West Wales Hospitality Panel Steering Group Meeting
The Castle Hotel, Neath
21 of September 2005
Attendees:-
Lisa Johnston, Michelle Mather, Lowri Edwards, Deborah Lodwig, Gary Davies, Chris Osborne, Lynne Jones, Geraint Bowen, Barbara Priest, Del Thomas, Beth Thompson, Diana James
1) Welcome
2) Matters Arising – CO went through minutes of last meeting. Action Points were discussed.
Action Point:
LE updated group on status of Training/Evaluation Form. This is intended to match up future training needs resulting from feedback obtained from course attendees. GD asked if there was a welsh version available. LE confirmed that a welsh version could be provided.
The group then discussed the Gallu Survey Form. Questions arose as to what information the form actually needed to collect. GD told group to consider the question – WHY SHOULD GALLU CONTINUE? There are lots of course providers/trainers in the sector at present so what exactly should be the role of Gallu. Once this question is answered then the Gallu Survey could be amended to obtain the right information. After much discussion the group felt that the main purpose of Gallu was as a facilitator within the industry sector and is for the benefit of people who require training within the tourism field. Therefore the wording on the survey needs to be changed to reflect this ie has the scheme been useful? What is the added value of the project? Is Gallu achieving its set objectives with a view to continuing the funding of the project? CO suggested that perhaps the survey should be sent out twice, once now and again nearing the end of the project. People should be informed of this fact of course.
GD told group of a survey he will be conducting in the next few months with trade members and he offered to put in a Gallu question – this could provide a pre Gallu survey taste of how the project is seen at the moment. ACTION POINT LJ to discuss with GD.
CO then reminded group of the July 2006 evaluation of Gallu. Information gathered now will be of vital importance to secure the future of the Gallu Project.
3) Action Points from the Mid Project Evaluation – these were circulated and CO asked group to pass on any comments to LJ. A meeting has taken place with the three tourist associations.
4) West Wales Hospitality Forum/New Stadium Trade Day – LE/MM updated group on arrangements there are approx 30 people to date (both trade and training providers). CO asked if Jenny Evans request (to have 5 minutes question time to address forum for research purposes) can be accommodated. LJ said that the schedule was very tight so it was decided that the request could not be met but Jenny could certainly approach guests on a one to one basis to help in her research.
5) AOB
Gallu Exit Strategy – Life after 2006 – DJ updated group. She has met with Andrew Martin (Workforce Development) with a view to working jointly to deliver skills. Therefore a strategic plan will have to be developed for all partners to work together. DJ also discussed funding/resource issues. She will be bidding for programme funding for Gallu to continue post July 2006.
NATIONAL TRAINING AWARD – Unfortunately the project failed to be shorlisted for the above award. However LJ has been asked to enter the Swansea Bay Woman of the Year Awards.
CARMARTHEN CAPACITATE BENEFIT PROJECT – LJ informed group that no further progress had been made to date.
6) Date of Next Meeting
Hospitality Panel 01/02/06 National Botanic Gardens 10pm
Hospitality Forum 08/02/06 Margam Orangery?
Hospitality Panel 21/06/06 venue to be confirmed