In Attendance
| Name | Organisation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Andria Birch (AB) - Chair | Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service (BCVS) | CEO |
| Julie Beresford (JB) | Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) | Head of Growth and Economic Prosperity |
| Rebecca Bibby (RB) | Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) | Admin Support Assistant |
| Michelle Cleaver | Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) | Interim Programme Officer |
| Craig Taylor (CT) | Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) | Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods |
| Karen Whitlam (KW) | Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire | CEO |
| Philip Jackson (PJ) | Worksop Business Forum | Chair |
| Nicola Stephesn | Nottingham County Council | Non-voting |
| Tina Masters | Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) | Media Officer |
| Peter Gaw | Inspire | CEO |
| Michael Hirst | BPL | CEO |
| Cllr Steve Scotthorne (SS) | Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) | Councillor |
| Stephen Marwood (SM) | Environmental Agency | Sustainable Growth Manager |
| Becky Law (BL) | Member of Public | - |
| Jo White (JW) | Member of Parliament for Bassetlaw | Member of Parliament |
| Mel Smith (MS) | RNN Group | Director of Campus |
| Chris Gorock | Futures Group | Head of Business Development |
| Tony Ward | S80 Partnership | S80 |
Apologies
| Name | Organisation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sally Gilborn (SG) - Vice Chair | North Notts BID | Chief Executive |
| Cllr Walker-Gurley (CWG) | Nottinghamshire County Council | Councillor |
| Paul Stuart | East Midlands Chamber of Commerce | Head of Business Support |
| Dee Sessons | Aurora Wellbeing | CEO |
Action Table
| Previous Actions | Undertaken by | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 Arrange working group to explore matched funding opportunities | MC | Complete |
| 5.2 Memorandum of understanding | MC | Complete |
| 6.1 Send out letter and contract for B&C engagement work | MC | Complete |
| 6.2 Send out letter and contract for CYP engagement work | MC | Complete |
| 7.1 Contact Richard Stone for quote on providing a town centre audit. | MC | Complete |
| 7.2 Follow up with Via regarding street paving. | MC | Complete |
| 7. 3 Working sub-group to be created for Events | MC & RB | Complete |
| 9. Contact Lex Hygiene – further discussion about quote | MC | Complete |
| 10.1 Collect revised quotes for website build | MC | May |
| 10.2 Renew domain name | MC/CM | Complete |
| New Actions | Undertaken by | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 Review COI disclosure timeframe | MC | Complete - no timeline for renewing Col forms |
| 5.1 follow-up with the relevant team to discuss usage of street cleansing equipment. | MC | Contact made - meeting to be held ASAP to discuss |
| 6.1 Circulate free website created using AI tool for example | AB | - |
| 6.2 Facilitate working group to progress with website provider. | MC | - |
| 6.3 Working group to present recommendation via written procedure to Board. | Comms sub-group | - |
| 7.1 Query PIP logo without postcode. | MC | - |
| 7.2 Partnership with Ryan for business engagement work | MC | - |
| 8.1 Distribute safety audit report | MC | - |
| 9.1 consult with BDC conservation department on shop frontage issues | MC | - |
| 9.2 Share HSRA vacancy register with Board (if appropriate) | JB | - |
| 9.3 Share Worksop Masterplan | MC | - |
| 10.1 Pass on contacts to NS at VIA at NCC | MC | - |
| 10.2 Contact VIA and AWJBS to chase for cobble replacement quotes. | MC | - |
| 10.3 Look into street cleaning from council responsibility and street furniture in storage. | MC/CT | - |
| 11.1 Create sub-group for DWP youth group organisation | MC | - |
| 11.2 Review vacant units for potential DWP youth group | MC/AB/BPL | - |
Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
Minutes agreed from last meeting and no new matters arising.
Conflicts of interest
PJ - sent update for COI form.
Action: MC to look at how often COI need to be updated.
Funding Update - Reporting & Capacity Funding
The first return to MHCLG has been submitted, included:
Financial Reporting Requirements
- Reported spend to date against capacity funding, including an outline of projects.
- Provided a forecast of planned capacity funding spend for the next year, including community engagement and management and administration costs.
Governance Updates
Board changes reported: Mel has replaced Tracy (RNN Group) and Nicola has replaced Joelle (NCC).
