Adur & Worthing Councils’ watchdog to quiz police chiefs

Police chiefs will be grilled on operational issues by Adur & Worthing Councils’ watchdog at its next meeting - and the public are invited to have their say.

Following concerns around response times and antisocial behaviour, Adur & Worthing Councils’ Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) requested Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne and the local district commander answer questions on a range of topics.

Despite Ms Bourne now being unavailable due to other commitments, Chief Inspector Miles Ockwell, Adur & Worthing District Police Commander, will take questions from the panel of councillors.

Members of the public are invited to submit their questions by Tuesday (February 13) ahead of the open meeting on February 15, which will take place from 6.30pm in the Gordon Room of Worthing Town Hall.

Councillor Stephen Chipp, Adur District Council’s joint chairman of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “Local policing is an area of concern for all of our communities.

“While we are disappointed Mrs Bourne can no longer attend, we want to thank Chief Inspector Ockwell for being available and hope he can shed some light on some of the major concerns that councillors and members of the public have on this issue.

Councillor Roy Barraclough, Worthing Borough Council’s joint chairman of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “Although not a decision making body, JOSC is the watchdog of Adur & Worthing. It has enormous potential to influence and inform decisions made by both the Councils and organisations connected with the areas.

“I hope as many members of the public as possible can attend this session and help us find answers to concerns over this crucial area of public service.”

JOSC made the request to examine local policing after a number of concerns raised by local councillors. These include:

· A heavy reliance on PCSO’s;

· Claims there are very few Police on the ‘beat and not many were in cars due to a lack of resourcing;

· Claims the public were waiting 45 minutes to get a reply to 101 and there were delays in the 999 response;

· Claims it was taking over 24 hours to get a reply from the online reporting service;

· Claims that follow ups were often non existent;

· issues with drug dealing being reported but no action taken and issues with homeless/rough sleepers causing disturbances in Lancing.

To submit a question, members of the public are asked to email democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk by 6.30pm on Tuesday February 13.

For full details on the meeting visit here.

HR & Governance Assistant Job Advert for Worthing Homes                                                                        

Up to 12 Months (Maternity Cover) £22,500 per annum

37 Hours per week

Worthing Homes has over 3,678 properties housing 10,000 customers in the Sussex coastal area. We provide affordable rented homes, key worker accommodation, low-cost shared ownership, sheltered housing and new homes for local people. We are committed to providing great places to live and improving communities.

We are now looking for a HR & Governance Assistant to join the team on a FTC up to 12 months Maternity Cover, making a significant and effective contribution to both the team and Worthing Homes - ensuring that it is well positioned to achieve its vision, current and future business and operational plans and performance targets. 

Working with colleagues across the business so that we provide joined up services that meet our vision and values, you will demonstrate a high level of commitment and excellence in delivering both external and internal customer services and have high standards, demonstrating our values of customer focus, respect, transparency, innovation and commitment at all times.

In the role you will provide administrative support by acting as the first point of contact for all routine queries, escalating to the HR Adviser as appropriate, and administering all HR and payroll (new starter and changes) processes, delivering excellent quality, flexible and customer focussed services. Supporting the Assistant Company Secretary and Senior Leadership Team with administrative tasks and projects (scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars etc.) you will provide basic level advice and guidance to employees in relation to HR matters, support recruitment campaigns, process all people related data in strict compliance with GDPR and prepare statistics and reports for the HR Adviser / Head of HR and Governance as required.

Ideally qualified to CIPD Level 3 and with a good standard of education, you will have experience of administering HR Processes and of providing administrative support. A qualification in administrative studies (or equivalent) and with strong attention to detail and knowledge of Microsoft Office, you will be an excellent communicator with evident organisational and time management skills. Able to work under pressure and as part of a team, you will ideally have experience of minute taking and evidence of commitment to (and delivery of) high quality customer service and continuous improvement.

In return we offer:

·         26 days holiday (pro rata)

·         Private medical insurance (after qualifying period)

·         Stakeholder pension scheme

·         Child care vouchers

To apply, send your CV and covering letter, maximum 3 pages each to jobs@worthing-homes.org.uk            Closing date for the receipt of CV’s is midday Monday 12 February 2018. 

Join us at the West Sussex Business Expo 2018!

