Programmes Management Service is responsible for a range of externally funded programmes which contribute to a comprehensive District-wide approach to regeneration. The programmes are delivered in partnership with a range of organisations and stakeholders.
The Programmes Management Services are responsible for three key functions on behalf of area based regeneration programmes in the district.
1. Management of Area Based Regeneration Programmes
Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) schemes are comprehensive area based programmes in the areas of greatest need, and are funded by Yorkshire Forward. We are currently responsible for:
- Manningham and Girlington SRB (completes March 2005)
- REGEN 2000 SRB (completes March 2007)
Local Development and Employment Pacts are funded under Europe’s Objective Two programme and we are responsible for the co-ordination of the programme in 10 Bradford neighbourhoods.
Each scheme has a Board, which oversees its development with the involvement of local residents and organisations.
Masterplans are being developed for Airedale and Manningham and Programmes Management Service is responsible for supporting the partnerships which will implement the plans.
We also play the co-ordinating role for the development and implementation of the West Yorkshire Investment Plan which is Yorkshire Forward’s principle vehicle for delivering the Regional Economic Strategy.
2. Accountable Body Services:
Programmes Management Service acts as the “Accountable Body” for these programmes, i.e. it is responsible for contracting with projects and funders, ensuring that outputs are achieved and funds are properly used. We monitor and evaluate each programme in accordance with funders’ guidelines. In addition we employ the staff appointed to run the programmes concerned.
This function supports all the SRB programmes and Bradford Trident. (see Partner Links)
The Accountable body role currently consists of the following:
- Accounting of the SRB funding and compiling the claim for grant
- Ensuring that all projects are appraised and approved in accordance with the SRB Guidance
- Ensuring effective project appraisal, monitoring and financial systems are in place so that project costs and outputs can be clearly identified and propriety can be assured
- Applying appropriate conditions to SRB support given to third parties to ensure compliance
- Establishing and maintaining an inventory of all capital assets acquired, built or improved using SRB funding.
Considerable progress has been made over the last three years ensuring that each programme is using proper and consistent systems and procedures. We have introduced a Total Management software package that enables us to keep a track of all the projects and programmes we manage.
A review of the relationship between the Council as Accountable Body and the Area Based Initiatives is currently underway in order to ensure a process of continuous improvement.
3. Advice and support for external regeneration partnerships;
We work closely with a number of other partnerships who are working on regeneration issues including:
- Bradford Trident
- Royds
- The Sport Action Zone
- Bradford Vision
- The Housing Strategic Partnership
- The Building Communities Executive
- Neighbourhood Renewal Task Group
- The Area Based Regeneration Strategic Partnership
Our function is determined by the specific partner’s needs and requirements from the Department. It varies from managing the financial transaction processes on behalf of Bradford Trident to taking a lead role on developing the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy on behalf of Bradford Vision.