Project Delivery
- No completed projects to report at this stage.
- Future returns will include details of delivered projects and associated spend.
- Planned projects were included at a high level only, in line with previous board instructions.
- Confirmed to allocate full funding for the current financial year.
Programme Delivery Spend
Funding has been allocated across key priority themes: Cohesion, Education, Regeneration, Safety and Skills. Allocations are presented at an overarching programme level and do not directly match the individual interventions that spend has been allocated to.
Outputs Achieved
- Reported output of 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) role: Based on a 4-day per week role, alongside additional administrative support.
- Noted that further outputs will be reported once project delivery begins.
MC created spreadsheet for board to see spending allocation – this is also included on PP slides.
The next report needs to be submitted to Central Gov in September 26 and it has been agreed that quarterly reports are to be provided to the Board.
Overall Spend
The overall spend position remains unchanged. Figures exclude management and administration costs, which have been accounted for separately. Allocations to date have been made across various interventions
High Street Deep Clean
- £15,000 revenue budget allocated for deep cleaning of the High Street.
- A further quote has been received (to be discussed separately).
- Equipment purchased:
- Glutton machine
- iPure steam cleaner (delivery pending confirmation)
Action: MC Plan follow-up with the relevant team to discuss usage, including potential graffiti removal and initial town centre clean-up.
Town Centre and Neighbourhoods Public Realm
Approximately £24,500 has been committed from the £90,000 capital allocation.
Events
No spend to date on events - £65,000 revenue remaining.
Town Centre Community Safety
- Audit commissioned (£5,000 from £37,000 allocation).
- Initial meeting has taken place; work is currently in progress (feedback further in meeting).
Events
No spend to date on events - £65,000 revenue remaining.
Town Centre Community Safety
- Audit commissioned (£5,000 from £37,000 allocation).
- Initial meeting has taken place; work is currently in progress (feedback further in meeting).
Empty Buildings Community Support
High Street Business Support - £40,000 allocated from a £60,000 budget (further detail to follow). Remaining allocation directed towards support grants.
Remaining Budget
- £50,000 remaining in revenue funding for skills development.
- £60,000 remaining in capital funding for Capital schemes.
Capacity Funding Update
£40,000 has been allocated this year towards management and administration from capital capacity funding. JB confirms no dedicated revenue allocation for management and administration in Year 1. Costs have therefore been met through capital capacity funding. From Year 2 onwards, management and administration will be funded at 7% of both revenue and capital allocations.
Engagement RFQs £84,836.02 have also been taken out of capacity funding.
AB confirms there is flexibility within the funding, and there may be opportunities to reallocate underspends to other budgets in future if required. Comms and website can come out of capacity funding. Capacity funding will be used flexibly where necessary to support increased capacity.
CT fedback the Board has taken a relatively cost-effective approach in the early stages and much of the work was delivered in-house rather than through external consultants.
Communications and Website
MC summarises slide which shows 3 quotations obtained and what is included in each quotation. She highlighted the key considerations for the programme website, including where the website will be hosted, responsibility for managing and maintaining the site, important to develop a clear communications and marketing plan.
AW noted that works with someone who has experience in WordPress and currently updates their website. There is potential for support to be offered for ongoing website maintenance in the future, if required.
MC talked through the three website quotations, with Choose Purple and Bubble identified as the preferred options. Both proposals include full website provision (design, build, hosting, testing, launch, and maintenance), with Bubble also offering training for ongoing management.
The board discussed and agreed emphasis should be placed on developing an independent identity, separate from the BDC. Ensuring the website is future-proofed, with the ability to integrate with other platforms (e.g. events, social media, partner websites). Avoiding duplication with existing platforms (e.g. Discover Worksop, Discover Bassetlaw etc). MH highlighted social media will be the primary engagement channel, with the website acting as a landing page for further info. Board discusses long-term plan including ongoing costs, and potential to involve local providers or community input (young people involved).
Action: AB Circulate free website created using AI tool for example of what can be done for free.
Action: MC to facilitate working group to progress with this and to focus on clarify requirements and intended purpose of the website, and review and ask further questions to the 3 quotations.
