the country, six of them in the North West. These are in Heywood, Liverpool, Manchester, North Huyton, Oldham and Salford. The areas range from Plymouth in the South West, to Newcastle in the North, and Norwich in the East. Of the 39, 17 started in 1999 and so will end in 2009, while New Heart for Heywood is one of the 22 that will end in 2011.

		Click here to read about Contact Details of the Other NDC Offices

Frequently Asked Questions - The Board

		What qualifications do I need to join the Board?

		You do not need to have any qualifications. We only ask that you have enthusiasm and a commitment to making Heywood a better place to live. You must live in the NDC area.

		What support will be available to me?

		Training and support will be provided by the New Heart for Heywood staff and others to help you to play your full part in the Board.

		How much time is involved in being a Resident Director?

		There is no fixed amount of time. The Partnership Board meets once every three months in the evening, usually for about 2 hours. The Executive meets once a month in the evening, again for about two hours. Not all Resident Directors will attend the Executive. Each Resident Director will be nominated onto two sub-committees. There is a monthly meeting just for Resident Directors to meet and discuss joint issues. There are other meetings you may wish to attend at your own discretion.

		Will I get paid?

		No, but we pay reasonable expenses for attending meetings, including childcare costs.

		How will I know what to do?

		The Board has agreed a Code of Conduct which is signed by all Board members. This sets out what is expected to ensure that we operate fairly, and that everyone has a voice.

		If you are elected you will attend induction training and be offered ongoing training and support.

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