To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Board.

Apologies for absence were received from Anne Marie Bond, Alison Hernandez and David Thomas.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on  20 April 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Torbay Place Leadership Board held on 20 April 2026 were confirmed as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of Vince Flower under the list of apologies.

Nema Hart and Kirsty Brodest gave a presentation to the Board, on the Arts Council England’s role in championing, nurturing and developing artistic and cultural experiences. The presentation was welcomed along with confirmation  that Torbay has now been granted priority status by the Arts Council. It was felt there is now a significant opportunity to build relationships and bring together the priorities of the Local Authority, private sector and community groups.  The Board welcomed the significant investment and strategic development in the area, specifically in Paignton where there is already a noted National Portfolio Organisation in place.  The Board recognised the health benefits of investments in the arts and queried the most effective way to build on the work already undertaken in partnership with Arts Council England.    

The Board noted that uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) meant that the capacity for development in this area is likely to be severely challenged in the coming months, but expressed a desire to utilise existing groups and networks to leverage the funding and other opportunities available.  The ongoing development of the Paignton Place Leadership Board was discussed, and Members expressed a desire to develop joined-up, strategic links with Arts Council England using this and other existing structures and bodies.

The Chair thanked Ms Hart and Ms Brodest for their presentation, and for the opportunities that now exist because of a closer working relationship. He also welcomed representatives of National Heritage Lottery and Historic England who are also key to achieving those aims.

Action -   to continue ongoing discussions, and to bring back detailed proposals in September for the creation of formal relationships between Arts Council England and Torbay, Torquay and Paignton Place Boards (Jon Paul Hedge).

Lee Tozer outlined the DWP-sponsored Youth Guarantee to the Board, which provides support for long-term unemployed young people.  It was noted that the number of young people looking for work is high and continuing to climb.  It was requested that Board Members do what they can to support the Scheme, including providing placements where appropriate. 

Action – to circulate the presentation slides to Board Members (Jon Paul Hedge).

Connor Conneely presented the submitted report, outlining the proposals for a joined up, place-based approach to tackling youth disengagement, health inequalities and economic inactivity.  The Board discussed rising unemployment and the fragmentation of service provisions to tackle these issues, noting Central Government focus on not in employment, education or training (NEETs), and discussing possibilities for mentoring in less formal, more modern settings.  The Board noted that these issues were by no means unique to the area.  The Board generally endorsed the creation of a Council-led task and finish group to develop interventions and proposals and to report back to the Board regularly.  It was agreed that Steve Darling MP and Vince Flower would be a part of this group.

Discussion how the board wishes to anticipate a response

It was agreed that an Extraordinary Meeting of the Board will be convened when the outcome of Local Government Reorganisation is known.