Adopted 11th May 2026, 013/26

Review: May 2027

Authority

The Strategy & Business Plan Working Group is appointed by, and solely responsible to, St Agnes Parish Council. The Working Group’s purpose and duties are defined and agreed by the Full Council, which may vote at any time to modify them. The Working Group has no decision-making or spending power delegated to it, but will present recommendations to the Council, or to a Committee of the Council, for discussion and decision. The Working Group may be authorised to deliver a programme of work – including incurring expenditure – upon resolution of the Full Council only.

Purpose

The Strategy & Business Plan Working Group will support the Council to develop a comprehensive Business Plan that defines the Parish Council’s strategic direction, corporate objectives, key projects, anticipated expenditure, and financial and policy priorities – ensuring alignment with community needs, statutory responsibilities, and available resources. The Working Group shall support the Council to:

  • Strategic Vision & Priorities: Identify and define the Council’s long-term priorities to ensure its activities are purposeful, community-focused, and sustainable. These priorities will align with both local aspirations and statutory duties, drawing on best practices.
  • Corporate Objectives: Draft clear, measurable corporate objectives to guide decision-making and service delivery over the next five years, supporting both operational efficiency and strategic outcomes.
  • Projects & Investment Planning: Outline major projects and initiatives, including estimated costs, potential funding sources, and expected outcomes. These will support infrastructure, public services, economic development, and community wellbeing.
  • Financial Planning & Sustainability: Assess the Council’s current financial position and develop medium-term forecasts to enable responsible budgeting, ensuring financial sustainability and resilience.
  • Policy and Legislative Framework: Consider and incorporate relevant local and national policies, strategies, and legislative changes that may influence the Council’s direction, ensuring adaptability and compliance.
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Engage Councillors, staff, stakeholders, and the wider community to inform and shape the Business Plan, ensuring it reflects a shared vision and community needs.
  • Governance and Reporting: Present draft recommendations to Full Council for consideration, amendment, and formal adoption, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Monitoring and Review: Establish mechanisms for the ongoing review and monitoring of the Business Plan, ensuring it remains a live and responsive document that evolves with changing circumstances.

The Working Group will support the Council to produce a Business Plan that is ambitious and grounded in proven, locally relevant strategies with emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, commitment to public realm, economic regeneration, heritage and community identity and needs.

Method

The Working Group will ensure that its goals and recommendations are S.M.A.R.T:

  • Specific: Well-defined, clear, and unambiguous
  • Measurable: With specific criteria that measure progress
  • Achievable: Attainable and realistic
  • Realistic: Within reach and relevant
  • Timely: With a clear timeline, including a starting and target date

Membership

  • Membership will consist of a maximum of seven people, with a minimum of three appointed Parish Councillors.
  • Councillor members are established at the Annual Parish Council Meeting and thereafter, if Councillor vacancies arise, by the Full Council.
  • The Working Group may appoint community representatives where their expertise and/or relevant experience can contribute meaningfully to the Working Group’s purpose and enhance the effectiveness of the Council’s Business Plan.
  • The Working Group may elect a Chair, who shall be responsible for calling and running meetings and delegating actions with support from the Clerk.
  • It has the discretion to elect a Vice Chair.

Quorum

Quorum will be three, to include one Parish Councillor.

Frequency of meetings

A minimum of twice-yearly meetings and ad-hoc as required. At least one meeting must take place in September or October annually to ensure the Working Group can make recommendations to Full Council regarding setting appropriate budgets which support the Business Plan. Meetings may take place virtually, physically, or in a hybrid format as regulations and Working Group members dictate.

Public Participation

There is no legal right to attend, as this is not a decision-making body of the Council. Admittance of the public to meetings is at the discretion of Working Group members.

Record of meeting

Meeting minutes will be produced and submitted to Full Council at the next available meeting. When tasks are created and delegated, each will have a designated person of responsibility. They will have the duty of reporting on their task progress at each Working Group meeting, either in person or by way of a written report.

Review & termination

The Working Group may review its Terms of Reference as required and make recommendations to the Full Council. Only the Full Council may resolve to make changes to the Terms of Reference. The Working Group will terminate by resolution of the Full Council.