South Lakeland District Council Cabinet 31 May 2017 Applied Theatre in Cumbria Project PORTFOLIO: Culture, Media and Sport Portfolio Holder REPORT FROM: Simon McVey - Assistant Director Performance and Innovation REPORT AUTHOR: Simon Blyth - Principal Partnerships and Communities Officer WARDS: ALL FORWARD PLAN: Key Decision included in the Forward Plan as published on 28 April 2017 1.0 EXPECTED OUTCOME 1.1 South Lakeland District Council, on behalf of the South Cumbria Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and other partners, will be the accountable body for funds totalling £128,000. The funds (from project funders and match funded by the Arts Council) will facilitate delivery of professional theatre performances in South Cumbria schools, on vital community safety and health and wellbeing messages. The young people of South Cumbria will benefit through improved understanding and resilience around community safety and health issues relevant to South Cumbria. 2.0 RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that Cabinet:- (1) Approve SLDC becoming the accountable body for the Applied Theatre in Cumbria funds. (2) Authorise officers to proceed with the project and finalise contractual arrangements for the successful theatre delivery partner. 3.0 BACKGROUND AND PROPOSALS 3.1 The South Cumbria Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is coordinated by SLDC (currently by the Principal Partnerships and Communities officer). One of the key projects of 2016/17 was a touring theatre production of 12 schools in South Lakeland and Barrow by West Midlands company “Loudmouth”: 1 School Date of Session Kirbie Kendal School 04-Apr-17 John Ruskin School 05-Apr-17 Cartmel Priory School 06-Apr-17 Queen Elizabeth School 03-May17 The Lakes School 04-May-17 Settlebeck School 05-May-17 Walney High School 16-May-17 The Queen Katherine School 17-May-17 St Bernard's Catholic High School 18-May-17 3.2 Following on from this successful pilot the CSP decided to commission a similar model, but utilising home-grown Cumbrian expertise and local theatre companies. 3.3 Consequently the CSP coordinator began discussions with the Arts Council and its bridge organisation “Curious Minds” and succeeded in attracting match funding for up to £100,000 for this Cumbrian programme. Subsequently the following contributions were received: Funder Amount SLDC: Public Protection £5000 SLDC: Partnerships and Organisational Development £10,000 CSP Cumbria Fund £10,000 South Cumbria CSP £10,000 OPCC/ SLDC £7000 Barrow Borough Council £2000 SLL Health and Wellbeing Forum £20,000 TOTAL £64,000 TOTAL with Arts Council match funding £128,000 3.4 Curious Minds have confirmed the match funding and the project is ready to progress to delivery. 3.5 Programme outputs: 20 high quality bespoke dramatic performances exploring issues relevant to young people Streaming of the dramatic performances to schools. Each production will be available to all schools in Cumbria through ‘real time’ streaming. 2 Recordings of the performances will be available for use in schools and elsewhere. This will be an invaluable resource for those wishing to address the topic under consideration. Links to lesson plans accompanying the programme. Additional curricular materials will be made available to support further discussion and reflection. Two locally determined wellbeing campaigns. Each performance will be the centrepiece of a campaign designed and led by young people. Young people’s involvement in the development and production of the dramatic performances provides occasion for individuals to explore their experiences in a supportive art based context. A wide range of opportunities for young people to be involved in the writing, staging and recording of performances. Opportunity for young people to learn media management and public engagement skills. Improved understanding and resilience among young people in Cumbria with regard to societal issues considered priorities locally. Full evaluation report by pre and post session evaluation of groups of young people engaging with the project. 3.6 If this report is approved officers will proceed with commissioning a contract provider, installing a project manager and liaising with funders and partners to firm up the programme’s first phase. 4.0 CONSULTATION 4.1 The membership of the South Cumbria Community Safety Partnership approved this project and a workshop was held on 17 January for Cumbria County Council Public Health managers, CSP Chairs and Police and Crime Commissioner Representatives. 5.0 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS 5.1 There has been no viable alternative option identified. If SLDC do not become accountable body there is currently no agency who can assume the responsibility. Therefore the future of this project would be in doubt. 6.0 LINKS TO COUNCIL PRIORITIES 6.1 The following Council priorities are applicable to this project: Through our Public Health and Wellbeing Strategy the council and its partners will support wellbeing improvements and reduce health inequalities. 6.2 We will work with partners to reduce the number of people affected by domestic violence, alcohol related crime, substance misuse, anti-social behaviour and serious and organised crime through our excellent Community Safety Partnership work. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Financial and Resources 7.1.1 This project will be cost neutral for SLDC. Any costs incurred will be drawn down from the funding. 7.2 Human Resources 7.2.1 Members of the Partnerships and Organisational Development Team may provide project management support for this project. Any costs incurred will be drawn down from the funding. 3 7.3 Legal 7.3.1 Due to the specialised nature of the work it is envisaged that procurement of a contractor may attract an exemption or waiver under the contract procedure rules of the constitution. Legal and procurement officers will be consulted when drawing up contracts and funding agreements. 7.4 Health, Social, Economic and Environmental 7.4.1 Have you completed and Health, Social, Yes ☒ No ☐ Economic and Environmental Impact Assessment? If yes, please confirm that it is attached Yes ☒ No ☐ to the report in the appendices. Summary of health, social, economic Positive impacts on the areas where the and environmental impacts. project focuses. 7.5 Equality and Diversity 7.5.1 Have you completed an Equality Impact Yes ☒ No ☐ Analysis? If yes, please confirm that it is attached Yes ☒ No ☐ to the report in the appendices. Summary of equality and diversity Positive impacts supporting young people impacts. to make informed personal choices. 7.6 Risk Risk Consequence Controls required Reputational risk for SLDC Negative publicity Tight project management using resources from SLDC POD Department. Project fails to deliver SLDC required to repay Contractual arrangements performances in schools the funding. in place and monitored by project manager and stakeholder group. CONTACT OFFICERS Report Author - Simon Blyth, Principal Partnerships and Communities Officer, 01539 793262, [email protected] APPENDICES ATTACHED TO THIS REPORT Appendix No. 1 Social, Economic and Environmental assessment 2 Equality Impact Assessment 4 TRACKING INFORMATION Assistant Portfolio Holder Solicitor to the SMT Scrutiny Director Council Committee 8/5/17 8/5/17 8/5/17 8/5/17 n/a Executive Committee Council Section 151 Monitoring (Cabinet) Officer Officer n/a n/a n/a 8/5/17 8/5/17 Human Leader Ward Resource Councillor(s) Services Manager 8/5/17 8/5/17 n/a 5 .