Climate and Community Action Working Group (CCAWG)

Climate and Communities Working Action Group - Terms of Reference

Redrafted 9 October 2023

Purpose

To improve communication among official and non-official actors working on climate issues in Brighton and Hove; and by so doing reduce duplication, coordinate on filling gaps, and reduce transactions costs.

Outcomes

• An inventory of official and non-official organisations working on climate action in Brighton and Hove;
• A listing of activities related to climate action in Brighton and Hove;
• Initiatives by participating organisations which fill gaps or eliminate overlap;

Membership – which other groups should be represented?

The ToR and group membership will evolve over time – important to allow for co-option to bring people in

Include members from different sectors including larger and small businesses

Involvement of commercial, business and civic organisations

Involvement of organisations, rather than individuals

Schools/young people

Nature

NHS Trust

University/college

For consideration: Setting out achievable stages to progress goals. How would a larger membership be managed and resourced?

List from initial ToR

• BHCC officers x 2

(Comms officer with relevant officers from Sustainability, Economy Dev’t, Transport, Housing, Schools/OCOW, Arts – attending as needed)

• Community reps – TDC/HKP/Community Works x 3
• Business sector – Brighton BID or Chamber x 1
• City comms experts x 1
• TLC comms & engagement link x 1
• Nature rep x 1
• NHS Trust / health rep x 1
• University x 1
• Schools / OCOW x 1

Meetings: location(s); frequency, duration

Monthly, every 2 months?

Continue online or in person?

Leadership

Co-chairing and rotation of chairs

Separate subject-based working/project groups

How will the group be self-servicing and set the agendas?

Confidentiality/Communications

Proactive, transparent, and inclusive communications

Communications to be accessible

Group to use communications to collectively amplify messages and reach out more widely

[taken from a standard ToR]: All members of the group will:

1. observe any sensitivities associated with the meetings and, as necessary, maintain confidentiality of information, particularly during ideas generation and drafting phases;
2. work openly and transparently with fellow group members, operating in an environment of respect and co-operation.
3. Disclose any personal conflicts of interest where relevant
4. Links with policy-making & community action

For information

Local partnerships with an interest in climate that have links with the council

• Refreshed Brighton & Hove Connected
• Brighton & Hove Economic Partnership: An independent group of over 50 individuals from private, public and voluntary sectors supporting the economic prosperity of the city
• Brighton & Hove Food Partnership: A non-profit organisation helping people learn to cook, eat a healthy diet, grow their own food and waste less.
• Brighton Chamber of Commerce Net Zero champions for business
• Circular Brighton & Hove: supporting the circular economy with local businesses
• City Management Board: Key public service decision-makers in the city, it aims to strengthen and focus delivery of services in Brighton & Hove.
• Downland Advisory Panel: wide local community and expert representation, advising on the implementation of the council’s City Downland Whole Estate Plan
• Greater Brighton City Region brings together partners in an economic area from Crawley and Gatwick Airport in the north to Lewes and Seaford in the east and Bognor and Littlehampton in the west and supports innovation in a green economy.
• Green Growth Platform: award-winning green business-innovation network on a mission to create robust, future-proof businesses that minimise their impact on the planet.
• Hydrogen Sussex brings together business, research, education and local government across Greater Brighton and Sussex to support development of a hydrogen economy
• NHS Sussex Together to Zero strategic forum – the five NHS Trusts in Sussex working together to cut carbon emissions from all aspects of the local service.
• Our City Our World – schools in Brighton & Hove working together to use the power of education to advance environmental literacy and social engagement towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
• South Downs National Park Authority: key partner in managing our Downland Estate and access to the countryside, as well as planning authority for some areas
• Sussex Local Nature Partnership: over 30 organisations working through partnership and collaboration to “protect and expand natural capital and everything it gives us”
• The Aquifer Partnership (TAP): Educating about water resources to ensure groundwater remains a sustainable resource for the future.
• The Living Coast Biosphere, a regional environmental partnership, one of only seven UNESCO designated International Biosphere Reserves in the UK, designated as a living laboratory for sustainable development.
• Transport for the South East Decarbonisation Forum: exploring ways to measure and promote reduction in carbon emissions from transport.
• Brighton & Hove Transport Partnership - supporting an integrated and accessible transport system that minimises damage to the environment and promotes sustainable and healthy travel choices
• University of Brighton and University of Sussex partner the council on climate research from hydrogen to neighbourhood homes retrofit, to the circular economy.
• VisitBrighton: The official tourism organisation for city of Brighton & Hove
• Climate:Change – think tank bringing together ideas, policy & action for socially inclusive climate action in Brighton & Hove
• Brighton & Hove Climate Alliance: Network of community groups and citizens with the aim of promoting more effective engagement & consultations between the council and wider community, and to promote & support the exchange and development of good practice and partnerships.