Come and join Worthing and Adur Chamber on stand 41 and see what we have to offer you, at the region’s biggest business to business exhibition taking place at Fontwell Park Racecourse on 45 May 2017, between 10am – 3pm.

With over 400 businesses attending the show, this is a brilliant event to gather new contacts that could benefit your company in the near future.

Don’t miss the chance to grow your connections by getting involved with workshops and speed networking throughout the day and listen to keynote speakers and become engaged with ideas and inspiration for your business. 

Tickets are free, so there really is no excuse to miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

To register for free tickets go to: www.b2bexpos.co.uk/WestSussex

Roses are red, violets are blue, the perfect Valentines is Indigo 

Celebrate the one you love this Valentines Day with lunch or dinner at Indigo. A menu designed to tempt, tease and caress you. Make someone feel extra special with a sumptuous meal at Indigo. Take a look at what we've crafted to get your celebrations off to a great start. 
 

Starters
Indigo Fish Soup, Mussels and Prawns in a Shellfish Broth, Sourdough Croutons and Aioli
Pan Fried Potato, Goat Cheese and Chive Terrine, Beetroot Ketchup and Rocket
Slow Cooked Duck Terrine, Orange and Cranberry Compote, Sourdough Crisps
Pan Seared King Scallops, Parsnip Puree, Pancetta Crumb and Parsnip Crisps

 Indigo Seafood Sharing Plate: Bloody Mary Prawn Cocktail, King Prawns in Garlic Butter, Salt and Pepper Squid, Mussels in a Thai Broth

 Pre order 48 hours in advance
Poole Bay  Oysters
48 hrs notice required 
½ dozen £10:50    One dozen  £20:00 
Served with shallot vinegar, lemon and brown bread and butter

Mains
Beef Wellington to Share, Mushroom D’uxelle, Roasted Garlic and Madeira Jus,
Crispy Salsify and Gratin Potatoes
 
Pan Roasted Lamb of British Rump, Braised Puy Lentils, Celeriac Puree, Spinach and Port Sauce
 
Grilled Fillet of Bass, Champagne and Oyster Cream, Braised Fennel and Warm Potato Salad
 
Pan Roasted Skate Wing, Black Olive Mash, Roasted Tomatoes and Brown Shrimp Butter
 
Crispy Potato Rosti, Shallot Puree, Roasted Shallots, Wild Mushrooms and a Poached Duck Egg (v)
 
Spiced Roasted Vegetables, almond and raisin couscous, coconut yoghurt raita
 
Breast of Chicken Pan Roasted, Pearl Barley, Baby Onion and Ham Hock Broth, Leek Croquette
 

Desserts
Chocolate Sharing Plate: Chocolate & hazelnut brownie, White Chocolate Mousse 
Chocolate Orange Torte and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream, Almond Tuile.
Blackberry and Pear Crème Brulee, Warm Gingerbread.
Steamed lemon sponge, lemon curd, passion fruit jelly. 
Cherry and Almond Bakewell Tart, Amaretto custard,
.A selection of Sussex cheese, apricot chutney and biscuits
* 
Freshly Ground Coffee or Tea Infusions &handmade Chocolates
 

Lunch 
Two-Course £26:50    Three-Course £32:50
Dinner
Three Course only £39:00

Including a red rose for the Ladies

A deposit of £20.00 per person is required at time of making a reservation and is non-refundable.

There's nothing to fear from robots...

Say robots and most people may think of cute lovable characters from a range of futuristic films, such as Star Wars, Short Circuit and Wall-E.

But, when it comes to the 21st century workplace, the relations of R2D2 are quite the debating point among business leaders.

From engineering firms to financial services companies, the use of robots is increasing as CEOs and shareholders see the benefits of machines doing labour previously reserved for humans.

The idea is that because machines need no pay, no rest and no added costs, such as pensions and sick pay, then it saves the company money in the long run.

But of course, there can be a human cost - as the number of workers required to man and monitor the robots is far less than the numbers needed to do the work in the first place.

It is this issue of automation which is causing quite a debate - so much so that it was the focus of the latest Centre for Cities Outlook 2018 report, which claims to be the definitive economic health check of the 63 largest urban areas in the UK.

Within it, Centre for Cities claim that one in five jobs in cities across Great Britain is in an occupation that is very likely to shrink due to robots.

