Rural Renaissance Framework

1
Rural Renaissance Framework

• Briefing for Staffs REF
• 27th January 2005

2
Purpose of Framework

• Demonstrates
• our integrated approach to rural renaissance
• the connection between policy and delivery
• that our activity is soundly based
• And, that it operates within a coherent strategic
  framework
• Indicates a developing set of activity on which
  we will report as we progress
• Same life cycle as Corporate Plan 05-08

3
Structure
Current Commitments - Potential Proposals -
Longer Term Aspirations
4
Characteristics

• An Accompanying statement, to WMES not another
  strategy
• Shows relationship to regional strategies and
  bodies
• Parallel to Corporate Plan - 3 year shelf life
• Framework for policy and delivery
• Pillars Themes
• Pillar by pillar action planning
• Key Drivers
• First public commitments to implementing
  Modernising Rural Delivery (Lord Haskins review)
• Summarises the Agencys approach to rural
  proofing
• No detailed financial information
• Limited repetition of information contained
  within other strategies
• How much of this is new?

5
The message

• The Framework
• Delivers
• improved transparency
• Demonstrates
• Deepening partnership working with rural partners
• Delivers consequential benefits, such as
• Improved value for money and connectedness

6
The Framework Components
7
How we developed the framework

• The approach
• inclusive exhaustive consultation process to
  gain partner buy in.
• Scoping paper and 2 consultation rounds.
• Agreed at October Board meeting.
• Rationale
• Transparency
• To share our understanding of our context
• To share our conclusions
• To gain endorsement for our overall approach

8
Audiences

• Regional partners
• Assembly, LGA, GOWM, Int. Agency, WMBC, (Rural
  Accord)
• Rural stakeholders
• WMRAF, NFU, CLA, RHN
• Sub-regional partners
• Local Authorities (particularly rural)
• EDOs, Planners, Lead Members CEXs
• Other Sub-regional partners
• LSCs, BLs, Chambers, Hubs and Fora

9
Main highlights
10
Diverse Dynamic Business Base

• Cluster Development and Business Support,
  supported by an improved understanding of the
  rural business agenda.
• Key actions
• Rural Business Agenda
• Rural Business Connect
• Farming and Food Team

11
Learning and skilful region

• leadership, skills attainment, provision and
  access.
• Key actions
• Rural Skills Agenda
• Rural Skills Leadership Group
• Women in Rural Enterprise

12
Creating the Conditions for Growth

• ..improving rural infrastructure, delivering
  good quality physical development and the
  environmental economy.
• Key actions
• Rural Broadband
• Rural Hubs, e.g., Warwickshire Rural Hub
• Stoneleigh Park

13
Regenerating Communities

• targeting local need and social
  infrastructure.
• Key actions
• Market Towns programmes
• RRZ
• RCCs support
• DoH collaboration

14
A powerful voice

• championing the rural West Midlands, engaging
  in the European agenda and the rural evidence
  base.
• Key actions
• European Rural Group
• Implementing the Regional Marketing Strategy and
• Establishment of a rural evidence base

15
What are the bear traps

• Partner scepticism towards the Agency
• Defras expectations vs. resources available
• Geographic focus
• Rural Renaissance scrutiny review
• How we address them
• First class relationships promotion of the
  Framework, all giving the same message
• Energetic promotion of our integrated approach
• Defra dialogue
• re formula review, joint research, collective
  impact of resources

16
Where we go next

• Publish / launch
• Action Plan / Corporate Plan
• Implementation / MRD
• Annual reporting
• 3 yr review