Agenda item

            The Committee was advised that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), Metro Dynamics (MD), Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) had developed a proposition paper aimed at establishing an Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network based in the UK with international links.  The purpose of the network was to equip individuals and organisations leading on inclusive growth with practical “know how” (evidence, knowledge, expertise) through peer learning.  It built on the foundation of the combined work at place level by these lead partners and the former Inclusive Growth Commission.  The proposed mission statement for the Network was:

“Members of the Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network across the UK have the commitment, knowhow and tools to develop, deliver and measure inclusive growth.  Through this, the Network will help to tackle inequalities, alleviate poverty, drive productivity and create sustainable, inclusive local economies.”

            It was envisaged that the Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network (IGKN), which was aiming to launch in April 2020, would provide the following:

·        A local inclusive growth network of places

·        Implementation advice / advisors

·        Thematic working groups and workshops

·        A website and online communication tools

            In the shorter term, the network would comprise up to 12 local areas committed to the inclusive growth agenda.  Those areas involved would be required to demonstrate active involvement (to be defined), including relevant senior attendance at the annual workshop, hosting/participation in thematic working groups, and deep place engagement with partner implementation advisers. 

            The Councils Strategy, Policy and Partnership Manager had been actively engaged with the Network partners over the last twelve months in terms of shaping their proposition to provide practical support to local authorities to support the embedding and delivery of inclusive growth.

            Given the Council’s role to date in driving the inclusive growth agenda at the Belfast City and regional level, it was important that the Council continued to be actively involved.  The membership of the Network would assist the Council as it began to implement its Inclusive Growth Strategy, which was currently out for public consultation, and would further demonstrate the Members’ commitment to inclusive growth for the city and as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

            There was no direct financial implication arising from participation.  The Joseph Rowntree Foundation had committed funding to the IGKN for a period of 4 years, with additional in-kind support from the Centre for Progressive Policy.  Participation offered a significant opportunity to access support and resources from across the Network to support the Council’s inclusive growth ambitions.

            During discussion, a member requested if some amendments could be incorporated into the mission statement, such as, needing systemic change to tackle inequalities to alleviate poverty and, in addition, references being made to community wealth building and the inclusion of social justice.

            The Director of City and Organisational Strategy pointed out that a meeting of the Network would be held in due course and discussions could be held in relation to the mission statement to ascertain if the issues which had been raised could be included.

            After discussion the Committee agreed:

·        that Council participates in the Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network (IGKN);

·        that officers continue to work with the IGKN partners in the run up to its official launch next year; and

·        that discussions be held with the Network around the mission statement to see if it could amended to include: leading systemic change to tackle inequalities  to alleviate poverty; the inclusion of  community wealth building; and the inclusion of social injustice.