When you think that the emphasis of organisations like CWS, which work with businesses, councils and other stakeholder, to drive economic growth you can see how this may be a real challenge moving forward.

The truth is that Coastal West Sussex, which stretches from Adur across to Chichester, we already have a range of businesses that are doing great work in the field.

It is perhaps because of this that Worthing - the only CWS are to feature in the list of 63 urban areas - came relatively high (16%, fourth out of 63) in the list of areas least affected by automation.

In some ways, it is a good thing as it means that the local economy (I use 'local' as areas like Bognor, Shoreham and Chichester are similar economically) is already adapting to new technology and diversifying into areas like the creative and digital sectors.

But this does not mean that we can rest on our laurels.

This is why Coastal West Sussex is working with members and partner organisations to ensure that the workers of the future are equipped with the skills they and businesses need to thrive.

We have placed an emphasis on developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths provision in our local schools, colleges and universities.

We are also encouraging businesses to pay their part, by promoting apprenticeship programmes and upskilling their existing workforce.

All of this will mean that people in Worthing and the other areas in the Coastal West Sussex area will have access to better paid and more secure work - something that is good for the economy as a whole.

Green light for major riverside development in Shoreham

Plans to build 540 riverside homes - including 162 affordable units - on a derelict harbour site in Shoreham have been approved by councillors.

Southern Housing’s proposal to create a ten building development on the Free Wharf site in Brighton Road received the green light at a meeting of Adur District Council’s planning committee last night (January 22).

The approval is the first step in the local authority’s long-term ambition to regenerate Shoreham Harbour and create a new high-quality residential area with riverside promenade and cycle path.

In addition to half of the three acre site being transformed into attractive public space, a retail unit, three restaurants, and office space for small and medium business will be created.

Developers also pledged to set aside more than £2 million towards infrastructure improvements. This includes highways, schools and health provision as well as measures to mitigate the impact of the development on air quality.

Councillor Carol Albury, Chairman of Adur District Council’s Planning Committee, said: “While it was not an easy decision to take, the committee believes this development will provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits which demonstrably outweigh any negative effects of the proposal.

“As part of the Adur Local Plan, which was approved last month, the council has committed to building at least 1,100 houses along the western harbour arm. This is the first step in achieving that total.”

Southern Housing said it had spent the last two years working closely with council planners and residents in drawing up the plans. The developers commented the design approach had received the support of the Coastal Design Review Panel and would “stand the test of time”.

The 162 affordable homes, which meets quotas in the Adur Local Plan, includes 122 homes for shared ownership and 40 for affordable rent.

Southern Housing said it would agree to a council request to provide more affordable rented apartments in the development in the future, if it was proved to be financially viable.

In addition to the riverside pedestrian and cycle route, the developers will create mooring platforms and an observation platform at the end of Humphrey’s Gap.

Flood defences lasting more than 100 years will also be provided at the former Minelco site.

Councillors recognised the location of the site near to the town centre and railway station meant that the provision of 512 car parking spaces (438 for residents) was enough given the developers’ pledge to encourage residents to use sustainable transport. Space for 596 bicycles will also be provided.

A detailed travel plan, which will deter future residents from owning cars, and £138,000 of section 106 payments will go towards limiting the impact of air pollution.

Southern Housing said 224 jobs will be created in the construction phase with the council securing a commitment to use local labour force and employ apprenticeships where possible. Up to 170 further jobs will be provided once the development is complete.

Councillor Brian Boggis, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The regeneration of the Shoreham Harbour arm has been a long held ambition of the council and I’m pleased that the committee has taken this first step in developing this former industrial area.

“As well as providing some much needed affordable housing for local residents on a derelict brownfield site, half of the area will be turned into high-quality public space - something that will enhance Shoreham’s growing reputation as a vibrant coastal town.”

Charities and volunteers the winners after great start for Community Works.

More than 180 charities and volunteer groups have been helped to improve their operations and finances in the first 18 months of a contract awarded by Adur and Worthing Councils.  

A report says Community Works (CW) has made a great start helping the sector increase its contribution to communities across a range of areas including health services, wellbeing and caring for young people.