Action: Decision-making to be delegated to the working group, with a recommendation brought forward via written procedure (rather than waiting for the next full board meeting). Confirmed that budget (under £10k) can be allocated from capacity funding, subject to final approval.
Engagement
Children and Young People
AB confirms engagement programme has moved into the mobilisation phase (11 months remaining). A programme of engagement events is being developed, aim is to launch the next phase during Volunteers Week. A draft press release has been prepared. Engagement delivery involves a range of partner organisations, including Citizens Advice, Centre Place, Oasis, BCVS, Aurora, Willow Garden andMulticultural Association. AB will keep the Board up date with project. Commitment to build on existing engagement activity rather than duplicate work already undertaken. Identified opportunities to link with youth engagement (including 6th form/college involvement and volunteering opportunities.
Update on proposal to establish a visible engagement presence – potential units in the Priory Centre with the intention to use as an engagement hub. This will act as a focal point for events and community involvement. Initially the term would be for 12 month and then to board to decide.
PJ suggested community engagement and unit opening should take place sort similar sort of time to when website/comms is ready to go.
Board discussed the use of current logo and confirmed it is being retained. AB confirmed it will be used across engagement materials and have a visual presence in the town centre JW suggested the leaves could be seasonal (different colours Christmas. Spring, Pride etc).
Board decision: continue with current logo.
Action: MC to query if Board able to use PIP logo without postcode as potential to cause confusion S80 goes beyond map border.
Business Engagement
JB queried integration with BDC Economic Development team into the wider business engagement programme. This can ensure joined up working and avoid duplication. Ryan (East Midlands Chamber of Commerce) is supporting Worksop Town Centre engagement currently funded through a combination of previous UKSPF arrangements and Chamber match funding (continuing until March next year).
Action: Include Ryan in business engagement meeting.
AB confirms Claire Morton will be the programme delivery officer for the engagement work (Can join a future meeting if Board wishes).
Walkaround
MC summarised the safety walkaround was a 2-hour site visit which involved the community safety team, police and Richard Stone from CPTED UK. The focus of the visit was Worksop High Street and some coverage of the Priory area. Richard and Baxi are currently collating findings from the site visit, reviewing (ASB) data with police and liaising with Mark Seston (Community Safety Team). Richard has requested supporting documents including the Worksop Masterplan. He will provide the initial report (focusing on Town Centre), and it will be shared once complete. In addition, he is willing to attend a future board meeting to present findings and respond to Board questions. He's already written a letter to BDC separately to highlight the upcoming nature of Martin's Law and how that's going to impact on the town centre, what is already in place down the high street and what's missing.
AB requested that the audit considers visitor economy impacts and the heritage character of Worksop.
JB suggested that Neil Bellamy (Design Out Crime Officer) be consulted and there is a connection with Richard Stone. Potential for providing additional advice and capacity. Robert Harrison has attended community safety sub-groups but not full Board meeting due to availability.
CT queried if report will include clear prioritisation of recommendations. MC confirmed she has spoken to Richard about incorporating priorities.
Action: MC to ask Richard Stone for completion date of report.
Business Support Review
Business Support Grants - £3K, Fit Out Grant £15K and Shop Frontage £10K.
MC summarises currently applications
- Business Support Grant £3000 enquiries to date -8 ( 3 applications)
- Fit Out Grant £15,000 enquiries to date - 5
- Shop Frontage £10,000 enquiries to date – 8
MC asks the Board considered a specific business support grant application.
The application related purchase of equipment, however it was noted that the business sells a mix of products, including vape-related items. Grant guidance states that vape shops are not eligible for funding. Concern raised regarding not with in the programme objectives
Board Decision - agreed to decline the application.
High Street Business Support Tender
- Tender issued for a two-year programme (£80,000 value)
- 10 applications received and evaluated through a formal moderation process
- A preferred bidder has been identified as YTKO Ltd.
- The standstill period is currently in place and due to conclude on 18 May 2026; an inception meeting and contracting to follow.
- MC highlighted the key strengths being relevant experience, previous work in Worksop, clear and measurable outputs, out-of-hours support for businesses and mystery shopper activity.
