Page1: Introduction

What are PPN Linkage Groups? 

Linkage Groups are specific-purpose sub-groups of the PPN that bring together members with a shared interest in a specific policy area. This is a way for members to collectively debate and have a real and meaningful input into and influence on local policy.
 
We have 3 Linkage Groups: 

1. Social Inclusion, Housing and Equality
2. Community, Enterprise, Tourism, Sports and Arts
3. Climate Action, Environment, Transport and Water

We are now seeking to appoint 2 volunteer facilitators to each Linkage Group.

What is a Linkage Group Facilitator? 

In short, the Linkage Group Facilitator manages meetings and the workplan for their Linkage Group.

The Facilitator:

• Guides the group without taking over,
• Is nominated for 3 years,
• Acts as liaison between PPN Staff and the group, and
• Reports back to the PPN Plenary.

What is the commitment? 

Because we are appointing two facilitators to each group, you will share the following responsibilities: 

• Attend Facilitator Training - this is one full day and will be arranged around your availability that all facilitators need to complete.
  
  
• Facilitate 4 in-person Linkage Group meetings per year. These will generally take place on a weekday evening in January, April, September and November. You will need to be available from 7pm to 9pm (this includes pre-meeting brief and post-meeting debrief).  
  
  
• Attend 2 PPN Plenary meetings per year. These will generally take place on a weekday evening in May or June, and November. 

 

How will the Facilitators be selected? 

Facilitators will be selected based on their expression of interest form submission - aiming for a spread of interests and experience. We will initially aim to recruit more facilitators than we need with the objective of including as many as possible.

Eligibility: If you are an existing PPN Representative on a Strategic Policy Committee or the Local Community Development Committee or similar representative role, you are not eligible to be a PPN Linkage Group facilitator. 

 

Page 2: Linkage Group Facilitator Role - Detailed Brief

There is no such thing as an ideal candidate. We need all types of people with all types of interests and skills involved in the Linkage Groups. All successful facilitators will receive induction and training to support them to fulfil their role. This brief outlines the role, responsibilities and functions that will help you decide if it is something you are interested in. 

Linkage Group Facilitator is a key volunteer role within the PPN. They are responsible for guiding a thematic Linkage Group of peer organisations (other PPN members).  

The Linkage Groups are a bridge between PPN member groups and public bodies (such as the County Council) and associated committees (such as Strategic Policy Committees - SPCs).

Core Role and Responsibilities

Meeting Facilitation: Runs Linkage Group meetings, ensures the agenda is followed, maintains focus on relevant topics, and keeps time.

Point of Contact: Acts as the primary link between the PPN staff and the Linkage Group members.

Inclusive Engagement: Ensures diverse views are heard and that quieter or "seldom-heard" voices have an opportunity to contribute.

Action Tracking: Ensures that decisions made at meetings are recorded (usually in the minutes) and that actions are progressed.

Support Representatives: Supports PPN Representatives who sit on external committees by helping them understand the community's consensus or diverse views on issues.

Agenda Planning: Collaborates with PPN staff and representatives to set meeting agendas in advance.

Characteristics of the Role

Neutrality: The facilitator guides the process but does not take over or dictate the outcome.

Volunteer Basis: This is a voluntary role and is filled by a member of the PPN.

Support Provided: Training and support are typically provided by the PPN Staff and by extension the Secretariat and Plenary.

Representative: The facilitator is the administrative representative of their Linkage Group for the purposes of reporting, signing any letters or receiving correspondence. However all members of the Linkage Group have equal status.

Key Functions

Setting Policy Priorities: Helps the group to develop policy positions to feed into local government.

Information Sharing: Ensures members are informed about relevant upcoming committee meetings and agenda items.

Capacity Building: Encourages members to get involved in tasks and work plans.

Page 3: Select Linkage Group

Page 4: Your Details (The nominee)

Page 5: Personal Statement

Page 6: Confirmation and Declaration