On a day to day basis, the body gives training, mentoring, support and in-depth advice to groups as well as helping with submissions for funding.  Their wider role is also to develop, enable and promote local voluntary and community action and they have been achieving this with gusto in Adur and Worthing since July 2016.

According to a report compiled for Councils since July 2016 CW has given help to 182 organisations and has a membership of 58 bodies. It has run 21 training sessions on funding, governance and health services attended by 74 organisations in Adur and Worthing.

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Val Turner said, “I have been very impressed with Community Works since we awarded them the contract.

“They have increased the range of individuals and groups helped and made a real difference to the amount of excellent work this vital sector is undertaking in Worthing.”

Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Dave Simmons, said, “These are impressive figures. Our volunteers and community groups are simply gold-dust, and are playing an increasingly important role in helping preserve the social fabric of our district. Community Works is giving them fantastic support in helping to continue their essential role.”

Based at Worthing Town Hall CW was funded to the tune of £88,000 by Adur and Worthing Councils  and £35,000 by West Sussex County Council. The current contract ends in March but is set to be extended for another year.

Case Study 1

Community Works met with the trustees of the Shoreham Community Trust which runs the Shoreham Centre and conducted an in-depth organisational health check.

This covered governance, organisational structure and culture, embedding HR mechanisms such as training, supervision, appraisals and performance management.

Together with the Community Works staff members the trustees identified priority areas for immediate attention: business planning, policies and risk assessment, website, and HR development.  Community Works is currently developing the next stage of the support package, including brokering a consultant.

Matt Davis, the chairman of Shoreham Community Centre said, “Engaging Community Works to assist our Trust to achieve the desired benchmark has been a rewarding experience.Their consultant's constructive and supportive approach to getting us up to speed on matters of policy and governance has been a smooth ride, and certainly to our benefit, our thanks to a great organisation.’

Case Study 2

Worthing Counselling Centre provides low cost counselling in the Worthing area and has a team of 20 counsellors.

It is a registered charity and aims to promote counselling as widely as possible for individuals and communities that might not usually be able to afford it.  

Community Works was approached by the newly-appointed co-ordinator for support around fundraising and development.

This included development support towards three funding applications, all of which were successful: £4,637 from the Sussex Community Foundation for subsidised counselling and work on the website, social media and leaflets, £1,500 from Worthing Community Chest towards premises and £1,504 from West Sussex County Council Community Initiative Fund towards replacement of furniture, equipment & soundproofing.

* For video of Chief Executive of Community Works, Jess Sumner talking about her work follow this link: https://youtu.be/uHC8w38AVm4

For more information on Community Works contact Development Manager, Gabriella Oakley, on gabriella@bhcommunityworks.org.uk or 01903 207735.  You can also sign up for their regular newsletter here:  http://www.bhcommunityworks.org.uk/newsletter-signup/

Now is the time to get your finances in order, recommends MHA Carpenter Box

Between the start of a new year and before the end of the financial year is a great time to review business and personal finances and to make plans for the year ahead. To help you along the way, MHA Carpenter Box is holding a Tax & Investment Seminar which will cover some recent changes that might affect the decisions you make. The aim is to give you some pointers whether you’re thinking about your business or your own finances. 

The seminar will be held at the South Lodge Hotel near Horsham, where Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of the Tax Services Group at MHA Carpenter Box, will give some useful tips on planning for the end of the tax year. These will include a basic tax checklist, tax relief through investment schemes such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme and thinking about Inheritance Tax planning, to minimise liability when the final curtain falls.

Roy Thompson, Departmental Director at Carpenter Box Wealth Management, will discuss wealth management strategies for you and your family, outlining the different types of opportunities available and how to make the most of pension and ISA investments.

The Sussex-based chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers are looking forward to 2018 after an exceptional year in 2017, which saw the headcount at the firm rise to almost 160.

Chris Coopey, Partner and Practice Director at the firm, commented: “We are really looking forward to this first event of the year, which has already attracted a great deal of interest from both business and personal clients. There will be something for everyone and guests will have the opportunity to raise any issues directly with the presenters and to network with other like-minded individuals in the beautiful setting of the South Lodge Hotel.”

The seminar will be held between 8am and 10am on Thursday 8^th February and all attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the firm’s Year End Tax Planning Guide. For more information and to register for the event, please visit http://www.carpenterbox.com/investment-tax-seminar/