Shop Frontage
PJ raised queries about shop frontage rules. Discussion took place regarding non-compliant shop fronts and signage. Concerns raised regarding illegal signage and removal or alteration of heritage shop fronts. MC confirms grant applications are subject to planning and compliance checks. The Board acknowledged a need to balance support for businesses and if appropriate enforcement action. JB confirmed that some businesses in Retford may have inherited non-compliant shop fronts. It could be done by a case-by-case basis. JB suggests reviewing existing data High Street Rental Auction register) may provide a starting point as not to duplicate any work.
Action: Mike Tagg (BDC conservation) to be consulted.
Action: JB to share HSRA vacancy register.
AB query if planning could attend a meeting or support a site walk-around to discuss retaining heritage on the High Street.
JW raised the importance of considering the Worksop Masterplan as this is important in informing programme decisions.
Action: MC to share Masterplan with Board.
Street Cleansing
MC – summarise revised quote from Lex Hygiene – quote based on weeding being done and the cobbles to be reset. The updated quote remains approx. £2K overbudget, despite scope reductions. Current quote is £17,892.66. Funding would require £2,892 allocation from the Public Realm budget.
Cleaning to be focused on the main High Street only (from YMCA/Lion Hotel to the bridge/Skills Hub). Work is to cover paving only (no street furniture included). Proposed to be carried out overnight using multiple operatives and equipment. Use of hydrants for water supply included within quote. Cleaning planned before September, subject to cobbles being replaced or secured.
MC confirmed recent meetings with Via and walkaround took place. Repairs focus on safety rather than preserving original cobbles. Some of the cobble repairs not currently planned by Via unless separately funded. Waiting for feedback of quotes for cobble repairs from Via estimating team and AWJBS.
Members raised concern about pigeon droppings and general cleanliness of street furniture. Board to consider relocating or redesigning seating and new furniture rather than refurbishing old. PJ raised concerns over commercial bins on the High Street may hinder cleaning, potential engagement with environmental health required. Also, benches have been removed due to ASB can these be put back?
Action: MC to provide NS with contacts at NCC for her to chase/escalate.
Action: MC to contact VIA and AWJBS for cobble replacement quotes.
Action: Look at street cleaning from council responsibility.
KT – suggests looking at volunteer opportunities (used example of Citizens Advice organising litter pick and young people keen to be involved) Also, suggests offers from companies for volunteers to help with the cleaning and the pride in place.
Board discussed the important to have a before and after photos of street cleaning and this can be used for comms.
Skills and Employment
Discussion to consider a partnership approach to delivering a DWP Youth Hub in Worksop. Summarised by David Williams via TEAMS.
Young people (16–24) in Worksop face barriers to employment and progression, including:
- Gaps in post-education support
- Limited entry-level provision (English, maths, ESOL)
- Fragmented services across employment, health and wellbeing
- Disengagement from Jobcentre Plus and education
DWP funding covers staffing and delivery only, not premises or wider support. PiP funding would look to provide a hub in Worksop and support partnership working and holistic provision. Wrap-Around Support such as employability and life skills, wellbeing and English, maths and ESOL. Coordination with local partners (e.g. CVS, YMCA, NHS, NCC Youth Service)
Delivery provider and Accountable Body to be appointed by DWP. It was noted there are potential COI across the Board, members acknowledged the need to declare interests appropriately.
The Board discussed that DWP Youth Hubs are separate from Young Futures Hubs (noted as a different initiative with a different focus).
Board decision: support for 12-month interim space for the hub (revenue cost), subject to confirming costs and securing a vacant unit.
Board decision: Agreement to establish a task and finish group urgently to progress the hub strands (space, accountable body interface, and wraparound commissioning approach).
Action: Board members to contact MC for interest for the task & finish group by Monday, then circulate a date for the first meeting.
Action: MC/AB/BL to explore short-term unit options.
Meeting Dates for 2026
- 23 July 10am-12pm Hybrid – Bridge Skills Hub
- 18 September 10am-12pm Hybrid – Bridge Skills Hub
- 19 November 10am-12pm Hybrid – Bridge Skills Hub
Any Other Business
PG suggests option to explore additional funding opportunities focused on arts, culture and heritage. Focus on scoping work, with a view to returning to the Board with a proposal. Arts seen to increase footfall on High Street and support engagement with young people and communities.
12:28 – meeting closed.
Last Updated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026